The History of Pandemics in Chicago-- Part 1: Some Ignored the Stay-At-Home Order in 1918

From the April 9, 2020, Chicago Tribune by Nina Metz.

Despite all the urging from city and state officials to stay-at-home this has not been universally followed.  But this also happened during the 1918 influenza pandemic.  It was flouted as well.

Back then, the city had banned large gatherings because of health concerns, but Chicago's upper crust continued to have large parties.  One of these was hosted by Joan Pinkerton Chalmers, daughter of Allan Pinkerton, founder of Pinkerton National Detective Agency.

The Chicago Tribune went so far as to name names of those who attended.

It took place at the expensive and elegant Casino Club on East Delaware Place.  The tone of the article was very neutral, considering, and opens with,  "Fear of the flu" doesn't seem to be affecting gatherings at the Casino.

Joan Chalmers was fortunate enough to survive the pandemic and died in 1940 at the age of 84.

--Cooter