Read Ebook: The Spanish Influenza Pandemic of 1918 An Account of Its Ravages in Luzerne County Pennsylvania and the Efforts Made to Combat and Subdue It by Harvey Oscar Jewell

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The basement of the armory was transformed into a commodious and comfortable dining-room; the kitchen was painted white, made sanitary in every respect, and its floor was covered with oil-cloth, while gas ranges were connected and refrigerators were installed. A diet kitchen was established convenient to the main floor of the armory.

On the evening of October 9, upon invitation of the County Medical Inspector, the following-named ladies and gentlemen assembled in the auditorium of the Wilkes-Barr? Chamber of Commerce, "for the purpose of taking steps for combating influenza": Dr. Charles H. Miner, Dr. S. P. Mengel, Dr. G. A. Clark, Dr. E. L. Meyers, Dr. Charles Long, Gen. C. B. Dougherty, Col. S. E. W. Eyer, Lewis P. Kniffen, E. E. Matthews, Anthony C. Campbell, M. J. McLaughlin, John D. Farnham, M. H. Sigafoos, Maj. E. N. Carpenter, William H. Conyngham, Frederick E. Zerbey, George J. Hartman, Hayden Williams, Mrs. C. H. Miner, Mrs. E. Birney Carr and Miss Josephine Tracy of Wilkes-Barr?; Dr. W. B. Stricker, Dr. J. Hughes, Michael Douk, T. A. Butkiewicz, C. J. Donahey, John Badman and F. H. Kohlbraker of Nanticoke; R. Alvan Beisel of Hazleton; Mrs. W. A. Lathrop of Dorranceton; Dr. J. A. Hilbert, Miss Esther J. Tinsley, Dr. S. L. Underwood and William J. Peck of Pittston; R. A. Mulhall of West Pittston; Dr. S. B. Arment of Bloomsburg; Dr. D. H. Lake, S. H. Hicks and W. B. Crane of Kingston.

General Dougherty was called upon to preside, and Hayden Williams, Secretary of the Chamber of Commerce, acted as Secretary of the meeting.

The County Medical Inspector spoke at great length with respect to the work already done in the 5th District to combat the pandemic--referring particularly to the emergency hospital which had been established at Wanamie, in Newport Township, Luzerne County, and to the preparations being made for the opening of the Armory Emergency Hospital in Wilkes-Barr?. He stated that he had divided the 5th District into five sub-districts, with Dr. S. B. Arment in charge of the work in Columbia County, Dr. J. W. Leckie in charge of the Hazleton sub-district, Dr. W. B. Stricker in charge of a district extending from Nanticoke south to the Columbia County line, Dr. S. L. Underwood in charge of a district extending from the borough of Wyoming to the Lackawanna County line, while he, himself, in addition to a general supervision of affairs in the 5th District, had assumed charge of the work in the territory extending from Wyoming to Nanticoke. He suggested that committees on automobiles, food, drugs and general hospital supplies should be appointed.

General Dougherty gave an account of the serious conditions existing at Minersville and Shamokin in the 3d District, adjoining the 5th District. Dr. Underwood and Miss Tinsley spoke of conditions in Exeter, Luzerne County, where nearly 300 cases then existed. They reported that there were 182 cases in 62 homes; that 98 patients were convalescing; that 10 families were in dire need of help, and that there was a special urgency for women to help in the house-work of afflicted families.

Dr. Hughes said that there were 400 cases at Glen Lyon and Wanamie in Newport Township; that sanitary conditions were bad; that there was a lack of nurses, and that the High School building at Wanamie had just been converted into an emergency hospital.

Dr. G. A. Clark, head of the Wilkes-Barr? City Health Department, stated that about 200 cases had been reported in the city, and that the municipality would bear its proper share of the expense incurred in efforts to check the disease.

Dr. Lake stated that there were 36 cases in Kingston and 40 in Edwardsville, and that there had been two or three deaths from the disease. In one home in Edwardsville there were seven cases. He declared that the closing of the schools had helped somewhat in checking the spread of the disease, and that considerable good could be accomplished if Toby's Creek, which had never been cleaned, were placed in a sanitary condition.

Dr. Arment stated that conditions in Catawissa, Columbia County, were bad; that a hospital was needed there, but it was impossible to procure nurses. Six deaths had occurred thus far in that locality, and the disease seemed to be spreading. He suggested that the school-houses in Bloomsburg be converted into emergency hospitals, and reported that the saloons in Centralia were wide open and doing business as usual.

Dr. Mengel, Chief Surgeon of The Lehigh Valley Coal Company, placed the nurses of that organization at the disposal of the community, and suggested that school teachers should be employed to help in the work of caring for the sick.

The Secretary of the Wilkes-Barr? Chamber of Commerce volunteered the assistance of the Chamber's staff in handling all details of the work connected with the campaign. Dr. Charles Long suggested that an effort be made to secure financial and other assistance from the Board of Directors of the Central Poor District of Luzerne County.

Anthony C. Campbell, Esq., County Fuel Administrator, told of the serious conditions with respect to the mining industry in the 5th District, and declared that the output of anthracite coal was being seriously affected by the pandemic. On motion of Mr. Campbell it was then unanimously voted: That such emergency hospitals as the County Medical Inspector deemed necessary be established, that those in charge of the work incident to combating the influenza-pneumonia scourge should call upon the Board of Directors of the Central Poor District, County officials and the various municipal officers in the 5th District for financial assistance in defraying such expenses as may be necessarily incurred in carrying on their work, and that the County Medical Inspector be given any and all assistance required.

The meeting then adjourned, and within a day or two thereafter the County Medical Inspector announced the appointment of various committees "to co?perate with the State Department of Health in the 5th District with respect to the influenza epidemic," as follows:

GENERAL COMMITTEE.--To have general supervision over the hospitals established. To provide ways and means, and secure appropriations and financial aid from the several municipalities. All funds raised, except State funds, to be placed in the hands of the Treasurer of the General Committee. All expenditures to be approved by the General Committee and its Chairman.

EMERGENCY HOSPITAL COMMITTEE.--This committee to have general charge of the establishment of emergency hospitals and direct their conduct and care, including arrangements for and maintenance of subsistence for patients and help.

CANTEEN RELIEF COMMITTEE.--This committee to have charge of the preparation of food, and the preparation of the same for transportation to outside patients at their homes--this transportation to be provided by the Motor Transportation Committee.

The ladies of the Red Cross Canteen Service are to compose this Relief Committee, with Mrs. E. Birney Carr as Chairman.

ARMORY HOSPITAL COMMITTEE.--This committee, under the direction of the Emergency Hospital Committee, to have charge of the care and maintenance of sanitary conditions of the Armory, and to provide for the disposal of refuse.

The medical staff for the Armory Hospital to consist of: Drs. W. Clive Smith, D. S. Kistler, Parke Sickler, Charles Long, John T. Howell, Allan C. Brooks, E. J. Flanagan, J. B. Tobias, Maurice B. Ahlborn, Herbert B. Gibby and Walter B. Foss, and their duties being to act as aids to the Superintendent of the Emergency Hospital, and to accept assignments for service from time to time as the demands may require--the schedule of this service to be arranged by the Chairman of the Emergency Hospital Committee, with a minimum demand on the time of the Staff Physicians, and only as the exigencies required.

MOTOR TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE.--This committee to have charge of the motor transportation for the transfer of nurses from hospitals and patients to and from the homes of the sick. Under this committee a sub-committee of men to be organized to arrange for the transportation of food to homes.

NURSES' AID COMMITTEE.--This committee to have charge of the selection and recruiting of all trained nurses, Red Cross nurses and volunteer nurses for the Emergency Hospitals, and visiting nurses for homes.

DRUG STORE COMMITTEE.--This committee to organize the drug stores, and have them provide and keep in stock such medicines and medical goods as will be required for the Emergency Hospitals. Also, to secure and provide a stock of drugs and supplies for the Emergency Hospitals.

LUZERNE COUNTY CO?PERATION COMMITTEE.--This committee, representing the municipal governments and the Boards of Health in their respective districts, to co?perate with the General Committee by organizing in their towns a house to house census, and report all cases of influenza and sickness to the Chairman of the General Committee, and to aid and co?perate in every way to prevent the spread of the disease. This committee to be subject to the call of the General Committee for conference, as well as the other committees. Community Captains to report to Community Chairmen, the latter to report to District Chairmen, and they to report daily to the General Chairman of the Co?peration Committee. The latter to report daily to Dr. Miner, representing the State Department of Health.

General Headquarters--Greater Wilkes-Barr? Chamber of Commerce, Miners Bank Building, Wilkes-Barr?.

The following rules, governing the "operation of community organizations and the duties of each organization unit," were promulgated:

"1. COMMUNITY CHAIRMAN.--Shall act as Chairman of the Executive Committee and be responsible for the operation of each unit. Receive reports daily from all subordinates, and report daily to the Chairman of the District in which the community is situated.

"2. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.--To meet and work only under direction of the Community Chairman. This committee shall assist the Community Chairman in carrying out all rules and regulations.

"3. SECRETARY.--To have some one constantly on duty at the Emergency Station. Keep a record of all cases and any other information required. Prepare a daily report for Community Chairman, also receive all calls for nurses, canteen service, medical attention when physicians are overworked, and be in a position at all times to furnish accurate information. It is preferred that a school teacher be engaged to assist the Secretary.

"4. EMERGENCY STATION.--To be centrally and conveniently located. To be equipped with a telephone for use by the Secretary and other officials. To be open during business hours.

"5. COMMUNITY CAPTAINS.--Under the direction of the Community Chairman and Executive Committee a Captain shall be appointed for each community. In case of an unusually long street, the number of Captains for said street may be increased. Captains will make a daily tour of their streets, and report daily to the Community Chairman, through the Secretary at the Emergency Station, the number of new cases, deaths and discharged cases. Captains will also note sanitary conditions and conditions in general, and aid in eliminating any condition that may cause a spread of disease. Captains will also report any cases needing medical attention or a nurse.

"6. NURSING BUREAU.--To be located at the Emergency Station and be under the direction of Red Cross workers. Here a record should be kept of every woman who volunteers as a nurse or nurse's assistant. From this Bureau should also be supplied gowns and masks to protect nurses when they go into the homes of the sick.

"7. CANTEEN SERVICE.--To distribute food for the sick in homes where food is needed. Care should be exercised to see that this service is not abused. The Canteen should be established preferably in a church kitchen, and here should be prepared soup or broth to be distributed in jars or pails to the doors of the homes from which calls have been received.

"8. AUTOMOBILE SERVICE.--Secure one car or truck daily for service at the Canteen, and other machines to carry nurses and physicians to homes of patients when necessary.

"9. PUBLICITY BUREAU.--To assume charge of distributing leaflets in different languages, disseminate general information, and assist through publicity in bringing about enforcement of all health regulations.

"MISCELLANEOUS GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS.

"Impress every member of the community organization with the seriousness of the situation, and make each one responsible toward having people obey all instructions.

"Remember that it is easier to prevent an epidemic than to stop one when conditions become dangerous.

"Don't frighten people about the situation, but constantly prevail upon them to be careful in not exposing themselves to disease or spreading it.

"Permit no public gatherings or large groups on street corners, in stores, etc.

"Permit no public funerals, and have a police or health officer attend all funerals to enforce the law in this respect.

"Let 'Safety First' be the motto of all people.

"It is especially requested that all schools and churches be closed."

In pursuance of the resolution adopted at the meeting held in the Chamber of Commerce on October 9, as aforementioned, Dr. Miner gave directions for the establishing of emergency hospitals at the following-named places--in addition to those already arranged for at Wanamie and in the Armory at Wilkes-Barr?: Catawissa, Exeter, Hazleton, Dupont, Nanticoke and Plains.

Footnote 2:

At this time the regular, or permanently established, hospitals located in the 5th District were as follows: Wilkes-Barr? City, Mercy, Wyoming Valley Homoeopathic and Riverside Hospitals in Wilkes-Barr?; Nesbitt West Side Hospital, Dorranceton; Pittston Hospital, Pittston; Berwick Hospital, Berwick, Columbia County; State Hospital of the Middle Coal Field of Pennsylvania, Hazleton; State Hospital, Nanticoke; Bloomsburg Hospital, Bloomsburg, Columbia County.

On October 10 the first emergency hospital was opened, in the Central High School building at Wanamie, with Dr. William H. Corrigan physician in charge and Miss Emily G. Jones, Graduate Nurse, as chief nurse. The same day the emergency hospital at Catawissa was opened, with Dr. S. B. Arment physician in charge and Miss Hannah C. Breisch, Graduate Nurse, as chief nurse. On October 11 the third emergency hospital was opened, in the High School building at Exeter, with Dr. James Dixon physician in charge and Miss Jessie Cunningham and Mrs. Ernest W. Hogg, Graduate Nurses, as chief nurses.

Dr. Elmer L. Hinman, having been sent to Wilkes-Barr? by Dr. Royal S. Copeland, Commissioner of the Health Department of the city of New York, reported to the County Medical Inspector for duty on October 12, and was assigned to the Wanamie Emergency Hospital to assist Dr. Corrigan.

At this time it was estimated that there were at least 1,000 influenza and pneumonia cases, reported and unreported, in Wilkes-Barr?--new cases appearing at the rate of nearly 100 per day. The Wilkes-Barr? City Hospital refused, because of lack of room and nurses, to receive any more cases. Nurses and doctors everywhere were overworked, and the situation at Glen Lyon and in Hazleton and its vicinity was appalling.

In the afternoon of October 12 a meeting of Chairmen of committees and Division Chairman was held with the County Medical Inspector at the rooms of the Chamber of Commerce, when it was decided that trucks should be secured for the purpose of delivering food daily to the homes of the sick, where such service was needed. Whereupon Percy A. Brown and Frank F. Matheson each offered trucks for this purpose. It was suggested that Mrs. P. J. Higgins of Wilkes-Barr? should be placed in charge of the cooking at the Armory canteen--the necessary arrangements for this service, however, to be left in the hands of the Canteen Committee.

Dr. Mengel suggested that a telegram be sent to the proper authorities at Washington, urging them to leave here, during the progress of the epidemic, all Red Cross nurses now in this vicinity. General Dougherty reported that he had communicated with the Hon. A. Mitchell Palmer and other Government officials at Washington relative to having army surgeons sent here from Camp Crane, Allentown, Pennsylvania, and he had been assured that ten officers of the Medical Department would be sent.

Dr. S. M. Wolfe of Wilkes-Barr?, who had recently returned from Massachusetts, where he had assisted in combating the epidemic, told of the various organized methods and plans pursued in dealing with the disease in that State.

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