NC State’s ‘Red Terror’ Tour Highlights the 1918 Ghost of Nurse Eliza Riddick
As Halloween approaches, NC State University highlights the legend of Eliza Riddick, a volunteer nurse who died of the 1918 flu pandemic. Her ghost is said to haunt Winslow Hall, where she treated dying students. The story is featured on the university's 'Red Terror Tour,' emphasizing the tragedy of youth lost to the pandemic.
Key points
- Eliza Riddick volunteered as a nurse at the State College infirmary during the 1918 flu pandemic, treating sick students for two weeks before succumbing to the disease.
- The infirmary, now known as Winslow Hall, is said to be haunted by Riddick, who is reported to bring water and linens to the sick and knock items off shelves.
- Riddick’s story is part of NC State’s 'Red Terror Tour,' which explores local academic and historical horrors, including the 1918 pandemic.
- Raleigh lost 288 people to the flu in a single month, and citizens attempted various folk remedies, such as carrying potatoes or tying cucumbers to ankles.
- Riddick, who died at age 24, was a receptionist at State College and a member of the Junior Suffrage League, remembered for her dedication to self-support and community service.
Background
This story aligns with broader Halloween-themed coverage in Raleigh, including the city’s recent debate over special event permits for large Halloween displays in the Oakwood neighborhood. While the Oakwood dispute focuses on modern safety regulations, the Riddick narrative serves as a historical reminder of the region’s most devastating public health crisis. The archive also notes general Halloween trends, such as Pokémon GO events and candy spending, but the Riddick story stands out as a unique local historical narrative tied to NC State’s campus.
Why it matters
The story of Eliza Riddick serves as a poignant reminder of the 1918 flu pandemic’s impact on Raleigh and NC State. It highlights the human cost of the pandemic, particularly among young people, and preserves local history through the 'Red Terror Tour.' The narrative also underscores the enduring power of community memory and the way historical tragedies shape local identity and Halloween traditions.
What to watch
NC State is expected to continue featuring the Riddick story on its 'Red Terror Tour' during the Halloween season. The university may also use the narrative to educate visitors about the 1918 pandemic and its impact on the campus community. There is no indication of new developments regarding the ghost legend, but the story remains a key part of Raleigh’s Halloween cultural landscape.
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