USA > New York > Bronx County > History of Bronx borough, city of New York : compiled for the North side news > Part 19
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The death rate of Manhattan and the Bronx follows below, from the records since the establishment of the Branch Depart- ment of the Board of Health in the Bronx since 1898:
Year.
Manhattan.
Bronx
1808
19.16 per 1,000
21.22 per 1,000
1899
18.54
22.81
1900
20.08
21.58
1901
20.58
21.56
1902
19.40
20.21
1903
19.32
16.76
1904
21.82
21.75
It is worthy of remark that the year 1903 had an excep- tionally low mortality rate for the Bronx in spite of its handi- cap and in spite of the fact that la grippe, pneumonia and other epidemie diseases raged just as much as in other years It may probably be partly accounted for by a cool sunimes, which greatly decreased infant mortality, systematic school in- spection for the prevention of contagious diseases among school
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St. Joseph's Hospital, East 143d and 144th Streets and Brook and St. Ann's Avenues
Colored Orphan Asylum, Riverdale Avenue
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HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH
children, and a generally improved sanitary condition as re- gards street cleaning. the disposal of refuse, tenement house in- spection and the more scattered areas of new buildings giving each its share of fresh air and sunshine and the absence of over- crowding, such as exists on the lower East Side, which is as yet a stranger to this district.
The large increase in the death rate for the year 1904 is caused by the Slocum disaster, which happened in this borough, and as the deaths occurred here they were charged against this borough, though the majority lived in Manhattan.
The first hospital to be established by the city and open to the general public for accident and emergency cases in the Bronx was the Fordham Hospital. in 1892, then on Valentine Avenue, near Kingsbridge Road, as a branch of Bellevue Hospi- tal and containing twenty-five beds. In 1898 an increased popu- lation made such demands upon its capacity that removal to more commodious quarters at Aqueduct Avenue and St. James Place became necessary, where twenty more beds were added. The latter place has since ontgrown its usefulness and new quarters are being erected by the city on Southern Boulevard and Crotona Avenue, at a cost of half a million dollars, with room for one hundred and fifty beds, suitable quarters for doctors, nurses, etc., in auxiliary buildings, giving the Bronx a thoroughly
cases for all creeds, color or nationality. An ambulance service was added in 1901 to cover the territory from 149th to 170th Streets. In 1904 owing to the larger demands made upon it. its capacity was gradually increased to two hundred beds. I: is another example of the splendid philanthropy of our Jewish population in looking after the sick and helpless, being sup- ported principally by voluntary subscriptions and donations. 1. is open to free and pay patients alike, and also has a free dis- pensary connected with it.
Riverside Hospital at North Brother Island was opened in 1885 in charge of the Board of Health exclusively for con- tagious diseases, which cannot be safely isolated at home. or which are received from the Quarantine Department of the State of New York. It is arranged on the pavilion plan. of which there are ten, with accommodations for 350 patients. A: the present time it is used for cases of scarlet fever, diphtheria. measles and tuberculosis, but during the smallpox epidemic of 1900 to 1902 it was used for the isolation of patients suffering with that disease only.
Another hospital now being constructed is the new S :. Francis, taking in the entire block from 142d to 143d Streets and Brook and St. Ann's Avenues, with its main and auxiliary buildings. The buildings are fireproof and dignified in ap-
Lincoln Hospital, 141st Street and Concord Avenue
up-to-date and modern establishment for all requirements. The territory covered by their ambulance extends from 170th Street east to City Island and the city limits on the north and west.
Though the Lincoln Hospital and Home of the City of New York, formerly the Colored llome and Hospital, located at East Lfist Street and Concord Avenue, west of the Southern Boule- vard, was incorporated in 1845, it was restricted for colored people until 1901, when it was opened to the general public and an ambulance service added im 1902, to cover the territory south of 149th Street to the Harlem River, east and west. It maintains a general hospital for the medical and surgical treat- ment of pay and free patients, without distinction of race, creed or color, having separate buildings for consumptive and ma- ternity patients, and a detached pavilion for infectious diseases. It provides a home for the support and comfort of aged, infirm and destitute colored persons of both sexes; a home for in- curables, and a training school for colored nurses was estab- lished in 1898. The buildings have a capacity of four hundred beds. It is supported by voluntary subscriptions, donations, bequests, endowed beds and municipal grants.
Lebanon Hospital at Westchester and Cauldwell Avenues, formerly the Ursuline Convent, was opened to the public on Washington's Birthday in 1893, with twenty-five beds, for acute
pearance. The work is progressing rapidly, and there is offered the assurance that the buildings will be ready for occupancy in the early part of 1905. The cost involved is considerable for a charitable hospital, most of it being defrayed by the voluntary contributions of the poor. It is to take the place of the cid Fifth Street Hospital and is in charge of the Sisters of S :. Francis of the Poor. by whom the St. Joseph's Hospital adjoin- ing is also run. The new hospital will accommodate about 3EC patients.
St. Joseph's Hospital for Consumptives in East raad : . 144th Streets from Brook to St. Ann's Avenues, was establishe ! in 1882 and is in charge of the Sisters of the Poor of St. Frans :- It has a capacity of four hundred beds, exclusively for thise afflicted with tuberculosis, and is supported by voluntary stb- scriptions and donations entirely. It fills a long felt want in s> iar that very few hospitals care to receive this class of patients. and here they are taken in and cared for from all over the city -- a most noble and charitable work for which the Sisters deserve much credit. Though a Roman Catholic institution it is open to all creeds and nationalities, and also has a ward devoted to the care of babies and children.
Seton Hospital at Spuyten Duyvil was incorporated in 1822 and opened in 1895 for consumptives only, by Sister Mary Irene
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138
HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH
of the Sisters of Charity, under whose management it is run. It has an annex for women and children and accommodates 200. It has a most beautiful location, overlooking the Hudson and Harlem Rivers amid invigorating surroundings.
its name implies, for patients of both sexes suffering from in- curable diseases other than contagious or infectious, and not in- sane. It was incorporated in 1866 and opened the same year. It has accommodations for 280 patients, and with additions in buildings now under way will be able to house over 300, of which the free and endowed beds number about one-third. It has its own chapel, sunlight parlors, library, smoking and billiard room for men, a separate building for its medieal superintendent and pleasant grounds for outdoor recreation.
Other benevolent and charitable institutions in the Bronx
tion or reformation; those between 7 and 16 years of age com- mitted as idle, truant, vicious or homeless by order of a police magistrate; and those of a like age transferred by the Depart- ment of Public Charities. The boys receive a general school education and are taught trades, among which the following may
The Home for Incurables on Third Avenue, between 18ist and 184th Streets, occupying some ten acres of ground, is, as . be mentioned: Printing, electrotyping, bookbinding, shoe,
brush, harness and paper box making, tailoring, chair caning, bricklaying, plumbing. tekgraphy, photography, musie, baking. farming, gardening. blacksmithing, wheelwrighting, carpenter- ing, electric lighting, painting and drawing. The girls also re- ceive a school education and are taught hand and machine sew - ing, embroidery, typewriting and telegraphy, cooking, laundry work and musie. The work is in the hands of the Brothers of the Christian Schools, who act as teachers and instructors. and perform the various other duties connected with the institution.
Webb's Academy and Home for Shipbuilders is located at
FFF
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Seton Hospital, at Spuyten Duyvil
are the American Female Guardian Society and Home for Friendless Girls ; occupying the beautiful site opposite McComb's Dam Park, overlooking the Harlem River and the upper section of Harlem, on Woodyerest Avenue and 16ist Street, opened in 1902. This society aims to save from degradation friendless and neglected children. These children, after being legally surrendered to the Society, are transferred by adoption to Chris- tian families after careful investigation. Sewing, cooking and other industries are taught them while inmates of the Home. Their building impresses one with its solidity and is thoroughly modern in every respect.
The New York Catholic Protectory at Westchester, founded in 1863, but not built until 1865 at its present location, is one of the largest institutions in the Bronx, and quite a city in itself. The grounds have an area of 115 acres, and the various build- ings afford accommodations for 2,500 children. It takes care of three classes: those under 14 years of age intrusted for protec-
Fordham Heights at an elevation of 150 feet overlooking the Harlem River and the surrounding country. It was founded ly Mr. Win. Henry Webb, a wealthy shipbuilder, whose name it bears, and by whom it was endowed for the purpose of atferd- ing free relief and support to the aged, indigent, or unfortunate men who have been engaged in building hulls of vessels, or marine engines, together with the wives or widows of such : also to furnish to any young man, a native or citizen of the United States, who may upon examination prove himself com- petent and of good character, a gratuitous education in the art. science and profession of shipbuilding and marine engine buik- ing, both theoretical and practical, together with board, lodging and necessary implements and materials while obtaining och olucation, The erection of the building was commenced in 18ot, and the entire property, with the building fully completed and furnished, involving a cost of nearly half a million dol lars, was formally presented by Mr. Webb to the trustees on
139
HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH
May 5, 1894, together with an endowment of valuable property deeded to the institution for its maintenance in perpetuity. The building and grounds occupy about fourteen acres; its guests are some 80, and boys learning the trade about 40. The fact that the demand for graduates from Webb's Academy is far in excess of the supply, shows the reputation which the institu- tion has already acquired, and vindicates the judgment of the founder.
The Roman Catholic Orphan Asylum, adjoining Webb's' Home and Ship-building Academy on the north, and occupying about thirty acres of ground, was formally opened in April, 1902, having previously been located in Manhattan. It takes care of orphans ranging in age from three to ten years, of which they have about 750 in their charge, and furnishes them with a school education under the supervision of the Board of Education. They have two large buildings, 350x150. with wings, and their location is unsurpassed, being on an eminence and overlooking both the Harlem and Hudson Rivers, as well as Highbridge Park, the Speedway and the northern section of Manhattan. Some of our most prominent and eminent men are among its officers and managers.
overlapping of relief. It has a mercantile agency for informa- tion concerning the charitable enterprises of the city, both genu- ine and fraudulent, and also concerning applicants for charitabl : relief. Every department of its work is completeljy severed from all questions of religious belief, politics or nationality, and no person, representing the society in any capacity, is allowed to use the position for the purpose of proselytism. This society obtains relief for those who are found to be in need, and covers the entire boroughs of Manhattan and the Bronx with its dis- trict cominittees.
The Peabody Home for Aged and Indigent Women at 2004 Boston Road, corner 179th Street, was founded and incorpo- rated in 1874 for the purpose its name implies, being a free and non-sectarian home supported by voluntary subscriptions, and cares for white women over 65 years of age who are residents of the City of New York. In 1901 a new building was put up in modern style for its inmates, of whom there are about 35. with sun parlor, chapel and other conveniences. It is supported entirely by voluntary subscriptions.
The Philanthropin Hospital on Olin Avenue, Williamsbridge. is another monument to the munificence of the kind hearted and
Lebanon Hospital, Westchester Avenue
The Hebrew Infant Asylum, located on Eagle Avenue, near 103d. Street, was opened in 1895, with accommodations for 150 children, and has already outgrown its usefulness, since it cannot receive all that make application for admittance. Negotiations have been entered into by its managers for the acquisition of a large piece of property at 194th Street and Aqueduct Avenue, for the purpose of constructing a new asylum to accommodate 400 inmates. The ages of the children range from one month to six years and they are a lively and healthy lot of youngsters. The asylum was originally conceived and started by Mrs. Esther Wallenstein, now deceased, and occupies an old land- mark, the old De Graaf mansion.
The Charity Organization Society also maintains a branch in the Bronx, taking in the territory of the Twenty-third and Twenty-fourth Wards, west of the Bronx River, with offices at 480 Courtlandt Avenue. This society is a clearing house of registration, information and associated action among all the charities of the city. It is an exchange or centre of intercom- munication between the churches and charitable agencies, thus fostering harmonious co-operation and checking the evils of the
liberal citizenship of New York City, who saw the necessity is an institution in a rapidly developing section which was in urgent need of ready means to relieve the necessities of the poor in : section that was without means of proper relief.
The Yerkes Hospital will be another of the striking illustra- tions of the development of the Bronx. By the will of the late traction magnate, Charles T. Yerkes, the pet project of himself and wife will find its realization in the erection of the most costly and elaborately appointed hospital, endowed with a sum that will place it beyond all fears as to its maintenance. The possibilitic. and needs of this fast growing territory attracted the attention of its donors, and they have thus erected a monument that will keep them in remembrance long after their ashes shall have mingled with Mother Earth beyond all recognition.
Another philanthropic act by which the Bronx has benefited is the gift of 11. Il. Rogers, another multi-millionaire, who) ::.. decided to erect a haven for the less fortunate of Girl's creo. where the pangs of suffering will be minimized and relief extende ! without stint. It is said that in the pursuit of worldly wealth se better instincts of man become blunted to the pain and anguish
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HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH
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140
of the poorer classes. This has been repudiated by the brilliant acts of some of the richest men and women, who, of their abund- ance have wisely placed their wealth to alleviate the sufferings of the less favored at the time when relief is most needed.
The sweet spirit exhibited by Miss Helen Gould, who without ostentation generously uses her wealth in making life's journey less burdensome, flatly gives denial to the universal saying that the rich are devoid of feeling for those who in the battle of life have failed to reach the upper plane.
The Nazareth Branch of Seton Hospital is devoted to chil- dren, and is quite an important adjunct of this beneficence.
At Palisade Avenue and 261st Street, a notable addition to the charities of the Bronx has been recently added, viz., the Colored Orphans' home. The engraving gives a good representation of this addition to the Bronx's notable buildings, the expenditure for the construction of the same being about $300,000. This charity was formerly located in Manhattan, but the tide of popu- lation has forced this and kindred public institutions up into the Bronx, where the surroundings are calculated to make it the nuclens of other like benevolent objects.
MEDICAL SOCIETIES.
Prior to 1893 there was no medical society within the bounds of the Bronx Borough, excepting as previously stated. With the gradual increase of population and the advent of more phy- sicians the organization of a medical society for the discussion of scientific subjects and the reports of rare and interesting cases became necessary, and in the year above written Dr. Frank- lin D. Skeel called some five or six of his colleagues to his house for the purpose of forming a medical society, from which
the Doctors' Club originated. At first the meetings, which were held once a month, were held at the various members' houses, until there were too many to be accommodated, after which various halls were rented for the meetings. In 1900 it was thought advisable to change its name to "The Medical Society of the Borough of the Bronx," and it was duly incorporated with 31 charter members. Its meetings are held every second Wed- nesday of the month at the Metropolis Theatre Building, and its membership has increased to over 100 members, and it is the representative medical body of the borough. Its officers for the year 1904 are as follows:
President-Dr. Gustave H. E. Starke.
First Vice-President-Dr. Henry Roth. Second Vice-President-Dr. Wm. A. Boyd.
Secretary-Dr. Albert C. Geyser. Financial Secretary -- Dr. I. M. Heller.
Treasurer -- Dr. E. A. Wilkens.
Board of Trustees-Dr. Wm. J. O'Byrne, Dr. E. Broquet, Dr. C. G. Kirchhof, Dr. G. H. E. Starke, Dr. W. G. Eynon.
The Bronx Medical Association was organized in December. 1905, with fifty-one charter members, including the prominent physicians of the Bronx. The officers of the Association are:
President-Dr. A. F. Brugman.
First Vice-President-Dr. W. J. O'Byrne. Second Vice- President-Dr. S. D. Close. Recording Secretary-Dr. F. L. Donlon. Corresponding Secretary-Dr. J. J. Smith.
Financial Secretary-Dr. W. A. Boyd. Treasurer-Dr. E. A. Wilkins.
NAZARETH.
Nazareth Branch of Seton Hospital, Spuyten Duyvil
GUSTAVE H. E. STARKE. M.D.
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HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH
Some of the Leading Medical Men of the Bronx
GUSTAVE H. E. STARKE. M.D .. was born in Berlin. Germany, in 1859, and came to this country shortly after the signing of the peace protocol of the Franco-German war in 1870, but returned again to his native town in 1880, for the purposes of study. Though a native of Germany, he is a thorough American in heart and thought. Graduating from the Medical Department of the New York University in 1889, he has practiced his profession in the Bronx ever since.
THOMAS DARLINGTON. M.D .- Dr. Darlington has achieved fame all over the country as the Commissioner of Health for New York City. Dr. Lederle had done much for the Department before Dr. Darlington assumed office. in fact he was known as the most capable commissioner of the Low administration. It is no small distinction, therefore, that the leputation of this important department has been notably en- hanced under the direction of Dr. Darlington. Not a single
THOMAS DARLINGTON, M.D.
wownl man has been dismissed, and the appointments during the past two years have been made almost entirely upon merit. In fort, Dr. Darlington has had the rare judgment to surround lumself with capable men, who are devoted to him because of his cople and sterling qualities, bis enthusiasm and high purpose to an lieve the very finest results. He was appointed by Mayor tomake B. Mcclellan on January 1. loop, and because of his Good. reappointed to office on January 1. 1900. Dr. Darlington ha. been identified with the Bronx for a long time. His resi-
dence has been at Kingsbridge, where he is known widely as a public spirited citizen. Born in Brooklyn, N. Y., in what was formerly called Williamsburgh, he was educated in the public schools of New York City, and the Newark, N. J., High School Later he took a special three years' scientifie and engineering eourse at the University of the City of New York, followed by a three years' course at the College of Physicians and Surgeons of New York, from which institution he was graduated in 1880. He practieed medieine at Newark, N. J., from 1880 to 1882; then removed to ,Kingsbridge, N. Y., where he practiced until 188S. At that time, partly owing to ill health, and partly in the spirit of adventure, he went to Arizona Territory, where he had many interesting frontier experienees. Having completely re- gained his health, he returned to Kingsbridge in 1891, where he has practiced ever since. Among other distinctions may be men- tioned the following: He was Distriet Physician in the Seventh District, Newark, during the year 1882; Visiting Physician at St. Michael's Hospital, Newark, from 1880 to 1882; Surgeon to the new Croton Aqueduct Corporation, New York, from 1885 to 1888, and to the Harlem Canal Improvement Works during the year 1888; Surgeon to the Copper Queen Mining Consolidated and other mining companies, and to the Arizona and South- eastern Railway Co. from 1888 to 1891. He has for many years been a member of the Congress of Physicians and Surgeons held annually in Washington. Dr. Darlington is connected with the following medical societies: The New York County and State Medical Association, the County and State Medical Society. the American Medical Association, the Academy of Medicine, the Harlem Medical Association, and the Medical Association of Greater New York. He is also Vice-President of the American Climatologieal Society, Visiting Physician to the New York Foundling Hospital, the Fordham Hospital, St. John's Riverside Hospital, Seton Hospital for Consumptives, and consulting phy- sician to the French Hospital. He is a member of the Society of Colonial Wars, the Archdeaconry of New York City, the Tilden Club, the New York Athletic Club, the North Side Board of Trade, and one of the incorporators of the Jefferson Club. For several years Dr. Darlington was Chairman of the Local School Board of Kingsbridge. succeeding Col. Goulden, the present Congressman. His work on the board was so keenly enthusiastic and so absorbing that he endeared himself to teach- ers and pupils alike, by his helpful co-operation and valuable ad- vice. He was married March 9. 1886, to Miss Josephine Aliee Sargent. Ile has two children, Clinton Pelham, born March 10. 1887. and Dorothea, born October 26, 1888. Numerous articles from his pen have been published in the "Medical Record." New York, including one on "Pneumonia," and the "Effects of High Explosives, Dynamite and Nitro Glycerine on the Human Sys- tem." His artiele on "Funnel Poisoning." the result of persona! investigations, was published in Wood's Reference Handbook of the Medical Sciences. "The Climate of Arizona and the Effect of llot and Dry Climates in Disease," read before the Congress of American Physicians and Surgeons, was issued in isot. He has also written for the "Youth's Companion" and "Scientific American," and supplied editorials on hygienie matters to the "Mail and Express" and other newspapers. As has been started. Dr. Darlington's predecessor made a notable success in his administration of the Department of Health. Dr. Darlington, in a large minded way, accepted all the wise methods which his
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HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH
predecessor had initiated, and with unflagging zeal initiated new methods and large constructive enterprises which tended to per- feet the equipment of the Department, and to minister to the health and comfort of the people of New York City. The plants ' at Riverside, North Brother Island, Kingston Avenue, Brook- lyn, and Willard Parker, Manhattan, were rendered more effi- cient by extensive repairs on old buildings, and the erection of - several new pavilions and administrative buildings. Another important structure begun and completed during Dr. Darling- ton's administration is the new Chemical and Bacteriological Laboratory, which is elaborately and beautifully equipped for the purpose. The preparatory work has already been started tor the new Borough office in Brooklyn, which will cost about $250,000. Still another beautiful building which does credit to the present Commissioner is the Nurses' Home at Kingston Avenue, Brooklyn. The Department of Health of New York City has always led the world in its work for the prevention and cure of tuberculosis. Following the tradition of the office, Dr. Darlington has been particularly active in the care of this dread disease. On March 1, 1904, the Tuberculosis Clinic was opened at 967 Sixth Avenue. This is but the beginning of a system of clinics to be established all over the city for the treatment and care of tubercular patients. In addition to the elaborate im- provements in the building and facilities for tuberculosis pa- tients at Riverside, a beautiful tract of land has been purchased at Otisville, Orange Co., N. Y., for incipient cases. This land is admirably adapted for the purpose of a sanatorium, lying as it does 1,000 to 1,400 feet above sea level. It represents success after many failures, success after continued opposition on the part of local boards, railways, local newspapers, against the establishment of a tuberculosis sanatorium. To Dr. Darlington alone is due the credit of achieving this splendid success, for it required on his part the most patient and persistent efforts. Upon this site the Commissioner proposes to construct a sana- torium which will be a model of its kind throughout the world. Two Commissions have been appointed during Dr. Darlington's administration, which serve to indicate the interest he takes in advanced medical science, namely, the Commission to investigate Cerebro-Spinal Meningitis, and the Commission to investigate Acute Respiratory Diseases. These commissions were composed of the inost eminent physicians and bacteriologists in the city. The report of the Commissioner to Mayor McClellan on the filtration of the city's water supply is another illustration show- ing the large grasp that he has on the city's most important needs. The care with which the vast milk supplies of the Greater City is guarded, the energy which is employed to stamp out every incipient outbreak of typhoid, the zeal with which the Commissioner has undertaken to make New York the most sanitary city in the country, the magnificent work done under his direction by the corps of medical inspectors in the schools, in preventing the spread of contagious disease and in removing and correcting the physical defects of school children, indicate the immense field of effort of this tireless worker for the city's good
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