Hoosier, 105, living through her second pandemic
LEEANN DOERFLEIN | Daily Journal
GREENWOOD – A local woman who was a toddler during the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic is on track to survive the second pandemic of her lifetime.
Thelma Spade, 105, got her second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine Monday at the Hearth at Stones Crossing in Greenwood.
Growing up on a farm in Jay County, Spade s family didn t talk much about the Spanish flu pandemic that she can recall, because the virus didn t touch them personally.
At the time, Indiana officials took many of the same measures they are taking during today s coronavirus pandemic. They limited gatherings, closed businesses and encouraged mask wearing, according to the Indiana State Museum. In 1918, though, most guidance was handed down at the local level, by city and county officials, and there were fewer mandates by the governor s office.