Chapter II: Front Matter (2)

“6. Encourage the people of the community who wish to do
something for the sufferers but cannot nurse them, to make
masks, gowns and other supplies, also broths or other forms of
nourishing food. Traveling kitchens or food delivered from a
community kitchen by motor cars are of great assistance to
stricken families. A County Committee should be formed for the
purpose of investigating and promptly relieving distress,
financial or otherwise. This committee could enable wage earners
to remain at their employment.

“7. All existing agencies (local government, organizations,
societies, orders, etc.) should be co-ordinated so that there be
no uncertainty or confusion as to what is needed and how to meet
the need and no waste of personnel or repetition of instructions
or starts upon unnecessary errands.

“8. In each district, which may include several Counties, there
is a physician in full charge of the district, with permanent
headquarters. There is also a supervising nurse of the district,
whose headquarters should be the same as the District Chief’s,
unless an emergency should make another arrangement desirable.
All other Department officers are subordinates to these two
representatives of the Medical and Nursing service respectively.
Reports by wire or ’phone are required daily at 1 p.m. from
Supervising Nurse, District Chief, and from each County
Inspector at the Epidemic Headquarters, Harrisburg. These
officers should arrange that all of their subordinates in the
district report to them at a convenient hour prior to this time.

“9. It should be borne in mind that the District Chief and
Supervising Nurse of each district are responsible for their
entire district and cannot be spared too long in any one
locality. Their movements will depend upon exigencies which may
arise and orders from this office.

“B. FRANKLIN ROYER.
“Acting Commissioner of Health.”

On October 23 the eighth Emergency Hospital in the 5th District was opened in the Maffet Street School building at Plains, Luzerne County, with Miss May Conlon, Graduate Nurse, as chief nurse.

On October 25 the following-named United States Army medical officers, who had been on duty in the 5th District, returned, under orders, to Camp Crane: Lieut. C. F. Bahler, Lieut. Joseph Goldstone, Lieut. G. T. Meek and Lieut. J. a.m. Aspy. Capt. E. L. Hendricks, being ill at Hotel Sterling, remained here some days longer. Upon the abovementioned date General Dougherty, Chairman of the General Committee, telegraphed to Gen. Peyton C. March, Chief of Staff, U.S.A., as follows:

“By systematic organization and effort we have been endeavoring
to combat Spanish Influenza in Luzerne County, with its
population of 350,000 souls. We had 300 registered physicians in
the County, of whom 115 have gone into the military service. We
has over 12,000 cases [of influenza] in the County, and have
established, in addition to the regular hospitals, seven
emergency hospitals. But three medical officers of those who
were sent here from Camp Crane now remain. Six thousand mine
workers are ill with the disease, thus reducing the daily output
of anthracite coal 15,000 tons, or at the rate of 300,000 tons
per month. We are informed that you have 4,000 medical officers
in training at Camp Greenleaf. We must have twenty-five
physicians sent here at once. Please give us this number of
physicians, as the spread of the disease is increasing, and we
must have medical assistance. Our doctors are exhausted.”

At a meeting of the General Committee held October 26 Chairman Dougherty reported that the Commissioners of Luzerne County had appropriated $25,000. to be used in defraying the expenses incurred in combating the epidemic in Luzerne County.[5] It was the general opinion of the members of the committee present that this money should not be distributed among the various communities entitled to it until the end of the epidemic. It was pointed out, however, that several communities had already made applications for needed funds. It was finally decided that a committee composed of the Chairman and three other members of the General Committee should prepare, and report at a subsequent meeting, a plan for the proper expenditure of the County appropriation.

Footnote 5:

About this time the City Council of Wilkes-Barré made a special
appropriation of $5,000. to be used in fighting the “flu” in the city.
This sum was in addition to the regular annual appropriation for the
city’s Bureau of Health.

Colonel Eyer reported on conditions at the Armory Emergency Hospital, and stated that many of the patients who had died there were practically in a dying condition when received into the hospital. At 9:20 o’clock p.m. the Committee adjourned and proceeded to the Lehigh Valley Railroad station, where the following-named United States Army medical officers were met upon their arrival from Camp Crane, Allentown, Pennsylvania, for epidemic work in Luzerne County, and were assigned to duty as herein noted.

Capt. H. W. Dessaussure (in command) and Lieuts. E. J. Burke, E. Z. Brunner, L. H. Hills and J. B. McGuinness, to report to Dr. J. W. Leckie at the Hazleton Emergency Hospital; Capts. E. B. Chenowith and Evan S. Evans, U.S.M.C., to the Wilkes-Barré Armory Hospital; Lieuts. Robert Funston and A. C. Hall to report to Dr. Stricker at Nanticoke; Lieut. Frank F. Davis to report to Dr. Stricker for service at Glen Lyon; Lieut. Leroy Fredericks to report to Dr. Stricker for service at the Wanamie Emergency Hospital; Lieut. H. R. Lipscomb to be physician in charge at the Plains Emergency Hospital.

On this date, according to a report submitted by the County Medical Inspector to the State department of Health, the number of influenza and pneumonia patients undergoing treatment in the various hospitals in the 5th District were as follows: Hazleton Emergency, 22; Exeter Emergency, 70; Dupont Emergency, 9; Wanamie Emergency, 55; Wilkes-Barré Armory Emergency, 46; Catawissa Emergency, 8; Plains Emergency, 19; Nanticoke Emergency, ?; Hazleton State, 75; Nesbitt West Side, 14; Wyoming Valley Homœopathic, 15; Nanticoke State, 13; Mercy, 30; Wilkes-Barré City, 64; Bloomsburg, 19; Berwick, 26. (Riverside Hospital, Wilkes-Barré, had received no “flu” patients.)

On October 28 new cases in Luzerne County were reported as follows: Edwardsville, 40; Wilkes-Barré City, 98; Wilkes-Barré Township, 16; Larksville, 19; Plymouth Borough, 50; Plymouth Township, 12; Laflin, 10; Miners Mills, 29; Parsons, 18; Plains Township, 109; Ashley, 13; Hanover Township, 35; Laurel Run, 2; Sugar Notch, 2; Warrior Run, 19; Courtdale, 6; Dallas, 2; Dorranceton, 16; Forty Fort, 18; Luzerne, 31; Swoyerville, 16; Wyoming, 14; West Wyoming, 8; Avoca, 5; Duryea, 4; Dupont, 1; Exeter Borough, 1; Hughestown, 11; Pittston, 20; West Pittston, 4; Pittston Township, 4; Dorrance, 3; Kingston, 32; Hazleton, 27; Weston, 48; Conyngham Borough, 3; Freeland,18; Lattimer,11; St. John’s,1; Sandy Run,11; Upper Lehigh,6; West Hazleton,72; Seybertsville,2; Neuremburg,22; Nanticoke, 64; Nescopeck,3—making a total of 956 new cases in Luzerne County.

On October 28 a joint-meeting of the General and Coöperation Committees was held in the rooms of the Wilkes-Barré Chamber of Commerce.

Chairman Brown stated that the biggest problem with which the Coöperation Committee had to deal was that respecting nurses. He further stated that something should be done immediately to establish organizations in those communities. He advocated more pay for nurses, and said he believed that a sufficient number of nurses could be secured, whereby better progress would be made in combating the scourge.

After some discussion it was voted that in Luzerne County the pay of graduate nurses should be fixed at $120 per month, and that of practical nurses at $75 per month. It was also voted that all nurses should be under the control of Miss Loftus and the General Committee.

It was decided to recommend the placarding of all homes in which influenza existed in all cities, boroughs and first-class townships in Luzerne County. Also, that all matters of publicity concerning the “flu” in Luzerne County should be handled by the Chairman of the Coöperation Committee.

Following the adjournment of this meeting the following “Publicity Bulletin” was issued.

“A meeting of all District Chairmen and members of the Ways and
Means Committee was held this morning in the auditorium of the
Chamber of Commerce. Reports received showed that in certain
outlying boroughs and townships officials charged with the
protection of the lives of their constituents, as well as the
general health of their respective communities, are placing the
lives of their people below their selfish aims by playing
politics. It was decided that, unless the said officials take
immediate steps to bring about proper organization and
protection of their respective communities, action will be taken
at once to have them removed and their places filled by people
with a sense of honor, and who will give to their communities
the protection to which they are entitled.

“It was also decided that there is a great need for field
nurses, and that the sooner a sufficient number of such nurses
can be secured, the sooner the epidemic will be checked in our
community. It was decided to pay graduate nurses $120. per month
and practical nurses $75. per month. All nurses will be in
charge of Miss Nellie G. Loftus, who is stationed at the Wyoming
Valley Dispensary, 184, South Washington Street, Wilkes-Barré.

“It was also brought to the attention of the meeting that
newspaper reports secured from people in boroughs and townships
are not accurate, and that the same are an injustice to the said
communities. In one community, where it was reported that
thirteen deaths had occurred, correct figures show that the
deaths numbered only three. Therefore, it was decided that the
General Committee should be responsible for publicity given out
only by the Chairman of the Coöperation Committee, to whom are
sent all official reports from communities.

“It was also decided to recommend to the officials of all
cities, boroughs and first-class townships in Luzerne County the
placarding of homes in which influenza exists.

[Signed] “PERCY A. BROWN,
“Chairman of the Coöperation Committee.”

Reports to the Coöperation Committee on October 31 showed 709 new cases of influenza and 67 deaths theretofore unreported in forty-eight communities of Luzerne County—indicating a decrease in the number of new cases, but no decrease in the number of deaths.

On November 4 only seventy-three new cases in Wilkes-Barré were reported, and there were very gratifying indications that the scourge was subsiding in most parts of Luzerne County. It was estimated that 10,000 coal miners in the County were idle because of the “flu.”

A well-attended meeting of the General Committee was held in the auditorium of the Wilkes-Barré Chamber of Commerce in the evening of November 6, with Chairman Dougherty presiding and Hayden Williams as Secretary. The County Medical Inspector, in reporting on conditions in his District, stated that Berwick in Columbia County and Plains in Luzerne County were still having a serious time with the epidemic. Nanticoke, he said, had also been hard hit. He stated that in Newport Township, Luzerne County, 249 people had died from the influenza. He declared that, while conditions in general were improved, new cases and deaths would likely continue to occur during the next three or four weeks.

The County Medical Inspector took advantage of this occasion to declare that too much could not be said about the good work accomplished by the general organization in Luzerne County, which had been the salvation of the entire County. Without it the loss of life would have been considerably greater, and many communities would have felt the full force of the epidemic. He then read a communication from the Acting Commissioner of Health, which he had received a short time previously, in part as follows:

“Where churches and schools have been closed during the epidemic
of influenza, great care should be practised at the time of
removing restrictions. Many children have been kept completely
out of danger during this dangerous period, and to open too soon
and run the chance of bringing them into contact with persons
who have recently recovered, and who may perhaps be carriers,
may again bring fresh outbreaks of the disease, particularly
among school children.

“Then, too, thousands of public, private and parochial school
teachers have been actively engaged in nursing, and these
teachers should have a few days of rest—preferably a week—and
ought to be absent from work at the bedsides of the sick for
that period of time before returning to the schools or to
crowded services.

“I would urge that you take these things into consideration,
and in conference with the School Boards arrange for resuming
sessions, so far as possible, when two-thirds of the children
in any school district are ready to return from homes where no
one has suffered with influenza for a period of seven days.
Where possible, medical or nursing supervision would be
advisable—especially for a few days after opening the schools.

“I would suggest that, so far as practicable, the resumption of
school work should take place about midweek, and of Churches and
Sunday Schools on the Sunday following. This will bring children
gradually together, and will avoid the overcrowding apt to occur
in Sunday Schools if these schools were first opened. It is not
necessary to tell you that fifty per cent. of the Sunday Schools
are conducted in buildings not as well ventilated as are the
public schools.”

It was stated, in this connection, that over 2,000 school teachers throughout the State had been active in helping to fight the epidemic.

Upon motion of Percy A. Brown it was voted to publish the letter of the Acting Commissioner of Health, and to urge all school boards and Sunday Schools not to reopen their schools without first consulting the Boards of Health of their respective localities, to learn whether or not the resumption of school sessions would cause a further spread of the epidemic.

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

Kingston Twp. 25 4

Laflin Borough 84 0

Larksville Borough 594 82

Laurel Run Boro. 150 4

Luzerne Borough 520 44

Pringle Twp. 157 14

Miners Mills Borough 546 40

Nanticoke Borough 1,772 299

Slocum Twp. 63 6

Hanover Twp. 359 46

Newport Twp. 3,700 192

Nescopeck Twp. 165 17

New Columbus Borough 30 4

Parsons Borough 575 49

Plymouth Boro. and 1,559 95
Plymouth Twp.

Shickshinny Borough 275 25

Sugar Notch Borough 450 22

Wright Twp. 13 0

Dorrance Twp. 62 4

Swoyerville Boro. 2,000 81

Warrior Run Borough 132 15

West Hazleton Boro 479 53

West Pittston Boro 685 53

Exeter Twp. 0 1

West Wyoming Boro. 144 22

White Haven Borough 182 3

Wyoming Borough 325 30

Yatesville Borough 0 0

Hazleton 3,012 338

Hazle Twp. 790 77

Butler Twp. 74 6

Pittston, Pittston Twp. 1,366 261
and Jenkins Twp.

Wilkes-Barré 4,817 521

Wilkes-Barré Twp. 531 60

Bear Creek Twp. 5 2

Plains Twp. 1,629 133

Bucks Twp. 0 0

Nuangola Borough 0 0

──── ────

Grand totals 34,043 3,332

The following table sets forth the number of cases of influenza and pneumonia treated, and the number of deaths occurring, in the Emergency Hospitals in Luzerne County:

Wanamie 187 49
Exeter 169 42
Hazleton 109 43
Wilkes-Barré Armory 192 69
Nanticoke 151 41
Dupont 103 12
Plains 50 13
──── ────
Grand totals 961 269

The following detailed statement indicates very clearly the character and amount of the work done for nurses and patients by the members of the Red Cross Canteen of Wyoming Valley Chapter during the pandemic:

Number of portions served October 1,983

November 3,714

December 3,974

────

Total 9,671

Number of quarts of soup October 2,158
distributed

November 3,946

December 2,456

────

Total 8,560

Number of quarts of milk October 50
distributed

November 560

December 805

────

Total 1,415

Number of lunches packed October 532
for nurses

November 917

December 203

────

Total 1,652

Number of quarts of lemon October 20
syrup served

November 18

────

Total 38

Number of quarts of lemon October 51
jelly served

November 40

────

Total 91

Number of quarts of October 2
pineapple juice served

November 2

────

Total 4

Desserts were distributed in which the following articles were used:

Milk qts. 2,013
Gelatin qts. 295
Eggs doz. 335
Lemons doz. 42½
Rice lbs. 15
Vanilla qts. 9
Grape Juice bottles 4
Raspberry Juice bottle 1
Pineapple cans 4
Peaches can 1
Cocoa boxes 4
Junket Tablets boxes 2
Cornstarch boxes 155
Tapioca boxes 141
Gelatin boxes 202
Lemon Jello boxes 12
Sugar lbs. 316
Ice Cream qts. 56

Vegetables used October qts. 40
in soup

November qts. 40

December qts. 40

────

Total qts. 120

Rice used in October lbs. 26
soup

November lbs. 40

December lbs. 50

────

Total lbs. 116

Barley used in October lbs. 10
soup

November lbs. 3

December lbs. 10

────

Total lbs. 23

Spaghetti used October lbs. 5
in soup

November lbs. 46

December lbs. 50

────

Total lbs. 101

Number of influenza masks 200
given out (approximately)

Clothing Garments 50

Soup was distributed in Wilkes-Barré and outlying districts, and
was sent to the Visiting Nurses’ rooms and to the Home for
Friendless Children. Corresponding amounts of desserts were sent
out in Wilkes-Barré, and outlying districts, and to the Home for
Friendless Children. Jellies and marmalades were donated in
large quantities, and were sent out with the soup and desserts.
The sum of $500.00 was donated for free milk for influenza
patients.

Although Troop Trains were being served during the month of
December, the Canteen continued the work incidental to the
epidemic. From Canteen Headquarters large quantities of soup,
custards and milk were distributed to individuals and families
in the city and outskirts. Three thousand nine hundred and
seventy-four people were served. Two thousand four hundred and
fifty-six quarts of soup were distributed; 167 quarts, with
corresponding quantities of custard, were sent to Georgetown,
and 13½ quarts to the Visiting Nurses’ rooms for their lunches.
Eight hundred and five quarts of milk were distributed. Two
hundred and three lunches were packed for volunteer nurses on
duty in the stricken homes. Twenty-four quarts of ice cream were
distributed on Christmas Day. Desserts were distributed in which
the following were used: 739 quarts milk, 84 quarts gelatin,
117½ dozen eggs, 10½ dozen lemons, 4 quarts vanilla, 47 boxes
cornstarch, 53 boxes tapioca, 33 boxes gelatin, 12 boxes lemon
jello, 85 pounds sugar.

At a meeting of the Greater Wilkes-Barré Chamber of Commerce held December 10, 1918, with President Philip R. Bevan in the chair and Hayden Williams Secretary, a very full discussion took place with respect to the large number of children in Luzerne County who had been orphaned by the influenza scourge (2,390, as noted on page — n?, _ante_)—creating a condition demanding the serious consideration of every citizen of the County. Thereupon the following resolution was adopted:

“_Resolved_, That a committee be appointed to look into this
matter, and make recommendations at a subsequent meeting of the
Chamber.”

Pursuant to this resolution President Bevan appointed a committee as follows: William C. Shepherd, _Chairman_, Percy A. Brown, C. F. Brisbin, John N. Conyngham, Charles E. Clift, William H. Conyngham, Fuller R. Hendershot and John D. Farnham. This committee met on January 3, 1919, and after careful deliberation unanimously decided that, before any consideration could be given to a definite plan for the permanent relief of influenza orphans, it would be necessary to form a general committee drawn from various sections of the County of Luzerne. Chairman Shepherd declared that, whatever plan of relief should be adopted, it should apply to the entire County. He said, also, that it would have to be decided whether or not any of the children could be taken care of by existing charitable organizations, or whether a special institution would have to be established.

Mr. Hendershot, and others present, raised the question as to whether or not any of the children could be taken care of by the Mothers’ Pension Fund. It was admitted that if this were done the appropriations for the Fund would have to be increased. It was stated that, as there were some Counties in the State which did not have such a Fund, the local Board might be able to secure an increase in its appropriations from the State funds not drawn upon by other Counties entitled thereto.

Mr. Brisbin told of the investigation then going on by members of the Red Cross, and others, under his direction, in order to ascertain all conditions surrounding each individual affected by the ravages of the pandemic. He said that when the inquiries should be completed, in the course of two or three weeks, there would be definite information as to the exact number of orphans for whom permanent provision would have to be made. He said that in many cases orphans would either be placed in the care of relatives, or others, and that in the end the number to be provided for by the public would not be as large as then anticipated.

It was then resolved, upon motion of Mr. Brown, that a committee, representative of the entire County, should be appointed:

“To devise plans for the permanent relief of all influenza
orphans needing the same; and that prior to a meeting of this
General Committee to be held on January 20, 1919, the Secretary
should communicate with the various cities in Pennsylvania and
other States, in which the epidemic had been serious, for the
purpose of securing information regarding permanent relief plans
adopted in those cities.”

In pursuance of this resolve it was decided that the following-named persons should be invited to come together at the Chamber of Commerce on January 20, 1919, at 3 o’clock p.m., for the purpose of effecting a “permanent organization for the relief of influenza orphans in Luzerne County.” William C. Shepherd, Percy A. Brown, C. F. Brisbin, William H. Conyngham, John N. Conyngham, John D. Farnham, Hon. S. J. Strauss, Hon. J. V. Kosek, Miss Anna Koons, Charles F. Huber, Miss Mary Brady, Miss Rose O’Hara, Dr. Charles H. Miner, Dr. S. P. Mengel, Eugene W. Mulligan, Anthony C. Campbell, Mrs. George Galland, Mrs. Francis A. Phelps, Mrs. Andrew F. Derr, Miss Hobart, Miss Nellie Ritchie, Mrs. J. D. Davenport, Victor Lee Dodson, Frederick J. Weckesser and Harold N. Rust of Wilkes-Barré; Michael Lonski, F. H. Kohlbraker, Mrs. George G. Brader and Mrs. Oliver Bell of Nanticoke; Fuller R. Hendershot, Dr. H. L. Whitney, H. L. Freeman, Michael Maras and the Hon. Asa K. De Witt of Plymouth; Mayor Henry W. Heidenreich and Harry A. Schmoll of Hazleton; William Bray of Freeland; D. A. Mulherin of Glen Lyon; the Rev. M. A. Dauber of Pike’s Creek; Robert Mulhall, William Joseph Peck, M. N. Donnelly, Mayor James Kennedy, M. W. O’Boyle, W. L. Watson, W. J. Kilgallen and Mrs. Joseph Peck of Pittston; Samuel M. Parke of West Pittston; Mrs. E. E. Buckman, Mrs. Laurance M. Thompson and Harry W. Ruggles of Dorranceton; the Rev. F. Kasaczun of Sugar Notch; V. B. Sheeder and the Rev. Mr. Gillespie of Wanamie; the Rev. Selden L. Haynes, the Rev. J. F. Jedlicka and Hubbard B. Payne of Kingston; the Rev. J. E. Gryczka of Edwardsville; James L. Reilly, Secretary of the Poor Board of the Central District of Luzerne County.

In response to notices sent out to the aforementioned persons, about thirty-five of them assembled in the auditorium of the Wilkes-Barré Chamber of Commerce in the afternoon of January 20, 1919. At the request of Chairman Shepherd Mr. John N. Conyngham acted as Chairman _pro tem._ Mr. Shepherd then explained the purpose of the meeting, and the necessity for providing some satisfactory method of taking care of the children throughout the County who had been left in a destitute condition by the influenza pandemic.

The Chairman _pro tem._ asked whether or not a permanent organization should be formed. Mr. Mulhall thought that it would be wise to work through some organization already in existence and possessing power to enforce any law relating to the situation. He suggested the United Charities as such an organization, and supplementary to this suggestion Mr. Schmoll reported that in Hazleton forty-six influenza orphans were at that time being taken care of by the United Charities of that City.

Mrs. Galland, President of the Mothers’ Pension Fund, thought it would be the best plan to leave as many children as possible with their surviving parents, and that practically all cases could be handled by the Pension Fund—provided appropriations for it should be sufficiently increased.

On motion of the Rev. Mr. Haynes it was finally voted that a temporary organization be formed, to be known as the “Chamber of Commerce Coöperation Committee”, to coöperate with existing agencies in making investigations and providing relief for all deserving cases.

Mr. Brisbin, Chairman of the Civilian Relief Department of the Wyoming Valley Chapter of the Red Cross, stated that his department had begun investigations, regardless of any arrangements made, or to be made, by other committees or organizations. It had been stated that the Women’s Committee of the Council of National Defense was about to institute an investigation of the orphan problem along the same lines being followed by the Red Cross, and Mr. Brisbin called attention to the danger of serious confusion and complications as a result of this overlapping work.

Mrs. Phelps and Miss Brady (the latter an employé of the United Charities of Wilkes-Barré) spoke of conditions found by them in many homes where poverty reigned, and where it was necessary that something should be done immediately to save these families from being ejected from their homes by landlords because they could not pay their rents. Thereupon Mr. Mulhall inquired why the Poor Boards could not pay the rents of families in destitute circumstances. Mr. Dodson said that while the Poor Board of the Central District was publicly not in favor of paying rents, he believed it would take care of the rent question quietly by paying money for that purpose to the United Charities. Mr. Farnham stated that the Red Cross had some money which might be used for that purpose.

Upon motion of Mr. Hendershot it was then voted that a committee be appointed to work in conjunction with the State Department of Health in an attempt to secure from the State Legislature financial relief for all influenza orphans. As such committee the Chairman appointed Fuller R. Hendershot, John D. Farnham and Percy A. Brown.

Upon motion of Mr. Haynes it was then voted to adjourn until January 22, at which time efforts would be made to devise an immediate plan for the permanent relief of influenza victims; and that the Secretary should invite to this meeting representatives of the Red Cross, the United Charities, and the Poor Boards in Luzerne and Carbon Counties.

The adjourned meeting of the Chamber of Commerce Coöperation Committee held on January 22, 1919, was attended by about twenty persons. Mr. William C. Shepherd presided, and L. K. Eldridge acted as Secretary. Mr. Shepherd stated that it was the consensus of opinion that, so far as possible, all orphans should be kept in their respective homes or be taken care of by relatives or friends. Mr. Brisbin outlined the work being done by the Civilian Relief Department of the Red Cross, stating that cases were being investigated, and that in his judgment the County had organizations enough to take care of the work, but that money was greatly needed.

Thereupon Mr. Hendershot moved that a committee be appointed to confer with the Poor Board, the Red Cross and other organizations with a view to obtaining money for carrying on the relief work. This motion having been carried the Chairman appointed the following committee, to be known as the “Ways and Means Committee”: William H. Conyngham (Chairman), Dr. Charles H. Miner, Anthony C. Campbell, Harold N. Rust and the Rev. Selden L. Haynes.

Charles E. Keck, Esq., Solicitor for the Poor Board of the Central District, then outlined the duties and limitations of that Board, and stated that the members of the Board would be very glad to meet the committee just appointed and go over with them the matter of providing funds for needed relief. At this point Judge S. J. Strauss made some very timely remarks to the effect that a committee should be appointed to provide means for increasing the capacity and usefulness of the Wilkes-Barré Home for Friendless Children. He stated that, in his opinion, additional organizations were not necessary, but that the Committee should co-operate with those already existing.

At a meeting of the Chamber of Commerce Coöperation Committee held on January 31, 1919, Mr. Rust, reporting for the Ways and Means Committee, stated that the latter had conferred with the attorney for the Poor Board of the Central District, who informed the committee that in any case where immediate relief was required the Board would investigate and then administer such relief as was necessary.

Mr. Rust was of the opinion that, inasmuch as the taxpayers had provided funds for the Poor Board, action should be taken by this Committee to see that the Board properly took care of worthy cases. Further, that as the law of the State prohibits the paying of rents by the Board, the matter of rents should be taken care of by the Red Cross; that there should be close coöperation between Wyoming Valley Chapter of the Red Cross and the Poor Board of the Central District in the matter of investigating cases; that immediate relief, when needed, should be furnished, and that the disbursement of funds should be divided between the Poor Board and the Red Cross. Mr. Farnham stated that in his opinion the funds of the Red Cross would be available as far as they would go.

On motion of Mr. Rust it was then voted that the Civilian Relief Department of Wyoming Valley Chapter of the Red Cross take to the Poor Board of the Central District the fifty specific cases which they had investigated; that these cases should be checked up against those receiving relief from the Central Poor District, and if it should be ascertained that there were any who were not receiving relief, the District be requested to add such names to their list for immediate investigation and relief; that the District pay for food, coal, etc., and that funds for the payment of rents be placed in the hands of the Civilian Relief Department of the Red Cross.

On motion of Mrs. George Galland it was voted that the Coöperation Committee of the Chamber of Commerce endorses the action of the Commissioners of Luzerne County in agreeing to appropriate $25,000 to the Mothers’ Pension Fund provided the State of Pennsylvania would appropriate $1,000,000 to the general fund.