University Trying to Keep Flu Off Campus, Feb. 21, 1920

From The Tar Heel, Chapel Hill, N.C., Feb. 21, 1920

From the editorial page:

We have been very fortunate here in having practically no “flu.” We are not boasting, for we realize that the epidemic is still raging all around us. We do desire, however, to keep it off our campus as much as possible. The best way, we are told, to keep the “flu” away is to keep in as good health as possible and to keep away from those who have it. The last point is the one that should be especially stressed at present. The men realize the value of keeping in good health but some are careless about exposing themselves.

The University authorities are doing all they possibly can to keep from placing a quarantine on the campus. Here, as always, they are trying to avoid using compulsion. They have stressed the necessity of remaining on the Hill over the week-ends instead of riding home on a packed train on which are possibly several cases of influenza.

The man who willfully exposes himself and then comes back to the Hill and endangers his friends is doing an injustice both to himself and to his friends. No man, if he knows it, will do such a thing, and few go home on week-ends, now that they have been asked to stay on the Hill.

The men who have not regarded the situation seriously should look at it and see what it means when they go out into the state where there are thousands of cases of influenza.

From the front page: Picwick Will Open 23^rd of This Month

According to a statement which was given out by Daniel Grant, manager of the Pickwick Theatre, this theatre will probably resume business by the 23^rd of this month.

The Picwick has been closed because of the impending danger of the influenza epidemic and now this danger being practically over, the need for remaining closed has been removed.

Mr. Grant states that quite a few of good pictures will follow upon opening and among these is Douglas Fairbanks in his company’s stupendous production, “His Majesty, the American,” Which was released for the first time last July.

Seton Lectures Postponed on Account of Epidemic

Owing to the widespread prevalence and the menacing nature of the influenza epidemic in North Carolina, the University lecture committee has been forced to call off, among other meetings, the lecture by Ernest Thompson Seton, National Boy Scout Leader in America and author of numerous well-known books on nature and outdoor life.

Arrangements are being made by Dr. Archibald Henderson to have Mr. Seton deliver his lecture, the “Character of Wild Animals,” at some later date.

Play Postponed On Account of Prevailing Influenza Epidemic

“The Importance of Being Earnest,” by Oscar Wilde, which was to have been produced last night and tonight, February 20^th and 21^st, has been postponed until the health authorities think the danger from a “flu” epidemic has passed. As yet no definite time can be yet set for this production, but it is understood that it will be at the earliest possible date.

This play, while differing markedly from former ones, will be given by the Carolina Playmakers. The plot is written around English society life, and is intricate and very interesting, it is declared, thus demanding some of the best local talent to be had: those taking part being “Buck” Wimberly, Wougald MacMillan, George Denny, Jonathan Daniel, Tom Moore, Misses Elizabeth Taylor, Cornelia Love, Rachel Freeman, and Mrs. Beard. Mrs. Weaver and Mr. Baker are assisting Prof. Frederick H. Kotch in directing and coaching the production.

The first performance will be in the Community Playhouse, with the possibility of it being reproduced in the outdoor theatre in Battle Park later in the spring, should there be such a demand. The University orchestra, under Prof. Paul J. Weaver, will furnish the music.

Work on a new series of one-act plays, which have already been written in English 31, will start immediately after this play is staged. It will perhaps be the early part of the spring quarter before these one-act plays, dealing with the life of the folk of North Carolina, will be produced.

Lomax Lectures Postponed on Account of Epidemic

In last week’s issue of The Tar Heel there appeared an article announcing a program to be rendered by John Lomax here in the near future. Dr. Archibald Henderson, chairman of the University Lecture Committee, wished to announce that this program has been cancelled, because the date set (it being March 10^th), was too near the quarter examinations.