Was surprised/not surprised by how many drug companies and drug stores made ... unsubstantiated ... advertising claims about the 1918 Spanish flu.
(We now know that gargling with Listerine was NOT a legit preventative measure for one of the deadliest pandemics in history.)
This 1918 archive find was devastating. The story and photos ...
“There were dark-eyed babies and fair babies, large and small. All were pale and wan. All were silent. None were attended by mothers and fathers. Many had been made orphans since they had come to the big hospital.”
Chronicle managing editor Karl Anderson in 1929. Walls have been reconfigured, but this is basically @AudreyCooper's office now. Judging by the look on his face, he's approving travel invoices.
There's a Californians Inc. "Let's Grow" poster on the ground. Big S.F. skyscraper boom was in the 1920s. (Art Deco PacBell Building and Russ Building included.)
Anyone have an idea what this device is on the 1920s @sfchronicle managing editor's desk? Some kind of date stamp? Pencil sharpener? Cigarette lighter?
cc: @DavidGallagher@burritojustice