USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Lincoln > Town Report on Lincoln 1898-1902 > Part 21
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36
Extension of Water Pipe.
The contract for laying water pipe was let to Mr. Jas. E. Burke of Waltham. Work was begun May 13, on extend- ing the pipes in the south part of the town. From a point near Mr. Bush's place southerly a four inch pipe was laid to the intersection of the south Great Road near Mr. E. B. Rice's. Thence a six inch pipe was laid southerly across the railroad track at the Great Road crossing to Mr. Geo. L. Cousins'. A four inch pipe was also laid from near the rail- road crossing to Mr. Daniel H. Sherman's. A four inch pipe was also laid in East Lincoln from near Mr. William S. Brigg's to Mrs. Roach's.
New hydrants were also set near Mr. Herbert Barnes'; near Mr. Sam'l Pierce's ; near Mrs. Campbell's ; near Mrs. Cousins'; near the South school and opposite Mr. Geo. F. Newton's.
The total length of pipe laid and the number of hydrants set thereon, are given in the usual table herewith.
The different sizes of pipe have been laid in accordance with a general plan covering the whole town and based on the scheme of giving complete circuits to the water pipes at some future time, when the growth of the town warrants the laying of the same. In passing, it may be said that the present distribution pipes radiate from a general centre in the various directions of the main roads or streets and nearly
115
all the pipes have to a certain extent " dead ends." I sug- gest to the water board the propriety and desirability of connecting these dead ends as rapidly as may be possible and consistent with wise economy, and that the sizes of pipes be proportioned to the future requirements of the general sys- tem rather than to the immediate exigencies of the particular extension.
For instance, the sonth part of the town is now supplied by one pipe only, viz., by way of the railroad station. In case of accident to this one line the whole of south Lincoln would be shut off. If the pipe now laid to Mr. Higginson's were extended to connect with the pipe near Baker's bridge a new source would practically be provided and the liability of being deprived of water in this section would be greatly reduced. Other circuits will readily occur to your board.
It may be out of direct connection with the water works department but I respectfully suggest to your board and through the water board to the town, the desirability of for- mally adopting some nomenclature of the streets of the town. Not necessarily changing old designations, but officially rec- ognizing by name all the streets and roads of the town. Some towns leave this matter to such committees as Village Improvement Societies, with satisfactory results.
Pumping Station.
The most important work undertaken during the season has been the building of the new pumping station and the installation of the new pumping plant.
After the board decided to build the new station the undersigned was authorized to consult with Mr. Geo. F. Newton, architect, in regard to the design of the new build- ing and as a result of various conferences, plans were pre- pared and specifications drawn for its construction. Bids were invited from a number of responsible parties and ten proposals were received and the contract was awarded to J. M. & C. J. Buckley of Worcester, on Sept. 15, (for the sum of $7,628).
116
The work was at once commenced, and although late in the season the work was forwarded with a good degree of speed. The building was so far completed as to permit of the engines being put in place before severe weather set in.
The building is now practically completed ; a few minor details still await more favorable weather for proper fin- ishing.
The building is of simple and yet appropriate design with quiet but substantial effects. It is constructed of the Wey- mouth seam faced granite, with cut granite water table, thresholds, etc. The coal pocket and smoke stack are built of light gray brick corresponding in tone with the main building. The roof of the main building is slaved, that of the coal pocket is of tarred paper and gravel ( nstruction. The lower portion of the walls in the engine ro m is faced with enamelled brick : the windows are of plate glass. Or- dinary sanitary conveniences have been prov led. The building, as a whole, is practically fire-proof.
The interior arrangements are convenient for ical performance of the work for which the bu signed. The coal is convenient to the boilers, convenient to the engines. The dust, unavoi ble in the boiler room, may be shut off from the engine r in and yet er has the
by the arrangement of inside windows the eng whole plant constantly under his supervision.
The old building has been torn down and the moved and when suitable weather admits of ge up of the grounds it is believed that the genel be more and more pleasing to the citizens.
ie econom- ing is de- steam is
himney re- al clearing effect will
PUMPS.
The contract with the Deane Steam Pump C Mass., was completed as to its final adoption : on Aug. 15, 1900.
ering into Lincoln reservoir from Sandy
of Holyoke acceptance
The contract called for a pumping engine ca ›le of deliv- d, 750,000
117
gallons of water in 24 hours, with a " duty " of 45,000,000 foot pounds under certain conditions.
Upon being notified that the building was sufficiently com- pleted, the Deane Steam Pump Co. commenced setting up the new engine. It was so far completed that it was first started Dec. 14, 1900, since which time all the water sup- plied to the town has been pumped by the new pumping engine.
The final test has not yet been made but the records kept of the work performed from day to day indicate that the duty guaranteed will be accomplished.
BOILERS.
A new boiler was installed in the new station of similar design and construction, and built by the same parties who furnished the boiler in the old building, viz., E. Hodges & Son, of East Boston. The dimensions of the boiler are as follows : viz., Length 13 ft. 2"; diameter 54 ": length of tube 12 ft .; No. tubes 72; diameter of tubes 3". Fitted with " Reliance Water Column."
The No. 2 boiler, built in 1899, was placed beside the new one.
GATE CHAMBER OR SCREEN WELL.
A substantial screen well. 10 ft. ×12 ft., was built near the edge of the pond to admit the water into the pumping station. A coffer dam was built out into the pond and the foundation and lower portion of the screen well was built therein. Much difficulty was encountered in making the cof- fer-dam tight but the work was finally successfully accom- plished. When the walls had been carried up above the level of the water in the pond the coffer-dam was removed and the remainder of the work above water, which has been partly finished, will be completed as soon as the weather permits. Provision is made in this chamber for screening the water as it enters the suction pipe. A double set of copper screens of § " mesh, is provided so that one set may
118
be cleaned while the other remains in place. Into the screen well the suction pipe enters from the pumps. This pipe is 16 inches in diameter and is of sufficient size to provide for future increase of the pumping requirements of the town. The pipe terminates in a foot valve near the bottom of the well located at such depth as that there shall be seven feet of water over the same at high water of Sandy Pond.
The lower portion of the screen well exposed to the action of water and ice is built of granite laid in courses one foot in thickness. The upper portion is built of stone of the same character as that in the main building.
In closing this general description of the pumping plant, permit me to express my appreciation of the uniform kind- ness and courtesy which I have received from the chairman and individual members of your board, the engineer at the pumping station and other town officers.
Yours very truly,
WALTER H. SEARS,
Plymouth, Feb. 9, 1901.
Civil Engineer.
MAINTENANCE ACCOUNT.
Receipts.
Received from water rates, 1899, $685 60
sale of pipe &c., 11 50
66 66 Rent of diaphragm pump, 8 00
66 sale of coal shed,
25 00
" of old junk, 5 10
66 66
"' of iron rods 1 00
66 " of windows, 3 00
66
Fitchburg & B. & M. R. R. Co., 853 29
Received from water rates, 1900, Total receipts,
4776 16
---- $6368 65
*Uncollected water rates, 1899
81 50
Uncollected water rates, 1900, 417 25
Total uncollected,
- 498 75
Note .- Rebate of $2 00 makes $769 10 the amount reported uncollected last year.
119
Expenditures.
James T. Laird, 51 weeks $765 00
Roger Sherman, teaming, 11 25
National Meter, 2 " Meter, 50 00
National Meter, repairs, 4 50
Davis & Farnum Mfg. Co., pipe & specials, 100 53
Thomas L. Giles, painting signs, 2 25
Charles H. Bamforth, labor, 4 41
Fitchburg R. R. Co., freight,
140 75
B. & M. R. R. Co.,
24 30
Waltham Coal Co .-
68,100 lbs. coal at $4 25 per 2240 lbs., 129 21
49,300 lbs. at 3 85, 84 73
149,450 lbs. at 4 05,
270 21
57,000 lbs. at 4 05, 103 08
Eagle Oil and Supply Co.,
54 14
James E. Burke, labor,
19 44
Chapman Valve Mfg. Co.,
143 16
Walworth Mfg. Co., supplies,
259 28
F. E. Cousins & Co., teaming,
2 50
N. E. Gas & Coke Co .-
57,000 lbs. coke at 3 85 per 2240 lbs., 76 34
James T. Laird, horse hire &c,
11 11
66 10 days extra labor, 25 00
James T. Calkins,
128 42
James T. Calkins, labor,
48 75
Walter H. Sears, engineer,
150 00
Robert M. Ellsworth, teaming,
3 00
John F. Farrar, teaming and labor, 49 13 cleaning reservoir, 8 50
Geo. L. Chapin, cash paid digging and filling trenches, 2 00
Geo. L. Chapin, cash paid 3 men from Waltham Water Works, 15 00
Louis L. Whitney, taking inventory, 3 00
Herbert G. Farrar, 2 00
120
Braman, Dow & Co., lead, 4 10
Waltham Water Works, supplies, 22 79
M. M. Welch, cash paid digging trenches, 1 11
Daniel Campbell, labor, 1 75
John Rooney, labor, 1 75
J. H. Bombord & Co., digging trench at
Mr. Jaynes, 9 75
John Dickinson, labor,
1 75
J. A. Burgess, labor, 6 10
Frank M. Dempsey, labor,
7 00
National Express, 5 80
Isaac N. McRae, labor, 61 67
Waldo Bros., supplies, 2 25
Smith & Ludden, counsel fees,
135 00
Daniel J. Foley, labor,
5 07
James L. Chapin & Sons, supplies, 30 55
-2987 43
Int. $10,000 Note, 4 per cent.
400 00
Int. 25,000 Bonds,
4 per cent. 1000 00
Int. 23,000 " 6 mos. 3} per cent.
402 50
1802 50
4789 93
Receipts above expenditures,
$1578 72
CONSTRUCTION ACCOUNT.
Appropriation, Oct., 1897, $17,500 00
Appropriation, Apr., 1900, 3,300 00
$20,800 00
Burgess Extension.
John J. Driscoll, teaming, $3 25
James E. Burke, balance of contract, 191 00
$194 25
121
Cousins Extension.
James E. Burke, digging and laying pipe, as follows :
1,331.75 lineal ft., 4 inch pipe,
2,093.00 66 66 6 66
3,424.75 at .22
$753 45
Setting 4 hydrants at $2.50,
10 00
78.750% cu. yds. ledge at $3.50. 275 07
Fitchburg R. R. Co., freight,
158 00
Fitchburg R. R. Co., freight,
5 58
Walter H. Sears, engineer,
150 00
Chapman Valve Mfg. Co., 60 6 " 4 hydrants,
90 24
Fitchburg R. R. Co., timbering tracks,
10 72
Waltham Water Works, pipe & fittings, M. J. Drummond & Co., pipe,
21 40
· 1,129 69
66 66 " valve boxes, 21 00
66
" " specials,
10 20
John F. Farrar, teaming,
26 40
Davis & Farnum, Mfg. Co., specials, 11 27
-
$2,744 09
Roach Extension.
M. J. Drummond & Co., pipe, 289 60
66
" " specials, 5 41
66
66 " valve box, 6 00
James E. Burke, digging and laying pipe,
as follows :
997 lineal ft. 4 inch pipe at .22
219 34
Setting hydrant,
2 50
72 cu. yds. ledge at $3.50,
252 00
Chapman Valve Mfg. Co., gates, 66 66 hydrant,
22 56
Fitchburg R. R. Co., freight,
37 84
John F. Farrar, teaming, 6 00
Walter H. Sears, engineer,
50 00
$910 02
18 77
4 gates, 71 07
122
Payments on Account of Pumping Station.
· J. M. and C. J. Buckley, ledge, $10 68
James E. Burke, ledge, .50 20
J. M. and C. J. Buckley,
on account of contract, 5,523 80
City of Cambridge, 24 inch pipe, 40 20
Enamled Brick & Tile Co., glazed brick, 108 03
Boston & Maine R. R. Co., freight, 17 23
-- -$5,750 14
Deane Steam Pump Co., on Acct. of contract,
$2,050 00
Boiler.
E. Hodge & Co., boiler,
578 00
66 66 flue,
113 57
Waltham Coal Co., brick,
54 00
66 66
fire brick,
30 00
66
66 66 lime,
13 20
Robert M. Ellsworth, teaming,
9 02
Boston & Maine R. R. Co., freight,
17 50
66
4 15
J. M. & C. J. Buckley, setting 2 boilers, 331 50 Daniel Foley, labor, 40 00
--
-$1,193 19
Intake Chamber and Suction Pipe.
J. M. & C. J. Buckley, labor,
246 04
William H. Simonds, labor, 202 50
car fare, 1 17
66 tarrd paper, 75
Cornelius Bernard, labor, 3 21
Walter H. Sears, cash paid for stock, 7 00
" car fares, 80
Joseph S. Hart, cash paid expenses, 3 90
66 fire mortar,
2 25
123
Buttrick Lumber Co., lumber,
95 72
James B. Wood, lumber,
2 35
Coffin Valve Co., valves,
139 50
Daniel McDonald, labor,
59 70
Boston & Maine R. R. Co., freight,
21 00
Waltham Coal Co., brick, 66 " cement and lime, 172 28
W. G. Nash, use of steam pump,
66 50
Knowles Pump Works, repairs,
9 50
H. V. Hildreth, granite,
260 78
J. E. L. Miller, seam-face granite,
100 00
Roger Sherman, teaming,
25 55
Davis & Farnum Mfg. Co., specials,
81 91
Braman, Dow & Co., bolts,
1 72
$1,536 88 -
Miscellaneous.
James E. Burke, moving wall,
162 25
Walter H. Sears, engineer,
862 26
G. F. Newton, architect,
280 00
James E. Burke, labor connecting pipe,
65 25
Boston & Maine R. R. Co., freight, 66
1 80
steel,
6 90
Daniel Campbell, labor,
13 13
J. M. & C. J. Buckley, labor on pipe and foundations,
18 81
Coffin Valve Co., valves,
131 05
Daniel McDonald, labor,
12 25
Joe McCollough, labor,
10 89
Chapman Valve Mfg. Co.,
30 83
Davis & Farnum Mfg. Co., specials,
55 35
Waltham Water Works, sleeve, lead juts, etc., 31 23
Owen Riley, labor,
3 00
Denis Doherty, labor,
12 25
National Express Co., express,
3 80
James Lennon, labor,
19 25
35 00
124
John Ryan, 2nd, labor, 16 19
W. P. Rutter, roll paper, 1 00
J. W. Breen, painting, 30 25
John Rooney, labor, 21 05
C. S. Packard, taking down chimney,
30 00
Alonzo Calkins, teaming,
16 30
John D. Fleming, labor,
4 38
James Craven,
7 88
James Sherlock,
4 38
Martin Hughes,
1 75
Michael Shugrue,
17 94
Michael Burke,
12 60
S. Rodman Snelling, labor with team, 99 63
John F. Farrar labor with teams, 134 43
$2,118 08
$16,496 65
Add balance on acct. of D. Sherman, ex.,
67 12
$16,563 77
Balance in treasury to complete work,
4,236 23
$20,800 00
Appropriation, May 1,
$1,800 00
Daniel H. Sherman Extension.
M. J. Drummond, pipe, 735 51
specials, 10 20
Fitchburg R. R. Co., freight, 100 00
James E. Burke, digging and laying pipe 2,740 lineal ft. at .22,
602 80
Setting two hydrants at $2.50
5 00
6,679 cu. yds. rock at $3.50, 233 77
Chapman Valve Mfg. Co., 2 gates, 18 52
66 " 2 hydrants, 45 12
John F. Farrar, teaming, 16 20
Walter H. Sears, engineer,
100 00
$1,867 12
Expended above appropriation taken from bond issue, 67 12
125
RECAPITULATION.
Burgess extension, bal. from last
year,
$194 25
Cousins' extension,
2,744 09 910 02
Roach 66
$3,848 36
Pumping station,
5,750 14
Pump,
2,050 00
Boiler,
1,193 19
Intake chamber & suction, 1,536 88
Miscellaneous,
2,118 08
12,648 29
$16,496 65
D. H. Sherman, ex. balance,
67 12
16,563 77
D. H. Sherman, extension,
1,800 00
Outstanding bills unpaid.
J. M. & C. J. Buckley, bal. of contract, $2,094 20 Deane Steam Pump Co., 1,800 00
J. M. & C. J. Buckley, extras, 175 00
John Ryan, on acct. of stone work, in- take bldg. 75 00
Albert Washburn, 60 00
Slating Intake chamber, 75 00
$4,279 20
126
CONSTRUCTION ACCOUNT.
Cost of works as reported, Feb., 1900, $77,007 64 Expended in 1900, 18,363 77
$95,371 41
Indebtedness of water works, Feb. 1, 1901 : Fourteen $1,000 bonds due, one each year, $14,000 00
Note with Middlesex Ins. for Savings, due April 7, 1902, 10,000 00
Ten $1,000 4 per cent. bonds, due 1917
10,000 00
Twenty-three 3 and one-half per cent. bonds, due 1930, 23,000 00
$57,000 00
A list of the water takers together with the amount of each water rate, 1900.
Adams, Charles F.
$175 00
Barnes, H. E.
60 00
Bamforth, Chas. S.
10 00
Bamforth, Harry
10 00
Bemis, Julia A.
31 00
Biggs, S. R. H.
23 00
Blodgett, Mrs. M. P.
41 50
Blodgett, Mrs. M. P.
20 00
tenement,
10 00
Blodgett, Dr. S. H.
75 00
Blodgett, W. A.
51 00
Bowman, C. E.
14 00
Boyce, estate of John
33 00
Bradley, Rev. Edward E.
32 00
Briggs, William S.
60 50
Brooks, Henry
36 50
Brooks, Dr. W. A., Jr.
36 50
Burgess, J. A.
13 00
Burnett, Mrs. J.
10 00
127
Bush, Mrs. Emily K.
29 50
Calkins, James T. 15 00
Campbell, Mrs. E. L.
42 50
Cemetery, Trustees of
10 00
Chapin, Cyrus S.
35 00
Chapin, estate of H. C.
10 00
Chapin, George L.
34 00
Chapin, James L.
36 50
Codman, Ogden
82 50
Codman, Ogden, farm house
14 00
Conant, Emily
20 00
Conway, Mrs. P.
10 00
Cook, Abbie M.
25 00
Cook Bros.
29 50
Cook Bros., Shepard's
10 00
Cousins, Mrs. A. E.
28 00
Cousins, Fred E.
13 83
Cousins, Geo. L.
25 00
Corrigan, Peter
12 00
Craven, Patrick
10 00
Davis, A. G.
35 00
de Cordova, Julian
75 00
Dempsey, Frank M., 9 mos.,
7 50
Dempsey, Michael
10 00
Dodge, Mrs. J. F.
20 00
Doherty, Dennis,
10 00
Ehlert, estate of Albert
12 00
Ellsworth, Matthew
26 00
Ellsworth, Matthew, Sherman place,
10 00
Eveleth, Julius E.
53 50
Eveleth, Julius E., farm house,
10 00
Farrar, Edward R.
23 00
Farrar, Edward R., tenement,
30 00
Farrar, Edward R., shop,
10 00
Farrar, Herbert W.
10 00
Farrar, John F.
26 00
Farrar, John W.
10 00
128
Fitchburg R. R. Co., station, 22 50 Flint Bros. 27 00
Flint Bros.' greenhouse,
65 04
Flint George, Watson House,
27 00
Flint George, Globe Tavern,
20 00
Graves, George A.
17 00
Giles, Thomas L.
20 00
Ham, T. Frank
12 00
Hart, Dr. Joseph S.
24 00
Hartwell, Mrs. L. B.
10 00
Hayden, F. A.
23 00
Higginson, A. Henry
47 50
Higginson, H. L.
14 18
Hodges, Mrs. E. F.
33 00
Hodges, Mrs. E. F. cottage,
10 00
Hunt, Mrs. S. E.
33 00
Johnson, Mrs. A. L.
32 00
Kennedy, Michael
12 00
Kidder Bros.
18 00
Kidder Bros. greenhouse,
79 80
Lahay, Mrs. John
10 00
Lennon. Patrick
10 00
Lincoln, Town of, Hall,
50 00
Lincoln, Town of, 70 hydrants,
1050 00
Lincoln, Town of, Library,
10 00
Lincoln, Town of, Schools,
60 00
Lincoln, Town of, water troughs,
150 00
Lunt, Charles
15 00
Mc. Pherson, E. J.
5 00
Miner, Lewis
10 00
Newton, George F.
41 50
Page, W, Putnam
50 00
Parish, First
10 00
Peirce, William C.
27 00
Peirce, W. L. G.
21 00
Pierce, John H.
21 75
Pierce, Samuel H.
52 50
129
Pope, Edward W.
59 50
Pope, Edward W., cottage,
15 00
Ray, Chas. J. R.
5 00
Rice, Edwin B.
17 00
Rice, Chas. H.
21 00
Richardson, Mrs. H. C.
23 00
Riddle, Chas. W.
34 50
Roach, Mrs. Bridget
25 00
Rooney, John W.
12 00
Ropes, Joseph A.
48 50
Russ, J. F.
41 00
Ryan, Edward
12 00
Ryan, John
12 00
Sherman, Daniel H.
48 00
Sherman, Roger
44 00
Smith, Chas. S.
39 00
Smith, Cyrus G.
37 00
Smith, Francis
10 00
Smith, Mrs. R. L.
10 00
Smith, estate of Jonas
10 00
Snelling, Mrs. A. L.
45 50
Snelling, S. Rodman
53 00
St. Anne's Church,
5 00
Storey, Moorfield
79 50
Storey, Moorfield cottage,
10 00
Storrow, James J.
61 68
Sweet, B. D.
36 50
Swift, E. B.
29 00
Tarbell, Dr. George G.
18 00
Tasker, John
22 00
Trask, Chas. H. Jr.
43 50
Trask, Chas. H."Jr., cottage,
10 00
Tyler, Watson
10 00
Underwood, Joseph
31 00
Warner, Henry E.
44 50
Welch,&Martin M.
23 75
Welch, Martin"M., tenement,
20 00
130
Weston, A. E.
23 00
Weston, Mrs. R. H.
64 50
Warren, William R. 40 50
Warren, William R. stable,
27 38
Wheeler, Charlotte
27 00
Wheeler, Chas. S.
25 00
Wheelwright, A. C.
51 00
Wheelwright, A. C., stable,
14 00
Wilkins, Mrs. Annie M.
36 00
Wilkinson, Guy
33 00
Wright, Vernon .1. 32 50
$5,193 41
131
Report of the Board of Health.
The Board herewith submits its Annual Report to the Town.
No change was made in the composition of the Board at the last annual town meeting. On August 15, 1900, our chairman, Dr. Moses W. Kidder, died after a brief illness. His loss is one which cannot readily be repaired. He always took the deepest interest in the business of the board, and was enthusiastic in adopting and enforcing measures condu- cive to the public good He was fearless in the discharge of his duty, having no ulterior objects of his own, absolutely impartial in his treatment of all persons, an able officer, and a loyal citizen. So much we can testify from our association with him upon the Board of Health. In addition to that, we feel that we have lost a valued friend.
The death of Dr. Kidder has to some extent embarassed the board in dealing with its business. The vacancy so created has not yet been filled, although a joint meeting of the selectmen and of the surviving members of the Board of Health was called on October 10, 1900, to fill the vacancy as the statutes require. After a prolonged discussion no action was taken, and the two remaining members were left to carry on the business of the board for the remainder of the year.
Public Health.
Lincoln still maintains the reputation of an exceptionally healthy town. The longevity of the inhabitants as shown by the age of those dying during the year is remarkable. There have been fifteen deaths, of which three could not fairly be counted as affecting the average age. These three
132
cases were as follows :- one, a stillborn child ; the second, a child dying on the day following its premature birth ; and the third, a child dying at the age of two months and one day. The average age in the twelve remaining cases was sixty-three years, seven months, and ten days. We have had a small epidemic of diphtheria which began in the fall and is now apparently ended. No cases have proved fatal.
Infectious Diseases.
But one case of infectious disease was reported before October 8, 1900. This case was one of diphtheria, occuring in March, and appears to have been an isolated case, not contracted within the town. The patient recovered, and no other cases of diphtheria have been traced to that one. On October 8, 1900, a case of typhoid fever was reported. It is the only case of that kind occuring within the town during the year. The patient recovered.
On October 15, 1900, a case of diphtheria was reported, which proved to be the beginning of an epidemic of that di- sease. With one exception, all of the eight cases of diph- theria which were reported between that date and the present have been confined to the locality in the immediate vicinity of the railroad station. It is quite clear that these cases in that place arose from a common cause. Just what that cause was is somewhat shrouded in mystery. It is suspected that there were cases of diphtheria existing in that locality before any were reported, and before the services of a physician were invoked. If our suspicions are correct, we can only say that those who concealed from the local authorities the existence of a contagious disease so dangerous as diphtheria should receive severe condemnation, not only from the com- munity at large, but from their neighbors, whom they espec- ially exposed to infection.
It seems to be a prevalent idea that when a diphtheria patient is well enough to go out doors, he should be allowed to go where he pleases, but this cannot be permitted without
133
great danger to all those with whom he comes in contact. The disease is as readily communicated by those who are convalescent as by those who are lying at death's door. As long as the diphtheria germs exist in the patient's throat, the danger of contagion remains as great as it was at any time. The usual period during which the ability to communicate the disease continues is from four to six weeks after appar- ent recovery. This fact is based upon the experience of physicians and of boards of health everywhere.
The board therefore was confronted with the problem how to prevent the spread of the epidemic under the conditions above mentioned. There is no hospital to which the town has a right to send infectious cases. In many municipalities the patient, when he cannot be removed to a hospital, is con- fined in a room, and all intercourse with him, except so far as is necessary for care and attendance, absolutely prohibited, while the members of the family who come in contact with him are prevented from communicating with other persons. We did not find it practicable to adopt this course of pro- cedure in all cases. Our only regret is that we could not have done so; for if we could, we believe that some of the later cases would have been prevented. There were instances in which all that we could do was to obtain the promise of the parents or of other members of the family, that the patient should be kept away from others as much as possible. We have reason to believe that these promises have not always been kept. We think, however, if parents realized the danger to the other members of their own families, as well as to the public in general, they would have faithfully observed the requirements of the board.
Some criticism of the board has been made on the ground that while children were convalescent and were allowed to run out of doors, they were not allowed to engage in any em- ployment. The reply to this criticism is that these children were not allowed by the board, whatever their parents may have permitted, to mingle with other persons, but only to go out of doors so that they could enjoy the benefits of sun and
134
air, which in themselves would hasten recovery. If conva- lescent children have come in contact with others, it has been due to the inability of the board to prevent them from doing so.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.