SR101 Baptist Orphanage

SR101 Baptist Orphanage

Life at the orphanage often paralleled the events within Salem. Some of those were not positive. In 1918, a severe outbreak of the Spanish flu closed Salem’s schools, churches, and businesses for over a month. Sixty children at the Baptist orphanage contracted the illness, including its nurse, Mary Dunton. Ms. Dunton died as a result, having served as the orphans’ nurse for twelve years. In addition to her, the epidemic took the lives of 13 others living in Salem.

unknown

Roanoke Public Libraries

1915

Nelson Harris, George Wade

Please contact the Virginia Room at 540.853.2073 for permission to use.

Digital Postcard

Still Image

sr101

Salem and Roanoke County in Vintage Postcards by Nelson Harris (2005)