Name/Title
Mask from 1918 Influenza PandemicEntry/Object ID
2021.011.057Description
Cloth mask used in South River during the 1918 influenza pandemic. A red paper tag attached to the mask has a note written in black ink that reads "Mask worn over face by hospital workers during the 1918 influenza epidemic in So. River."
The inventory of "Articles Placed in Time Capsule on November 11, 1970" identifies the mask (item 29) as "Mask worn by Paul Schack over face during the 1918 influenza epidemic in South River."
Measuring approximately 5" x 6 1/2", the mask is made of layers of a gauze-like material with a seam around the edges. A rectangle of black thread is visible in the center. Cloth straps are sewn to each of the corners and tied as they would be if the mask were being worn. The mask has areas of staining, the largest of which is a red patch left by the tag.
The red tag measures approximately 4" x 2 1/8" and has a reinforced hole through which one of the straps is threaded. The tag is brittle and in multiple pieces.Acquisition
Accession
2021.011Source or Donor
South River BoroughAcquisition Method
Collected by StaffMade/Created
Date made
1918Time Period
20th CenturyLexicon
Nomenclature 4.0
Nomenclature Primary Object Term
Mask, SurgicalNomenclature Sub-Class
Medical AccessoriesNomenclature Class
Medical & Psychological T&ENomenclature Category
Category 05: Tools & Equipment for Science & TechnologyOther Names and Numbers
Other Numbers
Number Type
Hub SortingOther Number
057.capsule.001General Notes
Note Type
Historical NoteNote
The handwriting on the tag is thought to be that of Paul Schack based on a comparison of writing in the Paul A. Schack Collection at Rutgers University Libraries.
