CommunityTotalCasesTotalDeathsAshley Borough39143Fairview Twp.1508Avoca Borough25026Courtdale Borough328Conyngham30042Dallas Borough255Dorranceton Borough (including Westmoor)35780Duryea Borough70465Edwardsville Borough609121Exeter Borough950120Forty Fort Borough13814Freeland Boro. and Foster Twp.1,567104Hughestown Borough1697Jeddo Borough47118Kingston Borough66068Kingston Twp.254Laflin Borough840Larksville Borough59482Laurel Run Boro.1504Luzerne Borough52044Pringle Twp.15714Miners Mills Borough54640Nanticoke Borough1,772299Slocum Twp.636Hanover Twp.35946Newport Twp.3,700192Nescopeck Twp.16517New Columbus Borough304Parsons Borough57549Plymouth Boro. and Plymouth Twp.1,55995Shickshinny Borough27525Sugar Notch Borough45022Wright Twp.130Dorrance Twp.624Swoyerville Boro.2,00081Warrior Run Borough13215West Hazleton Boro47953West Pittston Boro68553Exeter Twp.01West Wyoming Boro.14422White Haven Borough1823Wyoming Borough32530Yatesville Borough00Hazleton3,012338Hazle Twp.79077Butler Twp.746Pittston, Pittston Twp. and Jenkins Twp.1,366261Wilkes-Barré4,817521Wilkes-Barré Twp.53160Bear Creek Twp.52Plains Twp.1,629133Bucks Twp.00Nuangola Borough00────────Grand totals34,0433,332
The following table sets forth the number of cases of influenza and pneumonia treated, and the number of deaths occurring, in the Emergency Hospitals in Luzerne County:
Wanamie18749Exeter16942Hazleton10943Wilkes-Barré Armory19269Nanticoke15141Dupont10312Plains5013────────Grand totals961269
The following detailed statement indicates very clearly the character and amount of the work done for nurses and patients by the members of the Red Cross Canteen of Wyoming Valley Chapter during the pandemic:
Number of portions servedOctober1,983November3,714December3,974────Total9,671Number of quarts of soup distributedOctober2,158November3,946December2,456────Total8,560Number of quarts of milk distributedOctober50November560December805────Total1,415Number of lunches packed for nursesOctober532November917December203────Total1,652Number of quarts of lemon syrup servedOctober20November18────Total38Number of quarts of lemon jelly servedOctober51November40────Total91Number of quarts of pineapple juice servedOctober2November2────Total4
Desserts were distributed in which the following articles were used:
Milkqts.2,013Gelatinqts.295Eggsdoz.335Lemonsdoz.42½Ricelbs.15Vanillaqts.9Grape Juicebottles4Raspberry Juicebottle1Pineapplecans4Peachescan1Cocoaboxes4Junket Tabletsboxes2Cornstarchboxes155Tapiocaboxes141Gelatinboxes202Lemon Jelloboxes12Sugarlbs.316Ice Creamqts.56
Vegetables used in soupOctoberqts.40Novemberqts.40Decemberqts.40────Totalqts.120Rice used in soupOctoberlbs.26Novemberlbs.40Decemberlbs.50────Totallbs.116Barley used in soupOctoberlbs.10Novemberlbs.3Decemberlbs.10────Totallbs.23Spaghetti used in soupOctoberlbs.5Novemberlbs.46Decemberlbs.50────Totallbs.101
Number of influenza masks given out (approximately)200ClothingGarments50
Soup was distributed in Wilkes-Barré and outlying districts, and was sent to the Visiting Nurses’ rooms and to the Home for Friendless Children. Corresponding amounts of desserts were sent out in Wilkes-Barré, and outlying districts, and to the Home for Friendless Children. Jellies and marmalades were donated in large quantities, and were sent out with the soup and desserts. The sum of $500.00 was donated for free milk for influenza patients.
Although Troop Trains were being served during the month of December, the Canteen continued the work incidental to the epidemic. From Canteen Headquarters large quantities of soup, custards and milk were distributed to individuals and families in the city and outskirts. Three thousand nine hundred and seventy-four people were served. Two thousand four hundred and fifty-six quarts of soup were distributed; 167 quarts, with corresponding quantities of custard, were sent to Georgetown, and 13½ quarts to the Visiting Nurses’ rooms for their lunches. Eight hundred and five quarts of milk were distributed. Two hundred and three lunches were packed for volunteer nurses on duty in the stricken homes. Twenty-four quarts of ice cream were distributed on Christmas Day. Desserts were distributed in which the following were used: 739 quarts milk, 84 quarts gelatin, 117½ dozen eggs, 10½ dozen lemons, 4 quarts vanilla, 47 boxes cornstarch, 53 boxes tapioca, 33 boxes gelatin, 12 boxes lemon jello, 85 pounds sugar.
At a meeting of the Greater Wilkes-Barré Chamber of Commerce held December 10, 1918, with President Philip R. Bevan in the chair and Hayden Williams Secretary, a very full discussion took place with respect to the large number of children in Luzerne County who had been orphaned by the influenza scourge (2,390, as noted on page —n?,ante)—creating a condition demanding the serious consideration of every citizen of the County. Thereupon the following resolution was adopted:
“Resolved, That a committee be appointed to look into this matter, and make recommendations at a subsequent meeting of the Chamber.”
Pursuant to this resolution President Bevan appointed a committee as follows: William C. Shepherd,Chairman, Percy A. Brown, C. F. Brisbin, John N. Conyngham, Charles E. Clift, William H. Conyngham, Fuller R. Hendershot and John D. Farnham. This committee met on January 3, 1919, and after carefuldeliberation unanimously decided that, before any consideration could be given to a definite plan for the permanent relief of influenza orphans, it would be necessary to form a general committee drawn from various sections of the County of Luzerne. Chairman Shepherd declared that, whatever plan of relief should be adopted, it should apply to the entire County. He said, also, that it would have to be decided whether or not any of the children could be taken care of by existing charitable organizations, or whether a special institution would have to be established.
Mr. Hendershot, and others present, raised the question as to whether or not any of the children could be taken care of by the Mothers’ Pension Fund. It was admitted that if this were done the appropriations for the Fund would have to be increased. It was stated that, as there were some Counties in the State which did not have such a Fund, the local Board might be able to secure an increase in its appropriations from the State funds not drawn upon by other Counties entitled thereto.
Mr. Brisbin told of the investigation then going on by members of the Red Cross, and others, under his direction, in order to ascertain all conditions surrounding each individual affected by the ravages of the pandemic. He said that when the inquiries should be completed, in the course of two or three weeks, there would be definite information as to the exact number of orphans for whom permanent provision would have to be made. He said that in many cases orphans would either be placed in the care of relatives, or others, and that in the end the number to be provided for by the public would not be as large as then anticipated.
It was then resolved, upon motion of Mr. Brown, that a committee, representative of the entire County, should be appointed:
“To devise plans for the permanent relief of all influenza orphans needing the same; and that prior to a meeting of this General Committee to be held on January 20, 1919, the Secretary should communicate with the various cities in Pennsylvania and other States, in which the epidemic had been serious, for the purpose of securing information regarding permanent relief plans adopted in those cities.”
In pursuance of this resolve it was decided that the following-named persons should be invited to come together at the Chamber of Commerce on January 20, 1919, at 3 o’clock p.m., for the purpose of effecting a “permanent organization for the relief of influenza orphans in Luzerne County.” William C. Shepherd,Percy A. Brown, C. F. Brisbin, William H. Conyngham, John N. Conyngham, John D. Farnham, Hon. S. J. Strauss, Hon. J. V. Kosek, Miss Anna Koons, Charles F. Huber, Miss Mary Brady, Miss Rose O’Hara, Dr. Charles H. Miner, Dr. S. P. Mengel, Eugene W. Mulligan, Anthony C. Campbell, Mrs. George Galland, Mrs. Francis A. Phelps, Mrs. Andrew F. Derr, Miss Hobart, Miss Nellie Ritchie, Mrs. J. D. Davenport, Victor Lee Dodson, Frederick J. Weckesser and Harold N. Rust of Wilkes-Barré; Michael Lonski, F. H. Kohlbraker, Mrs. George G. Brader and Mrs. Oliver Bell of Nanticoke; Fuller R. Hendershot, Dr. H. L. Whitney, H. L. Freeman, Michael Maras and the Hon. Asa K. De Witt of Plymouth; Mayor Henry W. Heidenreich and Harry A. Schmoll of Hazleton; William Bray of Freeland; D. A. Mulherin of Glen Lyon; the Rev. M. A. Dauber of Pike’s Creek; Robert Mulhall, William Joseph Peck, M. N. Donnelly, Mayor James Kennedy, M. W. O’Boyle, W. L. Watson, W. J. Kilgallen and Mrs. Joseph Peck of Pittston; Samuel M. Parke of West Pittston; Mrs. E. E. Buckman, Mrs. Laurance M. Thompson and Harry W. Ruggles of Dorranceton; the Rev. F. Kasaczun of Sugar Notch; V. B. Sheeder and the Rev. Mr. Gillespie of Wanamie; the Rev. Selden L. Haynes, the Rev. J. F. Jedlicka and Hubbard B. Payne of Kingston; the Rev. J. E. Gryczka of Edwardsville; James L. Reilly, Secretary of the Poor Board of the Central District of Luzerne County.
In response to notices sent out to the aforementioned persons, about thirty-five of them assembled in the auditorium of the Wilkes-Barré Chamber of Commerce in the afternoon of January 20, 1919. At the request of Chairman Shepherd Mr. John N. Conyngham acted as Chairmanpro tem.Mr. Shepherd then explained the purpose of the meeting, and the necessity for providing some satisfactory method of taking care of the children throughout the County who had been left in a destitute condition by the influenza pandemic.
The Chairmanpro tem.asked whether or not a permanent organization should be formed. Mr. Mulhall thought that it would be wise to work through some organization already in existence and possessing power to enforce any law relating to the situation. He suggested the United Charities as such an organization, and supplementary to this suggestion Mr. Schmoll reportedthat in Hazleton forty-six influenza orphans were at that time being taken care of by the United Charities of that City.
Mrs. Galland, President of the Mothers’ Pension Fund, thought it would be the best plan to leave as many children as possible with their surviving parents, and that practically all cases could be handled by the Pension Fund—provided appropriations for it should be sufficiently increased.
On motion of the Rev. Mr. Haynes it was finally voted that a temporary organization be formed, to be known as the “Chamber of Commerce Coöperation Committee”, to coöperate with existing agencies in making investigations and providing relief for all deserving cases.
Mr. Brisbin, Chairman of the Civilian Relief Department of the Wyoming Valley Chapter of the Red Cross, stated that his department had begun investigations, regardless of any arrangements made, or to be made, by other committees or organizations. It had been stated that the Women’s Committee of the Council of National Defense was about to institute an investigation of the orphan problem along the same lines being followed by the Red Cross, and Mr. Brisbin called attention to the danger of serious confusion and complications as a result of this overlapping work.
Mrs. Phelps and Miss Brady (the latter an employé of the United Charities of Wilkes-Barré) spoke of conditions found by them in many homes where poverty reigned, and where it was necessary that something should be done immediately to save these families from being ejected from their homes by landlords because they could not pay their rents. Thereupon Mr. Mulhall inquired why the Poor Boards could not pay the rents of families in destitute circumstances. Mr. Dodson said that while the Poor Board of the Central District was publicly not in favor of paying rents, he believed it would take care of the rent question quietly by paying money for that purpose to the United Charities. Mr. Farnham stated that the Red Cross had some money which might be used for that purpose.
Upon motion of Mr. Hendershot it was then voted that a committee be appointed to work in conjunction with the State Department of Health in an attempt to secure from the State Legislature financial relief for all influenza orphans. As such committee theChairman appointed Fuller R. Hendershot, John D. Farnham and Percy A. Brown.
Upon motion of Mr. Haynes it was then voted to adjourn until January 22, at which time efforts would be made to devise an immediate plan for the permanent relief of influenza victims; and that the Secretary should invite to this meeting representatives of the Red Cross, the United Charities, and the Poor Boards in Luzerne and Carbon Counties.
The adjourned meeting of the Chamber of Commerce Coöperation Committee held on January 22, 1919, was attended by about twenty persons. Mr. William C. Shepherd presided, and L. K. Eldridge acted as Secretary. Mr. Shepherd stated that it was the consensus of opinion that, so far as possible, all orphans should be kept in their respective homes or be taken care of by relatives or friends. Mr. Brisbin outlined the work being done by the Civilian Relief Department of the Red Cross, stating that cases were being investigated, and that in his judgment the County had organizations enough to take care of the work, but that money was greatly needed.
Thereupon Mr. Hendershot moved that a committee be appointed to confer with the Poor Board, the Red Cross and other organizations with a view to obtaining money for carrying on the relief work. This motion having been carried the Chairman appointed the following committee, to be known as the “Ways and Means Committee”: William H. Conyngham (Chairman), Dr. Charles H. Miner, Anthony C. Campbell, Harold N. Rust and the Rev. Selden L. Haynes.
Charles E. Keck, Esq., Solicitor for the Poor Board of the Central District, then outlined the duties and limitations of that Board, and stated that the members of the Board would be very glad to meet the committee just appointed and go over with them the matter of providing funds for needed relief. At this point Judge S. J. Strauss made some very timely remarks to the effect that a committee should be appointed to provide means for increasing the capacity and usefulness of the Wilkes-Barré Home for Friendless Children. He stated that, in his opinion, additional organizations were not necessary, but that the Committee should co-operate with those already existing.
At a meeting of the Chamber of Commerce Coöperation Committeeheld on January 31, 1919, Mr. Rust, reporting for the Ways and Means Committee, stated that the latter had conferred with the attorney for the Poor Board of the Central District, who informed the committee that in any case where immediate relief was required the Board would investigate and then administer such relief as was necessary.
Mr. Rust was of the opinion that, inasmuch as the taxpayers had provided funds for the Poor Board, action should be taken by this Committee to see that the Board properly took care of worthy cases. Further, that as the law of the State prohibits the paying of rents by the Board, the matter of rents should be taken care of by the Red Cross; that there should be close coöperation between Wyoming Valley Chapter of the Red Cross and the Poor Board of the Central District in the matter of investigating cases; that immediate relief, when needed, should be furnished, and that the disbursement of funds should be divided between the Poor Board and the Red Cross. Mr. Farnham stated that in his opinion the funds of the Red Cross would be available as far as they would go.
On motion of Mr. Rust it was then voted that the Civilian Relief Department of Wyoming Valley Chapter of the Red Cross take to the Poor Board of the Central District the fifty specific cases which they had investigated; that these cases should be checked up against those receiving relief from the Central Poor District, and if it should be ascertained that there were any who were not receiving relief, the District be requested to add such names to their list for immediate investigation and relief; that the District pay for food, coal, etc., and that funds for the payment of rents be placed in the hands of the Civilian Relief Department of the Red Cross.
On motion of Mrs. George Galland it was voted that the Coöperation Committee of the Chamber of Commerce endorses the action of the Commissioners of Luzerne County in agreeing to appropriate $25,000 to the Mothers’ Pension Fund provided the State of Pennsylvania would appropriate $1,000,000 to the general fund.
A meeting of the Coöperation Committee of the Chamber of Commerce was held on February 19, 1919, with William C. Shepherd presiding and L. K. Eldridge acting as Secretary. Theminutes of the meeting held on January 31 were read and approved. Mr. Rust reported concerning the conference held by the Ways and Means Committee with the Poor Board of the Central District, stating that the latter had agreed to carry out, so far as possible, the recommendations set forth in the resolution of the Coöperation Committee adopted on January 31. The support promised by the Poor Board would cover medical assistance, food, clothing, and nursing when necessary; the Red Cross to pay rents.
Mrs. McLaughlin reported that the original fifty relief cases had been turned over to the Poor Board, together with 202 additional cases. The Poor Board had stated that 90% of these cases were already in their hands, under investigation. It was also reported that several day nurseries were under consideration, which would permit mothers to leave their children there and take up employment. Mrs. Phelps stated that in a number of cases widows had not yet received their insurance money; that some of the societies in which insurance had been carried were said to be bankrupt, while some of the larger insurance companies were holding up the payment of amounts due on policies of deceased victims of the epidemic.
On motion of Mr. Rust Mr. Brisbin was authorized to increase the membership of the Civilian Relief Committee so as to meet the requirements of the situation of affairs. It was voted, also, that he be given full power to discuss and decide all matters with the Central Poor Board, and that he consider the wisdom of employing persons to do social service work during the ensuing three months.
On April 30, 1919, a quorum of the Chamber of Commerce Coöperation Committee met in the Chamber of Commerce auditorium. Chairman Shepherd stated that, inasmuch as the Red Cross and the Poor Board of the Central District were taking care of matters for which the Coöperation Committee had been constituted, it was his judgment that the Committee should be discharged from further consideration of the matters in question. Mr. Schmoll stated that in Hazleton all cases had been taken care of through regular channels, and to the best of his knowledge there were no destitute cases at that time. Mrs. Bell reported that in Nanticoke there were twelve cases where rents were being paid, and would be paid as long as necessary, by the Red Cross.
Mr. Conyngham stated that the work of the Red Cross, at that time, was confined to the paying of rents. He could not say, however, how much longer this work could be continued. It was suggested that, when the Red Cross had reached the limits in its work of paying rents, the Poor Board should take over the cases in Nanticoke. Mrs. McLaughlin stated that up to that date 630 old cases and 75 new ones in the Central District had been turned over to the Poor Board.
On motion of Mr. Conyngham it was voted to request the Poor Board to employ as many experienced women as necessary to investigate and look after cases after the Red Cross and other organizations had retired from activity in the field. The Rev. Dr. Farr suggested that the Coöperation Committee should receive from Mr. Brisbin a full and final report of the important work done by the Civilian Relief Committee of Wyoming Valley Chapter of the Red Cross, which work had been carried on under the direction and management of Mr. Brisbin, and has been briefly referred to hereinbefore.[7]There being no further business to be transacted, the Committee adjournedsine die.
7.A full report of the work performed by the Civilian Relief Committee will be found in the “History of Wyoming Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross,” soon to be published.
7.A full report of the work performed by the Civilian Relief Committee will be found in the “History of Wyoming Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross,” soon to be published.
The “Committee for the Distribution of Funds for the Care and Relief of Influenza Victims”, whose appointment is noted hereinbefore, held various meetings for the transaction of business connected with the duties confided to it. At a meeting held March 21, 1919, affairs relative to the various Emergency Hospitals were thoroughly discussed, following which Mr. Conyngham moved that all bills of the General Committee be paid at once. This motion was carried. Mr. Hendershot then moved that the Treasurer be instructed to pay the amounts of the various Emergency Hospital bills which had been approved by the Committee. This motion was carried.
At a subsequent meeting this Committee unanimously adopted the following rules of procedure relative to the settlement of bills arising out of the establishing of the seven Emergency Hospitals in Luzerne County:
“(1) That the verified bills for the construction work of buildings, or altering or equipping temporary hospitals, should be paid.
“(2) That the verified bills for the daily maintenance—consisting of food, drugs, medicines, and the overhead expense of light and fuel—together with such special expenses as were approved by the General Committee in relation to the general organization work throughout the County, be approved and paid.
“(3) That bills in connection with the regularly established hospitals, and bills relating to the regular hospitals and charities, and the work of attendants in isolated homes, could not be approved and paid, as the moneys appropriated for this epidemic were appropriated for the specific purpose of the establishment and maintenance of hospitals for this work.”
At a meeting of the Distribution Committee held April 4, 1919, it was resolved to issue to the public a “Letter of information concerning the work of the Distribution Committee”. This letter was subsequently prepared, giving a brief account of the organization of the committee and the work it had accomplished, and, having been signed by the members of the committee, was duly disseminated. The following paragraphs are extracts from this letter:
“The appropriation of funds by Luzerne County was made under an Act of the Pennsylvania Legislature approved May 14, 1915, and reading in part as follows:
“‘Section 1.* * * The County Commissioners of any County may appropriate moneys for the support of any hospital, located within or without the limits of such County, which is engaged in charitable work and extends treatment and medical attention to residents of such County.
“‘Section 2.All Acts and parts of Acts inconsistent with this Act are repealed.’
“The appropriation of the City of Wilkes-Barré was made by the members of the City Council by a resolution reading as follows:
“‘Whereas, the equipment and maintenance of the Emergency Hospital at the Armory is necessary to fight the influenza epidemic; and whereas much of the equipment can be later used at the Emergency Contagious Disease Hospital of the city of Wilkes-Barré which is now nearing completion,
“Therefore, Be it Resolved, That the City of Wilkes-Barré appropriate $5,000., or so much thereof as may be necessary, toward the equipment and maintenance of the Armory or other Hospital; that the Citizens’ Committee in charge submit bills, properly audited, to the City of Wilkes-Barré, and the City pay such bills to an amount equal to the appropriation authorized; and that the equipment, which can later be used by the Emergency Contagious Hospital, become the property of the City; and that patients at the Armory Hospital, whose circumstances permit, be required to pay for such services, as is done at the other hospitals in the City.’”