Red Cross volunteers making gauze face masks, Butte, Montana

Red Cross volunteers making gauze face masks, Butte, Montana

Black-and-white image of five women seated at table, with one woman standing behind them. Women are making gauze face masks to help prevent the spread of the influenza virus during the 1918 flu pandemic. They are in Butte, Montana. All women are wearing white smocks, most have a small cross at center of neck; face masks covering their nose and mouths; and white caps, most have a small cross at the center of the forehead. A large American flag fills the wall behind them. Two posters are hung over the flag: One proclaims "IF I FAIL HE DIES" and the other is a large cross with the words "I'VE JOINED" below.

The American Red Cross

1918

Used courtesy of the American National Red Cross. All rights reserved in all countries. Please contact Red Cross for rights information.

Photograph

American Red Cross