On Oct. 7, 1918, it was clear that Louisville’s nascent influenza epidemic was spreading. USPHS officer Lieutenant R. B. Norment, now Acting City Health Officer, directed the city’s district, tuberculosis, and health department nurses to begin preparations for the likelihood of a more widespread civilian epidemic.

Kentucky Board of Health Secretary Dr. Joseph N. McCormack ordered all churches, schools, and other places of assembly closed due to the influenza epidemic.