Frank Stephen Green, Postmaster, and the Spanish Flu

The Spanish Flu Pandemic 

The second deadly wave of the Spanish Flu Pandemic broke out in Boston, MA on August 27, 1918, when 2 sailors reported to sick bay with the flu (see below). Within a week 100 sailers were sick, and on September 3, the first civilian suffering from the flu was admitted to Boston City Hospital. In September and October the flu spread very rapidly in the Boston area. It was during this time that Frank Breen "caught cold" at the funeral of a friend, and was dead from pneumonia within three days. From our experience with COVID-19 we know that large gatherings, indoors, in a confined area, with no ventilation — like a funeral and reception afterwards — make prime conditions for a respiratory pandemic to spread. From the obituary, it seems like they're not aware of the pandemic they are in yet. 

Obituary

Boston Globe, October 1, 1918, page 6

FRANK S. BREEN, ARLINGTON POSTMASTER, STRICKEN

ARLINGTON, Oct. 1 — Frank S. Breen, postmaster, died today of pneumonia after an illness of a few days. Mr. Breen attended the funeral of Postmaster Murray of Boston and caught cold. The news of his death comes as a great shock to his many friends here. Mr. Breen was born in Fitchburg, March 25, 1876. He had been employed in the Post office here since 1890. On the death of Postmaster Alfred D. Hoitt in 1909, Mr. Breen was made superintendent of the Arlington office. Among the postmasters of the district he held a place of high esteem. He is survived by his wife and two sons, his mother, three sisters and one brother. He was a past officer of Arlington Council, Knights of Columbus. The funeral will take place Friday morning. A high mass of requiem will be celebrated at St. Agnes' Church.

Frank must have been a highly motivated person with positive influence. He began working at the Post Office at age 14, and was promoted to Superintendent at age 19. Sometime later hebwas promoted to Postmaster.

Source: https://www.boston.gov/news/notes-archives-onthisday-1918-spanish-flu-arrived-boston