With concern growing about a potential outbreak of avian flu, thoughts are turning to the last flu pandemic to hit the United States, in 1918. At its height in hard-hit Baltimore, one out every four people was ill.
The Sun is seeking personal stories and recollections of life in Baltimore during the 1918 flu pandemic: family diaries, letters, photographs or other artifacts that tell us something about that time, including any stories that show how the world's most deadly epidemic led to acts of heroism as well as fear and panic.
Please send information to reporter Linell Smith. By mail: Linell Smith, Features Department, The Sun, 501 N. Calvert St., Baltimore 21278. By e-mail: linell.smith@baltsun.com. By phone: 410-332-6484. Please make your submission by Feb. 21. Include contact information, including a daytime phone number, and please note whether materials need to be returned.