As the Spanish flu of 1918 began to spread through military bases like Camp Dix in New Jersey, it seemed only a matter of time until civilians began to fall ill. The U.S. Surgeon General gave the Associated Press an interview on Sept. 14, making an ominous prediction.

“The disease is characterized by a sudden onset. … People are stricken on the streets, while at work in factories, shipyards, offices, or elsewhere.