To the editor:
As I’m sitting at my desk in an empty library (Then & Now Historical Library in downtown Dorr),m the thought occurred to me that us historically minded people have a job to do.I had sent e-mails out to members suggesting they keep a journal documenting their private journeys through this stressful period, writing down thoughts, anxieties, highs and lows, and how to cope with the situation.
As I have been going to the grocery stores in the area, I see the various different signs and barricades related to the confinement. Might I suggest that you take some pictures of the signs stating where and when they were taken so our library can document this historic time.
We have so little information of the Spanish flu epidemic — let’s make sure that this one is documented.
Stay home and stay safe.
Linda Stoepker, vice president, Then & Now Historical Society
Linda, I don’t live in Wayland anymore, but your thoughts on documenting this pandemic are spot on. Journals of any kind would be wonderful to have, whether daily, weekly or monthly. A photographic record would also be interesting to future generations. Empty highways, empty grocery stores or their toilet paper shelves. Some of those pictures would be hard to get by outside parties, like pictures of folks using Zoom for church or school, or online book clubs and the like. This pandemic will necessitate personal accounts for accurate reporting of its effects. I hope you get a large response to your call.