Minnesota's Most Notorious: Where Blood Runs Cold

Minnesota 1918: Fire, Flu and War w/ Curt Brown

Oct 12, 2019
In this discussion with Curt Brown, a seasoned Minnesota newspaper reporter and author, listeners dive into the harrowing year of 1918 in Minnesota. Brown recounts the overlapping tragedies of the flu pandemic, a devastating fire, and the impacts of World War I. He shares stirring personal stories of resilience, particularly from the German-American community, and highlights the heroic actions of medical personnel during the crises. Audiences also learn about the critical role of community narratives in preserving history, making this a captivating exploration of Minnesota's past.
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INSIGHT

Minnesota's Tragic 1918 Resilience

  • The year 1918 was devastating for Minnesota with overlapping disasters: a flu epidemic, a major forest fire, and involvement in World War I.
  • Despite this trifecta of tragedies, Minnesota communities showed remarkable resilience and recovery.
INSIGHT

German Heritage Amid War Tensions

  • Minnesota's immigrants were predominantly German, creating tension during World War I due to divided loyalties.
  • The governor even removed local officials seen as too pro-German, reflecting wartime suspicion and political strife in the state.
ANECDOTE

Soderbergh Family Fire Tragedy

  • The Soderbergh family of Moose Lake sought shelter in a root cellar during the 1918 fire but tragically suffocated due to lack of oxygen.
  • David Soderbergh returned from war to find his entire family lost in this heartbreaking disaster.
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