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- Herausgeber: Jazzybee Verlag
- Kategorie: Geisteswissenschaft
- Sprache: Englisch
The preparation of a "History of Seattle" has been the exploration of a new field and the amount of patient research and careful investigation involved has been a task of colossal proportions. The printed and written records of the first twenty years of Seattle's existence are scanty almost beyond belief. Not until 1863 was a newspaper established there and, for many years, more space in it was devoted to eastern and foreign politics than to the record of local passing events. Few, if any, pioneers kept diaries and none of these, except that of the writer, has been accessible. And yet has this work become one of the most detailed and accurate narratives of the history of this beautiful town on the West coast. A must read - and not only for Seattle citizens. This is volume two out of two.
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Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2017
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History of Seattle
From the earliest Settlement to the early 20th Century
Vol. 2
CLARENCE B. BAGLEY
History of Seattle 2, C. B. Bagley
Jazzybee Verlag Jürgen Beck
86450 Altenmünster, Loschberg 9
Deutschland
ISBN: 9783849650247
www.jazzybee-verlag.de
CONTENTS:
CHAPTER XVIII. HEALTH AND SANITATION, MEDICINE AND SURGERY 1
CHAPTER XIX. REGRADES, DRAINAGE AND HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS 35
CHAPTER XX. THE LAKE WASHINGTON CANAL.. 55
CHAPTER XXI. FISH AND FISHERIES. 84
CHAPTER XXII. THE MERCER EXPEDITIONS. 94
CHAPTER XXIII. SEATTLE'S GREAT FIRE.. 107
CHAPTER XXIV. STREET RAILWAYS, LIGHTING AND POWER.. 119
CHAPTER XXV. THE ANTI-CHINESE AGITATION AND RIOTS. 149
CHAPTER XXVI. BANKS AND BANKERS. 175
CHAPTER XXVII. WOMAN’S WORK.186
CHAPTER XXVIII. THE SEATTLE FIRE DEPARTMENT.. 202
CHAPTER XXIX. THE ALASKA-YUKON-PACIFIC EXPOSITION.. 228
CHAPTER XXX. ALASKA SHIPPING INTERESTS. 236
CHAPTER XXXI. THE MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT.. 254
CHAPTER XXXII. EARLY AND MORE IMPORTANT CITY PLATS. 274
CHAPTER XXXIII. CLUBS, SOCIETIES AND FRATERNITIES SEATTLE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 285
CHAPTER XXXIV. INDUSTRIAL SEATTLE.. 313
CHAPTER XXXV. BUILDINGS. 359
CHAPTER XXXVI. PHILANTHROPIC SOCIETIES. 365
CHAPTER XXXVII. SOME NOTABLE MARINE DISASTERS. 374
CHAPTER XVIII. HEALTH AND SANITATION, MEDICINE AND SURGERY
Medicine and surgery were first practiced in Seattle and vicinity by Dr. D. S. Maynard, and among his early activities was the establishment of a hospital. Also, he included drugs and medicines among the miscellaneous stock in his little pioneer store. While the little community had only occasional need for a medical practitioner a hospital was necessary for the proper care of frequent injuries suffered in the logging camps and sawmills and on board ships, with a skilled surgeon and capable nurse in charge. The doctor and his wife were both these.
The hospital stood on the east side of First Avenue South, between Main and Jackson.
Dr. Josiah Settle came here from Oregon in 1860, and here spent the rest of his life. He was more nurse than doctor and gained very little practice.
Dr. W. H. Robinson located here in 1866, and Doctor Canavan soon afterward, and often these surgeons united in work at the hospital.
Dr. Charles F. Barnard, surgeon dentist, opened an office at Kellogg's drug store in May, 1866. Two years later Dr. J. F. Grady and Dr. J. J. Birge, surgeon dentists, located here. The latter did not remain long. By 1868 Dr. G. P. Bissell, accoucheur, and Doctor Wheeler were engaged in the practice of medicine here.
Dr. S. G. Calhoun settled in Seattle in 1868, but after a time moved to Whatcom, returning permanently in 1872. He was a skillful physician and surgeon and a gentleman of fine manners and pleasing address. He won the universal esteem for his public spirit and upright citizenship. His widow and son, Fred, and daughter, Mary, are yet residents of Seattle.
In 1870 Doctor Rust became associated with Doctor Maynard in the management of the hospital, and generally in handling the cases that came to that institution. The next year, Dr. J. W. Marcus, surgical and mechanical dentist, established an office over Woodward and Brunn's drug store. Dr. Stacy Hemenway came in 1871 and secured offices in the Yesler Building. D. F. Arnold, druggist, was also a doctor.
In November, 1870, Dr. Gideon A. Weed and wife arrived here and he at once opened an office. In the later '50s he and Mrs. Weed had been practitioners of hydropathy in Salem, Ore. Later he went to California and took a full course in medicine and on his arrival in Seattle he entered upon a long and successful medical practice. Also, he took a prominent place among the business men and municipal activities of the little city. In 1876 the doctor was elected mayor and again elected the following year, an honor conferred only a few times in the history of the city. During this second term he also was the acting health officer, the first to serve in that capacity. In a few years, from successful practice and fortunate investments in Seattle real estate, he acquired a considerable fortune. In the early ’80s Doctor Weed's beautiful residence occupied the northeast corner of Second Avenue and Madison Street. For that period it was a pretentious structure. Later it was acquired by John Leary and for many years was his home. The Ferry-Leary Building now occupies its site.
Early in 1872 D. S. Maynard and J. S. Church formed a partnership for the practice of medicine and surgery and opened an office at Maynard's Hospital.
In December, 1872, among the doctors here were D. S. Maynard, R. H. Lansdale, S. G. Calhoun, Josiah Settle, A. Bagley, G. A. Weed, G. M. Phillips and Quan Sing, a Chinese practitioner.
In July, the city council passed a health ordinance which provided that all contagious and infectious diseases should be indicated with colored cards as soon as they should be declared by the attending physician. The ordinance was extended to vessels.
In May Dr. Fred W. Sparling, physician and surgeon, late of the United States army, opened an office near the city hospital.
Dr. Alvin Bagley, a gentleman of advanced years, who had been a well-known medical practitioner in New York, Ohio and Michigan, settled here in 1872, where he died in 1885.
In the summer of 1873 Drs. H. A. Willison and S. F. Chapin came here for permanent residence. The former had served as physician at the Chehalis Reservation and the latter was a graduate of the College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York City, and had practiced for ten years. Dr. R. H. Lansdale, a pioneer in the late '40s, began to practice here about the same time with an office over the Seattle Market. A little later Dr. B. R. Freeland, dentist, opened an office next door to the White Church.
Early in 1874 Dr. G. A. Weed fitted up here a private hospital with every appliance and convenience necessary for proper medical and surgical attendance.
The establishment of the hospital was due to the urgent demand of all the towns of the Sound for medical and surgical aid, particularly in emergency calls, and for comfortable rooms and good care at moderate prices. In February, he received from the county commissioners a contract to take charge of all sick persons who should require medical treatment at the county's expense.
This year Dr. J. S. Maggs located here and commenced the practice of dentistry. Not long afterward he built a home in the dense forest on the western shore of Lake Union, where members of his family still reside.
In March Dr. E. W. Weston resigned the office of physician to the Indians on the Puyallup Reservation and Dr. Stacy Hemenway of Seattle was appointed in his place. In the fall of 1874 C. M. Sawtelle, M. D., and Mrs. M. P. Sawtelle, M. D., physicians and surgeons, came to this city and established an office over the Seattle Drug Store. Mrs. Dr. Sawtelle was the first woman physician to practice in the city, though the wife of Dr. G. A. Weed was a licensed physician.
On October 22nd the Medical Association of Washington Territory assembled in the city. The meeting was called to order by A. H. Steele of Olympia, president of the association. The names of G. A. Weed and W. E. Bryant were presented for membership and were duly received. In the evening Doctor Steele delivered a public address at the pavilion. The following officers were elected for the ensuing year: President, S. F. Chapin; vice president, RufusWillard; secretary, J. W. Waughop; treasurer, A. H. Steele; censors, H. A. Willison, G. A. Weed, Thomas T. Minor and N. Ostrander.
In 1875 Dr. H. B. Bagley arrived. He had lately been professor of principles and practice of surgery in the Michigan Central Medical College. The Bagleys, father and son, made operative surgery and surgical diseases a specialty and attended calls to any point on the Sound. Dr. H. B. Bagley soon became a prominent factor in the professional, business and social affairs of the city. By intelligent and fortunate investments in Seattle real estate he became quite wealthy. At the time of his death he owned the large farm and beautiful country home on Black River, later known as the Country Club.
Dr. Josiah Settle died here in 1876, leaving his estate to his two daughters; his widow and Rev. Daniel Bagley were made executors. His property was valued at about seven thousand dollars.
In 1876 the leading practitioners here were Drs. G. A. Weed, G. V. Calhoun, A. and H. B. Bagley, John Baker, Halcom Hoffman, and Fred W. Sparling; J. C. Grasse, dentist.
Dr. G. Bryant came here from Stockton, Cal., in 1877, and continued the practice of medicine. He was a graduate of Ann Arbor, Mich.
Dr. D. Locke, dentist, located here in May. Mrs. S. D. Hewes, M. D., the second woman practitioner, began practice here in May.
In March smallpox became epidemic. There were a dozen or more cases in all. The county board endeavored to force this bill on the city council, but the latter strenuously objected. This bill amounted to about one thousand dollars.
The mayor and acting health officer, Doctor Weed, was given much credit that this bill was not much larger; he had advanced money from his own pocket to pay for the care of the smallpox patients. During the year ending July 30, 1877, there were eighteen cases of smallpox in this city, of which twelve were of white persons and six of Indians. Nine whites recovered and one of the Indians. By an amendment to the charter of the city by the Legislature of 1877, and approved by the governor November 9, 1877, provision was made for the election of a health officer, and early in the year 1878 Dr. Fred W. Sparling was elected and served during that year.
In 1879 Dr. H. B. Bagley was a member of the city council, also health officer.
During 1880 Dr. O. G. Root served as health officer, and in 1881 he was succeeded by Dr. E. L. Smith, who continued during 1882-3.
In 1880 the physicians of the city were A. and H. B. Bagley, H. A. Gale, J. Highwarden, O. G. Root, E. L. Smith, F. W. Sparling, D. W. Starkey, G. A. Weed; J. C. Grasse and J. S. Maggs, dentists.
On the J. J. Moss lots, Fifth Avenue, between Madison and Spring, in 1877-8, the Sisters of Charity erected their hospital, which at first had thirteen private rooms, besides the large general ward, 14 by 50 feet, which contained ten beds.
The hospital was opened in 1878. The main building, after being raised about six feet, was roofed and occupied. By August, thirty-six patients had been cared for, of whom twenty-eight were county charges. The sisters were prepared to care for thirty patients at one time. On the front of the building were the words “Providence Hospital, 1878.” In July, 1879, the hospital contained twelve county patients; out of over forty patients cared for from November, 1878, to July 20, 1879, all except three had been discharged as cured.
In February, 1880, Drs. G. A. Weed, E. L. Smith and H. A. Gale agreed to furnish medical and surgical aid to the indigent sick of the county at Providence Hospital free of charge. The Sisters of Charity agreed to furnish the county inmates of the hospital with medicine and liquors as needed for one year for $150 in county scrip, which was greatly depreciated in value at that time. These two offers were accepted by the county board. The number of deaths in the city for eleven months in 1881-2 was ninety-one, among whom twenty-seven were non-residents. With the population estimated at five thousand, this was at the rate of 18.2 per 1,000. The report of the health officer, Dr. E. L. Smith, said that the city sewers were worthless; those that did not empty their filthy contents upon the beach above high water were so low and level that they were flushed in the wrong direction by every incoming tide. Other doctors about this time were E. L. Smith, D. W. Starkey, W. M. Hilton, A. Berthier and A. I. Beach. In October, 1881, Dr. J. Horton Bundy died in this city. He was an expert in the treatment of chronic diseases and came to this city late in the '70s, where he practiced with great success until his death.
Late in the year chicken-pox prevailed at nearly all of the ports on the Sound. At Olympia and Tacoma several deaths resulted, but at Seattle the disease had a light run.
The Miller bill, passed by the Legislature late in the year, gave municipalities the power to provide for the safety of the inhabitants by removing persons sick with a contagious disease to a separate house and to provide for their care in an isolated location. In January, 1882, a virulent type of measles was prevalent in Seattle. It required great care from the physicians of the city and the health committee of the council to prevent the spread of this disease.
In February Dr. C. H. Merrick came here and opened an office. He had served in the hospital department of the Union army, was a contributor to several medical journals and was, just previous to this date, president of the Oregon State Medical Society. At this time, and before, Dr. A. Berthier practiced his profession in this community.
In June Seattle had another smallpox scare. Two members of the Nellie Boyd Theatrical Troupe were taken down with the disease but were immediately taken care of by the health department of the city and in due time they recovered their health.
In June Street Commissioner Robert Calligan, with a force of men, built a new sewer on First Avenue, between Cherry and James.
The new Providence Hospital, at the corner of Fifth and Spring streets, was built in 1882 and was a large structure, constructed of wood, with a brick foundation, was three stories high and had a large basement. It fronted on Spring Street one hundred feet and on Fifth Avenue ninety feet. The entire building was lighted with gas, was well ventilated and had an elevator, the only one thus far in this city. The total cost was about twenty-five thousand dollars.
Late in July there were in the hospital twenty-seven patients, ten having been discharged therefrom during the previous week. The leading practitioners of the city attended the patients of this hospital. The old building, though yet occupied as a hospital, was prepared as a private residence for the sisters, to be thus occupied as soon as the new building should be ready. It was an institution of which the Seattle citizens were justly proud. In May the hospital contained sixty-eight patients at one time. Nine sisters had charge of the institution.
As high as eight patients were received in one day. Already the institution was famous the whole Sound region over. In March, 1884, the hospital contained seventy patients. In November, 1885, there were seventy patients in the hospital, of whom twenty-five were charges from King, Kitsap and Yakima counties. Eight were women. There were seven cases of typhoid fever.
In May, 1882, the city health department reported fifty-four deaths during the first quarter of that year. Nineteen were non-residents of Seattle. Dr. E. L. Smith was health officer at this time.
The Medical Society of Washington Territory met in this city in June, 1883.
At this time there were about ninety regular physicians practicing in the territory.
Nearly all quacks had been driven out by the new act of the Legislature to regulate the practice of medicine. Dr. E. L. Smith was elected president of the society for the year 1883-4. Dr. G. A. Weed was chosen treasurer. Dr. Mary Brown, of Seattle, was elected one of the board of censors.
Dr. G. A. Weed was city health officer in 1884. In February, he reported twenty-nine deaths in the city for the quarter ending December 31st. Seven had died of consumption, three of apoplexy and three of erysipelas. On October 18, 1885, the cornerstone of Grace Hospital was laid under the auspices of St. John's and Eureka lodges of Masonry, Past Grand Master Col. G. O. Haller conducting ceremonies of dedication. The structure was erected by Trinity Church. The building was completed late in 1886 and was 94 by 140 feet, two stories high with basement, and had a capacity of forty beds. It cost, including grounds, $20,000, and was modern in its equipment. It was managed by a board of directors of which the Rev. Dean Watson was president. It was opened February 21, 1887, with a grand reception, which was attended by over three hundred persons interested in the movement. They were entertained with a musical program and with card playing and dancing. A goodly sum was realized for hospital maintenance.
Dr. J. S. M. Smart was health officer in 1885, and Dr. E. L. Smith again served during 1886 and 1887, two terms.
By 1887 the number of physicians had increased to twenty-six, as follows:
H. B. Bagley, Miner S. Calkins, Frederick A. Churchill, Lewis R. Dawson, Marmora De Voe, Harry Doane, Horace M. Hall, Benjamin A. Hill, J. C. Kellogg, A. A. Kinney, C. B. Knapp, Max Kriegk, H. D. Longaker, Charles L. Miller, P. B. M. Miller, Thomas T. Minor, Daniel A. Mitchell, George Reich, O. G. Root, Joseph S. M. Smart, H. J. Smith, E. L. Smith, Frederick W. Sparling, G. A. Weed, Rufus Willard, Mary B. Winslow; dentists, J. M. Fox, J. C. Grasse, E. H. Kilbourne, Joseph Moudy, G. Willis Price, James K. Van Aukin.
Dr. Thomas T. Minor came to Seattle to live in 1882. He had settled in Port Townsend about 1868 and there engaged in hospital work and the practice of medicine and surgery. For many years he was mayor of that city and at all times one of its foremost citizens. Soon he gained substantial success, and among his most fortunate investments were his purchases of real estate in Seattle. These had gained so much in value as to become the magnet that drew him to this city to make it his permanent home. His coming here was followed by immediate success in every direction in which he exerted his abilities. He lived here but eight years, and during so short a period few of our citizens have gained so large and such varied success. In social, professional, business and political life he was easily one of its foremost citizens. In 1887 he served a term as mayor. His untimely death was a severe shock and carried with it a sense of personal bereavement not only to the entire population of Seattle but all over Puget Sound, for there was not a village or town where he did not have a large circle of warm friends. In politics Doctor Minor was a republican.
He took an active interest in public affairs, and was an able champion of the principles of his party. He was a delegate from Washington Territory to the republican national conventions of 1876, 1880 and 1888, and in the former two was an ardent supporter of the candidacy of James G. Blaine for the presidency.
He served for twelve years as a member of the Republican National Committee and was a familiar figure at every territorial convention of his party. He was a member of the convention which framed the constitution of the State of Washington and took a prominent part in the performance of the important work of that body. Upon the admission of the state he was the choice of many members of his party for governor, but he resolutely refused to become a candidate for this position. Doctor Minor was a forcible and eloquent speaker and his influence throughout the state was very great. It can fairly be said that no man took a greater part than he in laying the foundation and shaping the early development of the commonwealth of Washington. The last week in November, 1889, Doctor Minor, G. Morris Haller and Lewis Cox left Seattle on a hunting expedition in the vicinity of Stanwood. December 2nd they left Stanwood to cross over to Whidby Island and were never again seen alive.
The trip was most hazardous, and doubtless their frail canoes were capsized amid the tiderips for which the waters of that locality are noted. The body of Doctor Minor was never recovered, but those of Messrs. Haller and Cox were found on the beach after a time. Mr. Cox was a cousin of Mr. Haller, who was a son of the late Col. Granville O. Haller and a brother of T. N. Haller, the present owner of the Haller Block. G. Morris Haller was a young lawyer of fine ability and remarkable attainments, legal, literary and poetical. No similar tragedy, among the many tragic episodes that have befallen this city, has been considered so great a public calamity.
In 1888 Dr. R. M. Eames was health officer, and in 1889 Dr. H. S. Grant succeeded him.
The great fire of 1889 thoroughly wiped out all harboring places for rats and filth in the lower part of the city, and the next few years the city was remarkably clear of diseases that are engendered through these causes. Everybody was so busy in aiding the reconstruction of the city that little time was devoted to discussions of health measures or meetings of medical societies, but the construction of sewers and disposition of drainage and sewage made wonderful strides in the next two or three years.
In 1890 the list of physicians had passed the hundred mark. In addition to those heretofore mentioned appear the names of a great many who later became notable in professional and business circles, as follows: O. P. Askam, J. E. Eames, S. J. Holmes, George M. Horton, J. Eugene Jordan, Sarah Kendall, A. B. Kibbe, J. S. Kloeber, J. B. Loughery, A. N. Marion, C. H. Merrick, George Newlands, F. A. Noble, James and William A. Shannon, C. W. Sharples, G. H. T. Sparling, J. P. Sweeney, Harry Yandell, Thomas M. and E. Weldon Young.
In May, 1891, the city physician issued a statement declaring that the public health was menaced by the foul condition of streets, alleys and sub-cellars in many parts of the city. At once plans for an improvement of the sewer mains and their lateral extensions were made.
During October, there was an epidemic of typhoid fever. The outbreak was traced to poor drainage and bad water near the Madison Street powerhouse.
The fever was also virulent at Lake Union. An examination of the water of Lake Union at this time proved that it was badly polluted with sewage. It was stated that the only sewers in the Seventh Ward were three immense ditches which carried the sewage of 10,000 people into the lake.
In 1890 Dr. W. M. Hilton became health officer. During 1891 there were 572 deaths in Seattle, which, figured from the basis of a population of 50,000, was at the rate of 11.44 per 1,000. The largest number of deaths was due to the following causes: Typhoid fever, 56; pneumonia, 55; phthisis, 54; inanition, 35; heart disease, 34; meningitis, 27; cholera infantum, 25; cancer, 24; accident, 23; drowning, 15; convulsions, 14; enteritis, 12; Bright's disease, 11.
Following the adoption of the freeholders' charter in 1890 a board of health was appointed consisting of Drs. James Shannon, F. A. Churchill and F. A. Noble, with Dr. G. H. T. Sparling health officer.
For the years 1892-4 the board was composed of Drs. James Shannon, P. B. M. Miller and S. J. Holmes. Dr. R. M. Eames was appointed health officer, but resigned, and Dr. F. S. Palmer succeeded him.
During most of the years 1890 to 1894, Dr. J. P. Sweeney was a member of the board of aldermen, and in 1892 was chosen president of that body. The same year Dr. H. Eugene Jordan was also a member of that body, and Drs. J. S. Kloeber and J. E. Crichton were members of the house of delegates.
Doctor Kloeber also served one term as president of that body.
In 1895 the number of physicians had increased to only 120, but there had been many changes by reason of removals and deaths and accessions. Among the latter the following may be noted: Emil Bories, F. M. Conn, George Heussy, Edward P. Heliker, C. E. Hoye, J. H. Lyons, G. B. McCulloch, H. E. Merkel, H. P. Miller, L. C. Neville, F. S. Palmer, Alfred Raymond, Annie Russell, Montgomery Russell, T. W. Sloan, C. A. Smith, H. F. Titus, L. C. Whitford, F. B. Whiting, P. W. Willis, John Witherspoon.
In 1896 the death rate per 1,000 was very low, only 7.26. For the first time since 1893 smallpox appeared—five cases and one death. There were 50 cases of scarlatina and 2 deaths as against 264 and 7 deaths in 1895. There were 200 cases of measles, 19 cases of diphtheria and 11 deaths; antitoxin was used at this time with good results. There were 140 cases of typhoid fever with 14 deaths. In 1895 there were 147 cases and 24 deaths. Forty-six persons died of pulmonary tuberculosis. One case of leprosy appeared. In June, 1896, two assistant sanitary inspectors were appointed, made necessary by the complaints of nuisances and the many food inspections required. The health department began for the first time to use the Babcock machine for testing the amount of butter fat in milk. In four months 757 tests were made, of which 343 contained less than 3.6 per cent of butter fat. Under this system the quality of the city milk was improved and the price advanced.
Seattle, at this writing, has a score or more hospitals. Up to 1875 there was but one. The breakaway from that condition of things is now to be narrated.
An attempt to establish another, under the auspices of the Protestant Episcopal Church, had not proved successful. Providence Hospital, supported by the Roman Catholic Church, under management of the sisters of charity, afforded the only opportunity for hospital treatment, and its service, which was very necessary and valuable, was not regarded by the public, in 1895, as being of a sufficiently high standard for such a city as Seattle. It was generally thought that a hospital giving better service might be sustained, although compelled to charge more for lodging and treatment.
The proposition met with instant favor. After preliminary meetings a permanent organization was effected. There was to be a board of twenty-four trustees or governors, all elected but three. The three ex-officio members were the mayor of the city, the president of the Chamber of Commerce and the president of the Young Men's Christian Association. Subject to the governors, the entire management was in the hands of an administrative committee of five persons.
Every pastor of a church in the city was an ex-officio member. So also was the city mayor, the president of the Chamber of Commerce, the president of the Young Men's Christian Association, and the president of every medical, surgical or pharmaceutical society having its home in the city. Judge Greene was elected president, Rev. Dr. Alexander Alison and Rev. Dr. W. H. G. Temple, vice presidents, George A. Virtue, secretary, and William R. Ballard, treasurer.
These constituted the administrative committee and all but two of them remained on the committee until the corporation went out of business by transferring its properties and goodwill to its successor. Doctors Temple and Alison retired within a year and were replaced by Judge William D. Wood and Griffith Davies.
There were no later changes. This committee, by direction of the board of governors, proceeded to acquire all needful buildings and equipment and establish and operate the hospital under the name “Seattle General Hospital.” Several thousands of dollars in money were raised and numerous gifts secured of usable materials, furniture and other articles essential or convenient. The building at No. 2823 First Avenue was rented, extensively repaired and supplemented, and there the hospital began work. No ex-head nurse could be found in the city, and so the position of matron or superintendent was given to Mrs. O. V. Roe.
To secure a competent medical and surgical board a full list of the practitioners was made, and a copy sent to each requesting him to mark a cross opposite the name of the eleven persons whom he thought best qualified for membership on such a board, and to return the list thus checked to the sender. About seventyfive per cent of the persons addressed responded with lists duly checked. With a very remarkable approximation to unanimity eleven persons were elected, the names of nine of whom the writer of this history has been able to ascertain.
They are Drs. A. B. Kibbe, Casper W. Sharples, James B. Eagleson, Frank H. Coe, L. R. Dawson, Alfred Raymond, G. W. McCulloch, C. A. Smith, Park Weed Willis. This result beautifully demonstrated, in the face of the current notion that jealousy and professional rivalry prevent medical men from justly ranking each other, how fair and true they can be and are in such estimates.
Every one of the men chosen accepted a place on the board. There was a specialist for each specialty. They made Doctor Kibbe the chairman of the board and he remained such to the end.
The hospital at the end of the year was in debt between $1,400.00 and $1,500.00, and no money in the treasury. A new superintendent, Miss Anna H. Messler, a thoroughly trained head nurse of excellent executive ability, was brought out from Philadelphia and made superintendent. Members of the administrative committee contributed several hundreds of dollars to the treasury.
Vigorous efforts on the part of the management and personal financial aid and improved conditions in the business world soon put the institution on a self-supporting basis and by a composition with the creditors the debts were paid After a time the hospital was removed to better quarters, the Sarah B. Yesler building at the intersection of Second Avenue North and Republican Street.
In 1899 Mr. Thomas S. Lippy was a member of the First Methodist Episcopal Church of Seattle. He had gone to the Klondike two or three years before and had come back rich. Rev. Dr. E. S. Randall was then the pastor. It was proposed to institute a hospital and training school for nurses, to be operated as a branch of church work. It made overtures to that society, through Doctor Randall, to have the society turn over its plant and business. The society gave the matter very careful and favorable consideration. It had accumulated about three thousand dollars' worth of property, its business was prospering and it had the goodwill of the medical fraternity and of the public generally. On the other hand, its future was uncertain; it was not being operated for profit; there was every reason to believe it would do as well and be of as much service to the public under the proposed new management, and its future would be assured. The men in control of the hospital concluded that it was best to make the transfer. But the president insisted that the society must receive $600 with which to pay the creditors who had received only half of the sums due them.
This was acceded to, the payments made, the property and business turned over, and the name Seattle General Hospital retained. Under the new regime the first managing board was composed of Rev. Dr. E. S. Randall, Thomas S. Lippy, J. W. Efaw, Roger S. Greene and I. Waring. Mrs. Mary P. King relieved Mrs. Livingston as superintendent. The hospital has been ably conducted hitherto, under its new auspices, is a prosperous enterprise, and has come to be only one of very many sister institutions, illustrating Seattle's rapid and persistent growth and metropolitan tendencies.
In the summer an epidemic of scarlatina appeared in the city and was immediately succeeded by one of measles. In May of that year there were ten cases of scarlatina and one death. There were also a few cases of diphtheria.
During that month there were eighty-one complaints against nuisances, of which forty-three were abated. At this time the board of health began to inspect the city milk and food supplies.
Early in 1898 the Denny School was closed on account of the epidemic of diphtheria. In January there were twenty-one cases of that disease in this city, and in February, fourteen. Scarlet fever and measles also prevailed. The closing of the school completely checked the epidemic of diphtheria, which fact convinced the board of health that reasonable precautions in the future would prevent an epidemic.
In March cerebro-spinal meningitis was pronounced epidemic in portions of the city. Doctor Kibbe maintained that it was an epidemic disease, although that question was in dispute at the time.
In May the Washington State Medical Society met here with Dr. J. B. Eagleson as presiding officer. Active county organizations were reported in King, Pierce, Spokane and Walla Walla counties. A special committee prepared a paper on “How to Avoid Catching Consumption and How to Avoid Giving It to Others,” of which 8,000 were ordered circulated. Dr. A. B. Kibbe was very active in the proceedings of this session. Doctor Sharples of Seattle read a paper on “Exopthalemic Goitre.” Dr. P. W. Willis of Seattle read one on “Prevention of Tuberculosis.” Doctor Kibbe read one on “A Note on the Early Diagnosis of the Epidemic of Cerebro Spinal Meningitis.”
The use of the X-ray was discussed and Dr. C. A. Smith contributed a paper on “The Recent Epidemic of Diphtheria in Seattle.”
During the first eleven months of 1898 there were forty-one deaths from diphtheria and a total of ninety-three cases. This fact called for strenuous efforts, according to the board of health. During the same period there were 104 cases of scarlet fever. Dr. M. E. A. McKechnie was health officer at this time.
During the entire year 1898 there were a total of 669 deaths in this city, of which 79 occurred at Providence Hospital and 48 at the Seattle General Hospital. There were 226 cases of diphtheria, 112 cases of scarlet fever and 69 cases of typhoid fever. At the close of the year the board of health demanded a police ambulance and a receiving hospital in order to handle the numerous emergency cases. Up to this time no provision had been made for the care of persons injured on the streets. Dr. S. J. Holmes was appointed city bacteriologist and Doctor McKechnie health officer.
Notwithstanding the numerous deaths from the above diseases, Seattle continued to be one of the healthiest cities, and quite often the healthiest city in the country. In 1890, before there was a general organization for the control of epidemics, the death rate was 13.46. The rate steadily dropped with slight variations until 1897 when it was only 6.88. However, the following year, which was a disastrous one, showed a death rate of 9.55. This fact was the cause of strenuous efforts on the part of the health department to improve sanitation throughout the city.
On January 16, 1899, its tenth anniversary, the King County Medical Society assembled in Seattle with about forty members in attendance and with Dr. C. A. Smith presiding. A historical review of the society from its inception was read by Dr. W. L. Ludlow. The meeting was held at the Rainier Club rooms. Supper and speeches were enjoyed.
The efforts of the health department during 1898 caused a great decrease in the death rate from epidemic diseases during 1899. There were but 337 deaths due to diphtheria, scarlet fever, measles, smallpox and typhoid fever in 1899, whereas in 1898 the number was 658. Cleanliness was considered of greater importance than ever before. Milk was inspected, food supplies examined, streets and alleys cleaned, garbage burned and sewerage improved.
Many cases of epidemic disease, it should be stated, were not due to the uncleanliness of Seattle, but were brought here from foreign ports and from Alaska.
Vigorous measures of quarantine, fumigation and disinfecting were put in operation. A small pesthouse was provided for emergency cases and cesspools were abated.
In 1899 the deaths from tuberculosis, 63, were highest on the list. Pneumonia came next with 56, typhoid next with 25, and diphtheria next with 16. During the year the slaughter houses were thoroughly inspected and required to clean up.
In 1900 there were 70 deaths from tuberculosis, 110 from pneumonia, 37 from heart disease, 21 from drowning and 32 from suicide. In all cases there were 335 cases of scarlet fever, 107 smallpox, 61 of typhoid and 26 of diphtheria.
During the year 118,550 gallons of milk were inspected. The slaughtering of animals at the stock yards was well inspected.
In 1900 the list of physicians and surgeons had increased to 150, a number not at all comparative to the growth of the city. A few of those who had been added during the preceding five years may be noted: George V. Calhoun, Frank M. Carroll, Alexander De Soto, E. E. Heg, C. A. Hoffman, Ivar Janson, E. G. Johnson, H. D. Kline, S. B. Limerick, J. H. Lukens, M. E. McKechnie, William P. O'Rourke, G. S. Peterkin, W. N. Powers, G. H. Randell, Alfred Raymond, Powell Reeves, D. S. Shellabarger, W. J. Snyder, J. G. Stewart, Hamilton Stillson, M. F. Terry, F. A. Thorne.
The Wayside Mission Hospital had a beginning so unique, and so paved the way for the present City Hospital, that it deserves mention in this history. In the late '90s Dr. Alexander de Soto became a resident and citizen of Seattle.
He was of Spanish extraction, his father being, according to his account of himself, a general in the military forces of Spain. He had received a good literary, as well as a medical and surgical education, was a physician and surgeon of skill and experience and possessed a naturally bright and resourceful mind. He here practiced his profession, doing a good deal of charity work.
He was admitted as a member into the Tabernacle Baptist Church, and became acquainted there with a co-member, Capt. Amos O. Benjamin, an old resident of Seattle. Captain Benjamin was a man of varied adventure and business. He has been a soldier, a rancher, a shipmaster, a diver, a junk-dealer, a wrecker, a dealer in furniture. Sometime after Doctor de Soto and he formed their acquaintanceship, Benjamin was dealing in junk, and became the owner of the dismantled hull of the steamship Idaho, which he purchased from Cahn and Cohn for $250. Being both of them inventive and benevolent, they conceived the idea of turning the hull into a hospital, in which to treat the emergency cases that were continually arising along the water front and in the streets of the city.
They sought Judge Greene for such aid as he might be able to give them. He saw that their proposition was practicable, and the Seattle Benevolent Society was organized April 1, 1899, to work the matter into operation. The society consisted of Roger S. Greene, Frank D. Black, Amos O. Benjamin, Alexander Beers, Alexander de Soto, James W. Cowan and George G. Bright. Judge Greene was president, Mr. Black vice president and Mr. Bright secretary. Captain Benjamin presented the Idaho to the society. A suitable site was provided by the city in the water at the foot of Jackson Street, where a gridiron was built and the hull set upon it and put in serviceable repair. Doctor de Soto resigned from the board of trustees, in order to become lessee of the hospital and James Johnson, appointed in his room, became secretary. The hull was speedily built upon and fitted up as a hospital, under lease to the doctor, at the monthly rent of $20.00, which was to be rebated monthly, so long as the management of the leased property should be satisfactory to the society. The society has never changed its officers, nor its organization. Its property became widely known all over the city and up and down the Pacific coast as the “Wayside Mission Hospital.” Under Doctor de Soto's care it served a very useful purpose, receiving and treating the city emergency patients, for about four years. Doctor de Soto kept aboard the hospital a loyal henchman of his, an athlete and ex-prizefighter, whom he imported from the Atlantic seaboard, and whose duty was that of a sergeant at arms and special policeman, to keep unruly patients within the bounds of propriety, protect property and prevent unauthorized intrusion upon the premises. In July, 1904, Doctor de Soto's management becoming unsatisfactory, his lease was revoked and the leasehold management turned over to Mrs. Fanny W. Connor and Mrs. Marion Baxter. They operated the premises until the hull became leaky and the Oregon Improvement Company, whose dock lay just at the mouth of the hospital, required for its own business new railway trackage on the south, and persuaded the city to remove the hospital ship. The hospital moved to the old “Sarah B. Yesler” at the northwest corner of Second Avenue North, and Republican Street, where the hospital was operated for several years longer, by the same name, under the management of Mrs. Baxter, caring for the city emergency cases until the city hospital at the northwest corner of Fifth Avenue and Yesler Way went into commission.
Early in 1902 Health Officer Carroll issued an order to vaccinate all pupils in order to check a spread of smallpox, of which many cases were in the city.
Public buildings, school rooms and homes were fumigated and every effort made to stop the spread of the disease. During 1901 there were a total of 558 cases of contagious diseases, of which 203 were smallpox cases, 259 scarlet fever, 44 diphtheria and 52 measles. The pesthouse was overcrowded. A campaign of fumigation and sanitation was conducted throughout the entire city. It was necessary to appoint several additional health inspectors. Thousands of people throughout the city were vaccinated.
In 1902 it was decided to establish an emergency hospital for the poor and unfortunate at Fifth Avenue and Yesler Way. In December, 1901, 760 rooms and 120 houses in this city were fumigated by quarantine inspectors.
In ten days in January, 1902, 20,000 persons were vaccinated in this city, of whom 12,500 were school children.
In 1901, 232,660 gallons of milk were inspected, of which 155 gallons were condemned. In 1903 the office of meat inspector was created and William R. Sutter placed in charge. This was an important and necessary step, made necessary by the large number of animals slaughtered here. In 1902 there were killed in this city 26,608 cattle, 93,200 sheep, 62,299 hogs and 1,032 calves. In all, 17,564 pounds of meat were condemned. During this year there were 420 cases of smallpox and 298 cases of scarlet fever; also, this year, 4,490 rooms were fumigated. So energetic and thorough was the health department that in January, 1903, the city for the first time in many years was absolutely free from smallpox and had few cases of other epidemic diseases.
At the annual banquet of the medical society in 1903, there were present a large attendance, and Dr. C. W. Sharples acted as toastmaster. D. A. Mitchell was the retiring president and J. P. Sweeney was the incoming president.
Papers were read by Doctors Smith, Holmes and Schoenle.
This year there were four sanitary inspectors in this city. Seattle had a free medical dispensary under the management of Dr. James A. Mooers. At this time the Seattle General Hospital could accommodate only about seventy-five persons in 1903. However, it was planned to double its capacity, and in the meantime the Providence Hospital accommodated about one hundred and twenty-five.
In 1903 over three hundred thousand gallons of milk were inspected. There were tested for butter fat 2,779 gallons. At the stock yards 347 inspections were made. The meat markets were also thoroughly inspected. There were condemned over eighty-five thousand pounds of meat.
Doctor Kidd of the state board of health made the tubercular tests. At this time not a drop of milk was allowed to be sold in this city until after it had been inspected.
The year 1904 was very important because all health and sanitary measures were improved as never before in any one year. Notwithstanding these efforts many diseases were epidemic or nearly so, but were kept in subjection by the intelligent methods introduced and carried into execution.
Early in 1905 the Grace Hospital was torn down. It had been leased for a time by the Washington General Hospital Association in the '80s and a little later was abandoned as a hospital.
This year the Metropolitan Hospital and Sanitarium was established. At this time osteopathy began to be practiced here quite extensively. An epidemic of grippe and pneumonia swept over the whole city.
In 1905 the King County Medical Association tried to induce all milk dealers to handle only milk that had been inspected. It was an up-hill movement, but was in a measure successful. The board of health building was condemned late in 1906 and the board moved to a building at Fourth Avenue and Jefferson Street.
From 1900 to 1905 the number of the medical and surgical profession had expanded to 275. Several additional names follow: H. Eugene Allen, F. R. Ballard, F. A. Booth, F. S. Bourns, Grant Calhoun, A. C. Crookall, W. R. I. Dalton, Myra Everly, F. J. Filz, Rowe France, J. A. Ghent, W. C. Gibson, E. E. Grant, F. L. Horsfall, E. Janson, S. H. Knowles, J. S. McBride, C. E. and R. A. McClure, J. A. Mooers, E. C. Neville, Don H. Palmer, I. A. Parry, E. M. Riniger, H. A. Shaw, R. M. Stith, A. C. Stoddart, J. C. Thoms, P. V. Von Phul, S. F. Wiltsie.
At this time the King County Medical Society was in active operation and doubtless members of the profession arriving here during later years have been included in its ranks and their names will appear in its list of membership.
Early in 1907 a special children's hospital was planned by the women of Seattle, headed by Mrs. J. W. Clise, the object being to make healthy, self-supporting children from weaklings and cripples. It became known in the end as the Children's Orthopedic Hospital. The incorporators were as follows:
Anna H. Clise, Anna C. Collins, Nettie G. Black, and the trustees were Ella D. Godwin, Susan Henry, Elsa T. Backus, Halcon R. Gray, Jean H. Kerr, Jennette N. Heiffs, Dorothy P. Kane, Katherine G. Kerry, Bessie T. Lewis, Eliza F. Leary, Lillian G. McEwen, Henrietta T. Morgan, Emma C. Nettleton, Maude B. Parsons, Mrs. Peters, Olive W. Roberts, Susan Smith, Hattie O.
Stimson, Nellie Stimson, Olive G. Treat, Bessie B. Wilson and the three incorporators. From the start the organization received assurances of substantial support from many prominent business men. This hospital became well supported and exerted great influence for good, and soon numbered among its members and active supporters scores of the best women and citizens of the city.
That Seattle would, sooner or later, have to deal with the question of bubonic plague had long been recognized by observing people. San Francisco had been an infected port for many years, likewise Honolulu and the Pacific ports of South America; throughout Asia the disease had become epidemic, and Seattle, being a seaport town with commercial relations by vessel with all of the points mentioned, and also by rail with San Francisco, it was almost inevitable that sooner or later the disease would make its appearance here.
In anticipation of such a contingency, a rat ordinance, similar to that in force in San Francisco, had been passed by the city council in September, 1907. The wisdom of having such a law in effect, giving authority to the health department to carry on a campaign, in case it should be necessary, was shown sooner than expected by the finding of a case of bubonic plague in a Chinaman on October 16th of the same year. As soon as the diagnosis had been definitely made, a policy of active work, looking to the eradication of the disease, was immediately decided upon. Within a few days two other cases of plague were discovered and verified, making a total of three in human beings. The last case was on October 31, 1907.
In the light of the fact that bubonic plague existed in the city, it became evident that there had in all probability been four other cases of this dread disease, though none of these could be verified. Seattle had, then, three verified and four probable cases of plague during the month of October.
Mayor William Hickman Moore recognized the fact that Seattle was confronted with the greatest menace to her growth, both physically and commercially, and with characteristic promptness a vigorous campaign for the stamping out of the disease was begun. He appointed Dr. Frank S. Bourns, who but three years previously had settled in Seattle, fresh from his labors as health officer of Manila, P. I., where he had been forced to cope with both bubonic plague and Asiastic cholera, as special health officer with power to organize a special branch of the health department. Co-operation was asked of the state and Federal authorities, with the result that early in November Dr. L. E. Cofer, past assistant surgeon of the United States Public Health and Marine Hospital Service, arrived in the city to take charge for the Federal Government. The new Federal laboratory, on exhibition at the Jamestown Exposition, was immediately forwarded to this city by express and a bacteriologist of the Federal Government placed in charge of that branch of the work. That laboratory, with a Federal past assistant surgeon in charge of the work, still remains in the city, and carries on the examination of rats.
The object of the work from the beginning was: First, by cleaning up the city and removing rat food and rat harbors, to make the city less favorable for the propagation of rats; second, to exterminate rats insofar as possible to do so with the means at command; third, to keep a careful watch on the situation by examining in the special laboratory as many of the rats that were captured and killed as possible. It is well known that a decided epidemic occurs in rats before human cases are found, so that, as long as this work is kept up but little fear need be entertained of a further outbreak of the disease, especially in view of the success that has accompanied the work up to the present time.
The city council provided liberally for this work, about thirty thousand dollars being spent in the first few months of the campaign.
A program of publicity was inaugurated to offset the dangers threatening, the measures recommended and a widespread interest was awakened among the citizens.
By 1909, at the time of the fair, a total of twenty-one rats had been pronounced plague infected by the Federal laboratory. At the same time every health and sanitary measure deemed necessary was adopted. The women's clubs did a great deal in the interest of sanitation and health generally. At all times they were active workers in conjunction with the health department, the inspectors and medical organizations. They raised large sums of money to assist in carrying out these measures.
On March 8, 1908, a charter amendment was ratified by the people of Seattle, at a general election, abolishing the board of health and providing for the appointment of a commissioner of health by the mayor, subject to confirmation by the council, who should be appointed for a term of five years. On March 23, 1908, Dr. J. E. Crichton was appointed to this position by Mayor John F. Miller. At the same election civil service was extended to embrace the department of health and sanitation.
Having served for years previously as a member of the city council, Doctor Crichton was eminently fitted for the work of reorganizing and modernizing the health department, and with many close friends in the council whose aid he could depend upon, and with a widespread interest in public health awakened, he had little opposition.
A. A. Braymer, who had entered the department in the year 1907, was appointed chief clerk and secretary and was authorized to immediately draft and submit a plan of reorganization, which plan was adopted in the form of an ordinance, enumerating the branches, positions and salaries. On July 10, 1908, this ordinance reorganizing the department became effective, and with an up-to-date department, both in numerical strength and personnel, Doctor Crichton plunged into the work of attaining a high standard in public health work, with economy and efficiency throughout the department.
In 1908 the government inspectors publicly stated that the milk supply of Seattle was as unhealthful as any in the country. Immediately upon taking office Dr. J. E. Crichton began a relentless crusade against impure milk. Before the close of 1913 no more wholesome food or drink product could be found in the country than in Seattle. The result was a great reduction in the death rate of small children. In 1908 the whole Sound water front was covered with litter and filth, among which rats infected with bubonic plague found homes.
By 1913 all this had been abolished. Shacktown, too, was obliterated and the miserable dwellers were removed to sanitary quarters.
Of course this all cost a lot of money and he was assailed by critics for his extravagant expenditures. The medical fraternity and the various public organizations generally, including the Anti-Tuberculosis League, endorsed his official actions, and it was the general verdict that the attacks upon him were largely political in their nature.
While the people were getting ready for the great fair of 1909, the activities of the health department redoubled. Cleaning up streets and alleys and vacant lots became a crusade. Every sanitary precaution was adopted to put the city in perfect health condition and keep it there. In particular there was a widespread movement against spitting in street cars and public places and on the sidewalks. A stringent ordinance was enacted which was enforced strictly by the police and health officers. The movement was mostly directed against the “white plague.” This scourge of humanity had headed the death list with 136 in 1905, 183 in 1907, and 218 in 1908. This called for active measures and the result was a concerted and determined movement of all health organizations to check or crush the disease.
In 1909 a most energetic campaign against the typhoid fly was waged here.
A monthly bulletin was issued by the health department with illustrations, giving complete accounts of the campaign and showing the danger from this apparently innocent insect. Lecturers from abroad came here and described fully to school children and citizens generally the constant danger in which the presence of the ordinary typhoid fly placed them.
In August, the medical society passed a resolution asking the Legislature to adopt the Arizona law concerning the punishment of practicing medicine without a license. The society also endorsed the compulsory vaccination of children.
They also endorsed an examination for nurses before a proper board of examination.
Early in 1909 the new municipal hospital was put in operation. It was greatly needed and was at once occupied by a number of patients. At this time the examination of the bake shops and similar institutions was ordered and carried into execution. Improved sanitation in the city had greatly reduced the number of typhoid cases for the years 1907 and 1908. The result was due almost wholly to the strict sanitary regulations that had been carried into effect.
Milk, meat, bread, restaurant products, water, garbage, had been carefully inspected, and flies, rats and every other probable source of disease were guarded against. Late in 1908 there were twelve medical school inspectors, also three nurses for the sixty-two public schools of the city. Dr. H. Eugene Allen was in charge of this branch of the work.
This measure resulted in completely checking the epidemics which had previously swept through one or more of our public schools. On the last day of March, 1909, nineteen patients from the Wayside Hospital were removed to the city's emergency hospital on the fourth floor of the new municipal building.
The council appropriated sufficient means to care for the patients. At the start the hospital contained twenty-five patients. It had accommodations for fifty and upon forced conditions could accommodate eighty. There were rooms for operation, surgery, men, women and other branches of hospital service. One doctor remained at the hospital night and day. Dr. J. E. Crichton, as commissioner of health, had general charge of the institution.
Early in 1909 Mrs. Henry Fuhrman bequeathed $10,000 to the Children's Orthopedic Hospital.
The twenty-second annual convention of the Washington State Dental Association met in this city. There was a free public clinic and many public demonstrations. There was a strong organization of dentists in this city, who were greatly interested in advances in their profession, and many attended this annual convention. About the same time the first annual meeting of the State Homeopathic Society assembled here, the president being Dr. E. Weldon Young of this city.
There was a large attendance and many interesting papers were read by physicians from all parts of the state.
The year 1909 ended with an unprecedented campaign against tuberculosis.
The health department, the medical society, the hospital forces, the city authorities and the citizens generally carried on a campaign during the fall months with great energy and enthusiasm. Thousands of circulars describing the danger were distributed throughout this community. Lecturers expatiated day and night on the dangers. An organized campaign of education for the control of consumption and the conservation of health was in a large measure conducted by the King County Anti-tuberculosis League.
In February, 1910, the King County Medical Society appointed a special committee to investigate all municipal undertakings for the protection of public health. At this time the society reported on the progress made in anti-plague work. The City Emergency Hospital at this time became a staff institution and was attended by several of the best local physicians. It was still in charge of Dr. J. E. Crichton and specialists were ever present to care for the unfortunates.
In January of that year nearly one hundred and fifty cases were handled, which number reached the capacity of the hospital. An average of forty-seven patients per day was present.
In the spring the sum of $10,000 was voted and appropriated for a tuberculosis hospital by the State Legislature and the beneficiary became and since has been known as the Seattle Pulmonary Hospital, situated at Riverton. By the death of Miss Loretta Denny this institution was remembered in a bequest included in the will, which set apart $7,000 to be used in the support of the hospital, and her niece, Miss Lenora Denny, took the necessary steps to carry out the provisions of the generous gift. She devoted much time in this regard and while so employed her own interest in the movement was aroused, to the extent that she finally was impelled to contribute out of her own resources considerable sums of money from time to time, which in the aggregate far exceeded the original bequest. * During the years 1910-11 the health authorities continued the splendid work of improving sanitary conditions. There was a large health conference in this city late in December, 1910, on which occasion all health measures and the nature of diseases were fully discussed. It was decided that inspection throughout the city should be more thorough and cover a wider range of subjects. The laboratories here, both of the city and of the United States Government, assisted immensely in these measures. It was believed at this time that Seattle was more energetic and more effective in carrying out sanitation and health measures than any other city of the Pacific Coast.
Award in the municipal hospital for children afflicted with infantile paralysis was provided late in 1910. At this time it was determined to assist children who had thus been paralyzed and rendered imperfect and unhappy. It was stated by the health department that in 1904 there were in the whole world only 250 cases known to exist and that six years later there were over eight thousand cases, of which 260 were in this state and over one hundred in this city.
This was a startling announcement and set the health department and authorities into action. It was stated that about seventy-five per cent of the children afflicted with this disease were left with paralyzed limbs and thus became public charges.
In January, 1911, the city had a free dental clinic in a room of the municipal hospital for deserving children of the poor. Members of the King County Dental Society gave these children their services free of charge.
The cornerstone of the New Orthopedic Hospital was laid in March at Warren and Crockett streets; the institution cost in the end about one hundred thousand dollars.
The New Providence Hospital, which cost about one million dollars, was formally opened in September at Seventeenth Avenue and Jefferson Street.
In 1910 a proposition was submitted to the people for their approval to issue $400,000 worth of bonds, to be used for the purchase of the equipment necessary to collect, and to build incinerators necessary to destroy, garbage. The cost of collection and destruction was to be included in the tax levy each year. The bonds were voted at the following election, but when they were offered for sale legal objections were raised which somewhat delayed the sale. Mayor Dilling strongly advocated the collection of garbage by the contract system, the payment being made by the ton, a contract rate being made for each district. The board of public works finally arranged for such a contract and collection under this system started August 1, 1911. This was, therefore, a semi-municipal collection and a complete municipal destruction and disposal system by incinerators, dumping in the Sound by scows and some large garbage dumps. During the year 1911 the collection was about two hundred and fifty tons daily in the summer months and about three hundred tons during the colder months.
The old incinerator, known as No. 1, had been built and in operation for some time; another one was completed late in the year and the third one, on the north shore of Lake Union, was started. Mr. Chas. L. Murray was appointed superintendent of the garbage division, which was made a branch of the Department of Health and Sanitation.
The contract for garbage collection expired January 31, 1913, having been let for eighteen months and, on February 1, 1913, the city commenced complete municipal collection with its own wagons, although the horses, harness and two men on each wagon were hired by the day. This arrangement as to collection prevails at the present time.
One by one, since the expiration of the contract collection system, a number of sanitary fills have been put in operation in different portions of the city, on city property with few exceptions, and permanent fills made on these waste lands of considerable value. As the garbage from each district was taken care of by these fills the incinerators were closed down one at a time, the last, No. 4, being closed in August, 1915, while towing and dumping from scows was discontinued in June, 1914. Ashes and garbage are collected in one can and the method of making the sanitary fill is to level the dumping of each day and cover it with a layer of dirt, spraying the garbage during the warmer months with a solution to kill larvae, etc. These fills are not objectionable from a health standpoint, dispose of garbage cheaply, reduce the cost of collection very materially by reducing the length of the haul and increase the value of the land, making it available for public use.
From laboratory investigations it is shown that everything of an organic nature is thoroughly incinerated in these fills in from twelve to eighteen months, less than I per cent of decomposing matter remaining after ten months.
There exists in this city an almost unlimited number of places which can be beautified, made valuable and useful by means of these sanitary fills, while the saving in both collection and destruction is enormous.
The total cost of collection and destruction in the year 1915 was about one hundred thousand dollars less than during the year 1912 under the collection contract system and the system of destruction by incinerators and by towing and dumping in the bay, with a collection 25 per cent greater in the year 1915.
During 1912 about six million gallons of milk were consumed in this city from what was called the “Seattle Milk Shed.” All was inspected. The meat inspection was thorough. In fact all food and drink products were critically examined. The laboratories served a splendid purpose in detecting unwholesomeness in food products.
After the death of Dr. E. M. Riniger from an automobile accident in the summer of 1912, his hospital passed to the Swedish Hospital Association in March and the sale was confirmed by the court. The property brought $90,723.
There were seventy rooms in the institution. Dr. Riniger's library was donated to the new hospital by his widow, Mrs. E. H. Riniger. The old Swedish Hospital was at 1733 Belmont Avenue.
