Struggles and Triumph

A History of the Tarrant County Medical Society - WWI and the 1918 Flu Pandemic
By Margie B. Peschel, MD

As one discovers their history and learns their connectedness to the past, it enables one to better perceive what we share today and always have shared with doctors of the past.

World War I was a global war originating in Europe that lasted from July 28, 1914 to November 11, 1918. World War I, described as “the war to end all wars,” led to the mobilization of more than 70 million personnel, making it one of the largest wars in history. It is also one of the deadliest conflicts in history with an estimated 9 million military personnel and 8 million civilian deaths. The United States entered World War I on April 7, 1917.

Second only to his enthusiasm for things medical was Dr. Holman Taylor’s interest in military affairs. He was active in the National Guard and should be recognized as the man who convinced the military that Arlington Heights was the logical place for Camp Bowie. Camp Bowie was where the Thirty-sixth Division was trained. Camp Bowie opened in 1917, and during the post’s lifetime more than 100,000 men were trained there. Dr. Holman was never a medical officer and served in the infantry on the front line in France during World War I. Dr. William C. Duringer, a surgeon, was a captain in World War I and developed many of the surgical tools used to repair the wounded. Ben Keith was serving as president of the Chamber of Commerce. He and other members went to Washington, DC and were responsible for getting three training aviation fields in Tarrant County. American, Canadian, and British aviators trained at Hicks, Benbrook, and Everman Fields. Aviation had come to Tarrant County. This accomplishment has meant much to the economic and population status.

The most famous and lethal outbreak of influenza is the 1918 flu pandemic (Spanish Flu). It is not known exactly how many it killed but estimates range from 50 to 100 million people. It was estimated that 30 to 40 percent of the population was struck with influenza from which 5 to 10 percent died. Churches and schools closed. Business was at a standstill.

The Tarrant County Medical Society had furnished a large number of members to military service and the supply of doctors was depleted at home. Every doctor on the home front worked to the limit of his endurance. On November 11, 1918 people wept with joy not only because the war was over, but influenza was on its way out.

One piece of Americana that stood out in the memory of soldiers and aviators stationed in Fort Worth was a pedestaled statue dubbed the “Golden Goddess” in the lobby of the fabulous Westbrook Hotel on Fourth, Main, and Houston Streets. The lobby was the center of action for wildcatters, who developed the superstition that rubbing her backside brings good luck. The Westbrook Hotel is gone but the “Golden Goddess” can be seen at the Petroleum Club for continued “luck” and to be admired as a beautiful piece of Fort Worth history.

It has been over 100 years since World War I, but doctors continue to care for our wounded soldiers and care for influenza patients.