Part 4

Chairman Dougherty, referring to the work of the various committees in this locality during the epidemic, stated that, while talking at Harrisburg a few days previously with Dr. Royer, the Acting Commissioner of Health, the latter informed him that the epidemic organization in Luzerne County was “_the finest in the country, and the people of this County deserve great credit for the work done_.” General Dougherty then read a letter which he had just received from the Acting Commissioner, in part as follows:

“I am very greatly indebted to you for the splendid story of the Emergency hospitals, and to note what a tremendous amount of public interest your committee has aroused. It is only by such community service that it has been possible to save the number of lives of miners that we have saved during this public health drive. Too much credit cannot be given to your local committee, and I shall see to it that the press gives the local people a great share of credit.”

Wm. C. Shepherd expressed the opinion that the General Committee should communicate to the various communities in the County the suggestions of the State Department of Health with reference to the lifting of the quarantine ban wherever it had been imposed.

Percy A. Brown, Chairman of the Coöperation Committee, reported that while the latest reports received showed there had been a general falling off of the disease, the daily average of new cases was about seven per district, compared with a recent average of ten per district. He stated that he expected to send out on the ensuing day, to every community chairman in Luzerne County, a questionnaire asking for certain information regarding the total number of cases and of deaths that had occurred since the beginning of the epidemic, together with a complete record of all workers, paid and volunteer. Later on, he said, he hoped to have a meeting of the various chairmen, with a view to forming an organization to prevent a recurrence of dangerous conditions during future epidemics.

County Controller Hendershot suggested that Chairman Brown’s questionnaire should include a call for information with respect to the number of children orphaned by the epidemic. He said that if he could secure such information he would take it to Harrisburg and endeavor to secure additional aid from the State for the care of such children. He said he believed that the State would increase the Mothers’ Pension Fund appropriation in order to handle such cases.

Wm. C. Shepherd declared that the gathering of various statistics, as proposed, would bring together valuable information for use in preparing for publication a history of the epidemic. These facts, in his judgment, should be printed and preserved for the benefit of future generations. In this connection the Rev. Father McCabe suggested that it would be wise not to take the census of the various communities until the epidemic was thoroughly stamped out. Dr. S. P. Mengel also stated that it would be unwise to take a census until the epidemic was over; and, as to the final data to be secured by a census, he said that only those facts furnished by the medical authorities should be accepted, inasmuch as no one else was competent to determine whether or not a person alleged to have been ill with influenza had suffered from that disease or something else.

The County Medical Inspector told of what had been done at Pottsville, Schuylkill County, towards taking care of the children made orphans by the epidemic. He also stated that he would like to see a community census taken, and a permanent record made of all persons who had helped in combating the epidemic in Luzerne County.

Dr. E. L. Meyers, a member of the School Board of the City of Wilkes-Barré, told of the good work performed by school teachers during the epidemic and in various public movements, and suggested that, when a census of community conditions should be made, the aid of school teachers and school superintendents should be enlisted in the work. He then offered the following resolution, which was unanimously adopted.

“_Resolved_, That the Chairman of the Coöperation Committee be instructed to appeal to the various school superintendents in Luzerne County for assistance in the making of a community census, for the purpose of ascertaining desired information in connection with the Influenza Epidemic, as well as for the protection of all communities against future epidemics. The questionnaire to be used by the school teachers in the making of the said census to be prepared by a committee of physicians to be named by the Chairman of the General Committee.”

In pursuance of this resolution Chairman Dougherty appointed Drs. E. L. Meyers, S. P. Mengel, J. W. Geist and G. A. Clark a committee to prepare the proposed census questionnaire.

The Chairman then called attention to the necessity of devising a plan for the distribution of the money appropriated by Wilkes-Barré City and Luzerne County for epidemic work. He called especial attention to the fact that it was not the intention of the General Committee to expend the money in a haphazard manner, but that only such bills as the respective communities should be properly relieved of would be paid. The greatest care should be exercised in arranging a plan that, when worked out, would give a square deal to all the communities and effect a general feeling of satisfaction.

Thereupon, on motion of Percy A. Brown, it was voted that the Chairman of the General Committee should name a committee to be known as the “Committee for the Distribution of Funds for the Care and Relief of Influenza Victims”; which committee should devise and carry out a plan for “the distribution of the funds provided for the expenses of emergency hospitals and the relief of victims of the Influenza Epidemic in Luzerne County.”

It was further voted that this committee, before deciding upon a plan of distribution, should procure as much information as possible relative to the number of cases in each community, as well as the expenses incurred by the several communities.

In response to an inquiry made by the County Medical Inspector, it was decided that the rates of pay for nurses, agreed upon at the joint-meeting of the General and Coöperation Committees held on October 28, should, in each instance, run from the beginning of the nurse’s service.

In pursuance of the action of this meeting Chairman Dougherty subsequently appointed the following-named gentlemen to compose the Committee for the Distribution of Funds. William H. Conyngham, Dr. Charles H. Miner, John O’Donnell, James M. Stack, Fuller R. Hendershot, Harry W. Ruggles, William J. Ruff, Percy A. Brown, William C. Shepherd and Gen. Charles B. Dougherty. At a later date the members of the committee met and organized by selecting William C. Shepherd Chairman, William J. Ruff Treasurer, and L. K. Eldridge Secretary.

On Thursday, November 7, the General Committee came to an understanding with the various municipal, school and Church authorities that it would be safe to re-open saloons and bar-rooms on Saturday, November 9, churches on Sunday, November 10, moving-picture houses, theaters, dance-halls, etc., on November 11, Sunday Schools on November 17, and public, parochial and private schools (which had been closed on October 5) on November 18.

On November 5 the Catawissa Emergency Hospital (which had been established in a private residence) was closed. According to the final report received from the hospital there had been on the staff six physicians (including the chief), five Graduate Nurses and two orderlies. Thirty-nine patients had been admitted, of whom two died.

Hazleton Emergency Hospital was closed on November 8. The staff had consisted of two U.S.A. medical officers, five orderlies and enlisted men, one Graduate Nurse for five days, and a number of volunteer nurses—most of whom were school teachers. Dr. J. W. Leckie was in charge when the hospital closed. The total number of patients admitted to this hospital was 109, of which number 55 had pneumonia and 54 influenza. One influenza patient and forty-two pneumonia patients died—fourteen dying within twenty-four hours after their admission to the hospital.

Exeter Emergency Hospital was closed on November 11, at which time Dr. James Dixon was the physician in charge. There had been nine Graduate Nurses and three practical nurses on the staff, three volunteer nurses and, for a part of the time, three orderlies. Influenza patients to the number of 90 and pneumonia patients to the number of 79 (making a total of 169) were admitted, of which number 42 pneumonia patients died—13 dying within twenty-four hours after their admission to the hospital.

Nanticoke Emergency Hospital was closed on November 13, at which time Lieut. C. E. Yates, U.S.A., was the physician in charge, assisted by Miss Olwen Williams, Graduate Nurse. The staff had comprised four physicians (including the Chief), three medical officers, U.S.A., three Graduate Nurses, forty-three volunteer nurses, one medical student and seven orderlies. Thirty influenza and 121 pneumonia cases had been admitted, and forty-one of the latter had died—fourteen dying within twenty-four hours after their admission to the hospital.

Wanamie Emergency Hospital was closed on November 14, at which time the physicians in charge were William H. Corrigan and Lieut. L. W. Frederick, U.S.A., assisted by W. R. Stewart, a medical student. Nine Graduate Nurses and five Practical Nurses (at different times), eleven volunteer nurses, thirty nurses’ aids, thirty-one Sisters of Mercy, seven orderlies and one medical student were members of the staff at one time and another. Thirty influenza patients and 157 pneumonia patients were admitted to the hospital. Forty-nine of the latter died—twenty-one dying within twenty-four hours after their admission.

The Wilkes-Barré Armory Emergency Hospital was closed on November 14. As previously noted, this hospital was opened for the reception of patients on October 16, with the following staff: Capt. E. L. Hendricks, U. S. Marine Corps, physician in charge; Mrs. J. Pryor Williamson of Wilkes-Barré, a Graduate Nurse, as chief nurse; fifteen Graduate Nurses, nine aids and two civilian orderlies.[6]

Footnote 6:

During the existence of the hospital the total number of physicians (including the Chief) on the staff was five; the number of Graduate Nurses was fifteen; the number of volunteer nurses was twelve (three Graduates and nine aids); the number of orderlies was ten, and of enlisted men, fifteen.

The preparing and serving of food for the patients and the entire staff of the hospital were in the hands of the Red Cross Canteen service, under the capable direction of Mrs. E. Birney Carr. For the cooking and baking of the food the services of Mrs. P. J. Higgins were obtained, and under her expert directions the quality and quantity of food served were beyond criticism.

A system was early inaugurated for the purchasing of materials and supplies, under which system all materials and supplies needed, with the exception of food, were purchased by Lieut. Charles A. Trein (of the 2d Infantry, Pennsylvania Reserve Militia), acting as Purchasing Agent. Under this system accounts rendered were promptly approved by Col. S. E. W. Eyer and ordered to be paid, with little confusion and no elaborate system of bookkeeping. With this system, and the coöperation of the medical officers and Graduate Nurses in charge, everything moved along with smoothness and regularity.

On October 24 Captain Hendricks was recalled to his unit at Camp Crane, Allentown, for oversea’s duty. Unfortunately he was taken ill when about to leave Wilkes-Barré, and for three days thereafter was confined to his bed at the Hotel Sterling. On October 25 Lieut. Joseph Goldstone, U. S. Marine Corps, was assigned to the Armory Hospital and remained in charge until October 31, when he, too, was recalled to Camp Crane to report for oversea’s duty. Thus the hospital was deprived, for the second time, of a faithful, conscientious, tireless worker.

On October 28 Mrs. J. Pryor Williamson, a Red Cross worker in Wilkes-Barré on extended leave, who was serving as chief nurse at the Armory, was recalled to Washington. With her knowledge of hospital work, her energy and her untiring efforts, she had, in her twelve days of service at the Armory, placed the hospital upon a working basis which left no room for doubt as to her ability and good judgment with respect to the matters under her supervision. Mrs. Williamson was ably succeeded at the Armory by Miss Antoinette Schofield, Graduate Nurse, as nurse in charge, which position she held until the closing of the hospital.

On November 1 Capt. Evan S. Evans, U.S.M.C., was assigned to the hospital, and remained as physician in charge until November 14, when he, too, was recalled to Camp Crane. Captain Evans, with his sunny disposition and jovial smile, made many friends among the patients and others with whom he came in contact.

On November 14, with only three patients as inmates, it was decided to close the hospital. Therefore, two of the three patients were transferred to the City Hospital, and one was transferred to the Mercy Hospital. At that time an average of about thirty new cases of the pandemic were being reported each day in Wilkes-Barré. In consequence, the Armory Hospital was left intact for a period of about two weeks; but as, during that time, no new cases were received, the wards were dismantled and the building was fumigated and finally closed to the public on December 7.

All articles of food remaining on hand at the closing of the hospital were equally divided and donated to the Wilkes-Barré City Hospital, Mercy Hospital and the Wyoming Valley Homœopathic Hospital. Other articles of use and value, after being properly fumigated, were turned over to the City of Wilkes-Barré authorities for use in the city’s Hospital for Contagious Diseases, then in course of construction.

The total number of patients admitted to the Armory Emergency Hospital was 192, of which number 132 were males and 60 were females. Ninety-four of the patients were pneumonia cases, and of these sixty-six died. Three died from influenza. Thirty-five patients died within twenty-four hours after their admission to the hospital. The largest number of patients admitted in one day was eighteen—on October 17. The largest number of patients in the hospital on any one day was 62; the largest number of deaths on any one day was seven, and the largest number discharged on any one day was fourteen. Eighty-six of the patients were under thirty years of age.

Of the 192 patients received into the Armory Emergency Hospital 102 were from Wilkes-Barré; 20 from Edwardsville; 22 from Swoyerville; 7 from Ashley; 6 from Plymouth; 5 each from Kingston and Miners Mills; 4 each from Askam, Parsons and Forty Fort; 3 from Maltby; 2 each from Larksville, Sugar Notch, Nanticoke and Buttonwood; 1 each from Plainsville and Dorranceton.

The Plains Emergency Hospital was closed on November 18, at which time Lieut. H. R. Lipscomb, U.S.A., was the physician in charge, and Miss May Conlon, a Graduate Nurse, was the chief nurse. Five different physicians (not more than one at any given time) had served on the staff, together with four Graduate Nurses, three practical nurses, six volunteer nurses, one medical student, three orderlies and three enlisted men. Fifty patients were admitted (31 influenza cases, 18 pneumonia cases and one case of croup), and of this number thirteen of the pneumonia patients died—three of them within twenty-four hours after their admission to the hospital.

The Dupont Emergency Hospital was closed on December 3, at which time Dr. James S. Dixon was the physician in charge, and Miss Bessie Fadden, Graduate Nurse, was the chief nurse—she having succeeded Miss Herman on November 19. There had been on the staff four Graduate Nurses, five practical nurses (who worked part of the time), two sanitary detachments, and a number of Sisters of the Bernardine Order who served as volunteer nurses. One hundred and three patients were admitted to the hospital, of whom 83 were influenza and 20 were pneumonia cases. Twelve of the latter died—five of them within twenty-four hours after their admission to the hospital.

The following information, concerning influenza and pneumonia cases treated in some of the permanent hospitals located in the 5th District, has been derived from official reports made to the County Medical Inspector, covering the period from October 1, 1918, to January 1, 1919.

Wyoming Valley Homœopathic Hospital: Total number of influenza cases, 68; pneumonia cases, 55; total number of deaths, 27.

Mercy Hospital: Total number of influenza cases, 133; pneumonia cases, 131; total number of deaths, 87—including 22 who died within twenty-four hours after their admission to the hospital.

Wilkes-Barré City Hospital: Total number of cases, 457, comprising 223 influenza cases and 234 influenza-pneumonia cases. Two hundred and thirty-four of the number were male and 223 were female patients. The total number of deaths was 135. Of the members of the hospital staff, 72 contracted pneumonia at the hospital, and four of them died.

Pittston Hospital: Total number of influenza cases, 67 (males, 26; females, 41); pneumonia cases, 32, of which 13 terminated fatally.

State Hospital at Hazleton: Total number of influenza patients, 275; pneumonia patients, 216, of whom 113 died.

Berwick Hospital: Total number of influenza cases, 113; pneumonia cases, 25; total number of deaths, 16.

On November 18 the number of cases of influenza-pneumonia in Wilkes-Barré had increased to such an alarming degree that the municipal authorities imposed another quarantine ban, closing all amusement houses and prohibiting public assemblages. Eleven days later this ban was removed, although the daily average of new cases of influenza and pneumonia totaled about thirty-five. The public schools of the city, however, having been closed about two months, were not re-opened until December 4, although at that time about eighteen new influenza cases a day were being reported in Wilkes-Barré. Conditions in other parts of the County seemed to be improving.

On December 15, owing to the large increase in the number of influenza cases in Wilkes-Barré, the municipal authorities ordered the closing of all schools except the City High School and private schools of a corresponding grade. Also, children under fourteen years of age were forbidden to attend theatres and motion-picture shows, to ride in public conveyances and to visit stores. The sessions of Sunday Schools were also directed to be discontinued. The epidemic seemed to be particularly prevalent among children.

One hundred and four cases of influenza in Wilkes-Barré were reported on December 17, and the next day the municipal authorities imposed additional quarantine restrictions, the chief of which was that persons in quarantined houses—excepting physicians, and others given special permits—should not enter or leave such houses.

On December 19 the General Committee held a meeting, which was attended by the Health Officers of Wilkes-Barré, Dorranceton and Hanover. Chairman Brown of the Coöperation Committee reported that up to that date there had been 2,872 deaths from influenza and pneumonia in Luzerne County, 345 of which had occurred in Wilkes-Barré. The County Medical Inspector briefly outlined the situation in the County, and stated that in some cases officials were not reporting the true conditions in their localities.

At a meeting of the General Committee held on December 21 the County Medical Inspector stated that the conditions in the various communities in the 5th District were such that the Acting Commissioner of the State Department of Health was not inclined to order any further quarantine ban, unless requested to do so by the authorities of the respective communities. Dr. Clark, of the Bureau of Health of Wilkes-Barré, reported that the situation in the city during the last four days had been better than for some time previously—only 35 new cases having been reported. He said that so far in the month 1,020 cases had been reported, while in November only 825 cases had been reported. More children and fewer adults were being attacked by the disease.

Mayor Kosek stated that he was averse to crippling the business of the community, but he felt that everything possible should be done to stamp out the epidemic. He said he was in favor of giving the matter considerable publicity, and urged that officials in the outlying communities should be asked to coöperate with the city authorities in the enforcement of regulations.

Resolutions were then adopted to the effect that any further plan for fighting the epidemic, which should be adopted, should be enforced vigorously until all danger had passed; that places of amusement should be closed to children; that public funerals and overcrowding at public gatherings should be prevented. The following resolution, offered by Dr. S. P. Mengel, was then unanimously adopted:

“_Resolved_, That this committee endorses the rules and regulations adopted by the Board of Health of the City of Wilkes-Barré, and that we ask for the strict enforcement of the same, and that we pledge coöperation in aiding the authorities to bring about such enforcement; and further, that we call upon the entire public, as well as the officials of all communities in Luzerne County, for their coöperation in reducing the number of cases of influenza by obeying to the letter all rules and regulations adopted by the Wilkes-Barré Board of Health; and we also ask the coöperation of every newspaper in Luzerne County in bringing this matter to the attention of the people.”

On December 23 Mayor Kosek of Wilkes-Barré made an official announcement to the people of the city, to the effect that, if they would not voluntarily observe the reasonable quarantine regulations which had been adopted by the city authorities, he would impose a quarantine that would be the most far-reaching and absolute that had yet been ordered, and this without regard to what interests might be thereby affected.

At this time the officers of the Bureau of Health of the city were firmly opposed to the lifting of the ban with respect to public dances, cabarets, Sunday School sessions, and other public assemblages during the approaching holiday season. However, about the first of January, 1919, the ban against moving-picture houses was lifted, and on the 10th of the month the remaining restrictions of the quarantine were removed, and Sunday Schools and the public and private schools of the city resumed their sessions.

The following table, compiled from official records and reports, indicates the total number of known cases of influenza and pneumonia, and the total number of deaths therefrom, that occurred in Luzerne County from October 1, 1918, to January 1, 1919.

Community Total Total Cases Deaths

Ashley Borough 391 43

Fairview Twp. 150 8

Avoca Borough 250 26

Courtdale Borough 32 8

Conyngham 300 42

Dallas Borough 25 5

Dorranceton Borough 357 80 (including Westmoor)

Duryea Borough 704 65

Edwardsville Borough 609 121

Exeter Borough 950 120

Forty Fort Borough 138 14

Freeland Boro. and 1,567 104 Foster Twp.

Hughestown Borough 169 7

Jeddo Borough 471 18

Kingston Borough 660 68