Just as COVID-19 has changed how we attend college in 2021, the Spanish influenza changed the lives of Mount Holyoke students in 1918. The stories shared by those students may offer some wisdom and perspective to today’s Mount Holyoke community since they suffered from similar struggles and, at times, extreme sickness. The epidemic of 1918 was documented in the Mount Holyoke News, where students freely shared their experiences and opinions about the situation.
Mountain Day coverage throughout the years
BY CHLOE JENSEN ’20
Since 1917, the MHN has been reporting on every student’s favorite opportunity to skip class and enjoy the beautiful fall New England weather — Mountain Day. From climbing, to sleeping in, chanting, singing, apple-picking, drinking and relaxing, the Mount Holyoke News has always been quick to cover the much-favored campus tradition.