Historic photo shows Georgia Tech football game during 1918 flu

A photograph taken 102 years in the past is as related as ever.

ATLANTA —

Stadiums proceed to take a seat empty.

There are few solutions on when they may be filled again. Whereas leagues and conferences focus on a return to sports activities, lots of these plans bar fans for the foreseeable future.

Whereas instances are distinctive, it isn’t the primary time sports activities has been affected by a pandemic.

“The virus is on the same time observe,” mentioned Andy McNeil, a Georgia Tech graduate and mechanical engineer. “Historical past does repeat itself.”

McNeil has had a picture in his workplace for years of Grant Subject at Georgia Tech in 1918. One picture reveals the group on the sphere. The opposite, the stands – full of besuited followers with masks over their faces.

A observe on the again of the image reads “Georgia Tech throughout 1918 pandemic.”

McNeil’s great-grandfather, Thomas Carter, took the image.

McNeil first discovered the photographs as a toddler. When he rediscovered them later, he had the originals blown up so he may body them.

It has been a speaking level for years as folks inquired in regards to the photos. An period that when appeared unimaginable, now a actuality.

“When the coronavirus began, I used to be like, ‘Wow, I had a member of the family who lived by way of this’.”

McNeil’s great-grandfather, Carter, liked journey. Hoping to be taught extra in regards to the Flu Pandemic in 1918, McNeil listened to outdated tapes his household had produced. In them, have been interviews with Carter.

He was sensible – graduating from Georgia Tech. But in addition daring. He would cling onto the again of vehicles touring by way of downtown Atlanta. He constructed a ship and smuggled libations into the nation through the prohibition.

Maybe attending a soccer recreation throughout a pandemic was seen simply as daring.

“Individuals understood the ramifications of the Spanish Flu at the moment,” McNeil mentioned. “Would he be alive if he did not put on a masks? Who is aware of.”

Throughout the lethal second wave of the 1918 pandemic, Georgia Tech nonetheless managed to play seven video games, six at residence and one on the highway that was rescheduled for Pitt. It was the one recreation that was modified due to the pandemic. The group, led by John Heisman, performed video games in entrance of followers.

Society has come to date in some methods. The world is at present dashing to supply a vaccine for COVID-19, but the picture of a soccer recreation in 1918 mirrors what life appears to be like like right this moment, with many individuals donning face coverings.

“It is a dose of actuality,” McNeil mentioned. “Earlier than coronavirus, I could not think about being at Georgia Tech with a masks on. A pandemic by no means crossed my thoughts. It is a actuality that historical past repeats itself, and we will get by way of it, however we now have to do the precise factor.”

McNeil would not declare to be an professional. However he is pissed off when he sees folks not sporting face coverings, which is beneficial by the CDC. Maybe if everybody did, the pandemic would finish sooner. Consequent waves would wane. And sports activities may return earlier than later.

“My great-grandfather lived a full life, he made it by way of,” McNeil mentioned. “Hopefully that conjures up those that every little thing will likely be okay, ultimately.”

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