An estimated 500 to 675 of those people lived in or near the Gem City.
Dayton Daily News and Dayton.com staff photographer and reporter Lisa Powell, with the help of colleague Laura Bishoff and local historians, uncovered a little known story of how the Spanish flu shut down Dayton.
>> Coronavirus: Social distancing a lesson learned from Spanish flu pandemic
In this special episode, Lisa and "What Had Happened Was" host Amelia Robinson dish about the Grim Reaper, pestilent houses, the Vicks Vapor Rub shortage, the media blackout and why one solider probably had his fill of cold, soft boiled eggs.
Spanish flu has been compared to the coronavirus pandemic.
Stories of Hope
We all need inspiration in these difficult times. And as always, this community delivers. We are sharing these stories of hope in action, every day in the Dayton Daily News.
>> Archdeacon: When sports is no longer a diversion
Credit: Dayton Daily News Archive
Credit: Dayton Daily News Archive
ABOUT THE PODCAST
"What Had Happened Was" is a podcast for Dayton, powered by Dayton.com and recorded in the DATV studios. You won't believe the stories that come from right here. Host Amelia Robinson shares the best tales from the Gem City, Land of Funk and Birthplace of Aviation: Dayton, Ohio.
>> “What Had Happened Was...” podcast finalist for prestigious Marconi award
WHERE TO LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE
Listen to each show below or get the latest episodes delivered directly to you. Find the What Had Happened Was podcast and subscribe on Apple Podcast (iTunes), Google Play, Stitcher and other services. If you like what you hear, rate this podcast.
CATCH UP ON PAST EPISODES
EPISODE 57
Amaha Sellassie on the old guard’s last stand, the power of people and the Above Ground Railroad
EPISODE 56
Calm before an unprecedented storm: ER Doc Randy Marriott answers your coronavirus questions
EPISODE 55
EPISODE 54
EPISODE 53
Jana Collier on the big breakup, pop-star dreams and the future of the Dayton Daily News
EPISODE 52
The ‘kick-ass’ women who gave Dayton Art Institute its shine
EPISODE 51
EPISODE 50
EPISODE 49
Struggle, survival and strength 1 : Dayton shares stories from year of terror
EPISODE 48
Struggle, survival and strength 2 : Dayton shares stories from year of terror
EPISODE 47
Reporter Cornelius Frolik on the Dayton garage killings
EPISODE 46
Dion Green on pain, grief and fighting through darkness after Dayton mass shooting and tornadoes
EPISODE 45
Delusion, Delight and Drag: A deep dive into Ms. Demure’s mind
EPISODE 44
Tales of old-school murder in Dayton
EPISODE 43
Dayton’s ‘other Dave’ is behind the over-the-top pickup truck in the Oregon District
EPISODE 42
His only child was killed during the Dayton mass shooting. Now Mike Turner wants everyone to hug.
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