Lifestyles & Community
Health care in 19th century Richmond
Referring again to Arthur Akers’ manuscript we can learn about health care in the late 19th century in Richmond. Akers lists the following local doctors: Dr. Poyntz, Dr. Kennedy and Dr. Holton (a homeopath).
A major medicine for children was Calomal, which tasted terrible and was administered via large white tablets. Akers’ mother also protected his health by making him wear flannel underclothes — very scratchy! Later Dr. Poyntz retired and was succeed by Dr. Dunn, who had a small brown beard.
The main Richmond dentist was Dr. A. Wilkes Smith. He was also chair of dental surgery at Central University’s College of Dentistry in Louisville. Central also had a College of Medicine in Louisville. Extractions cost 50 cents and “laughing gas” cost extra. Dr. Hobson also practiced dentistry, although he had never been to Central’s school. Apparently, he was self taught. Dr. Harris was another dentist.
Druggists also provided health care, compounding their prescriptions in mortars and pestles. Two major drug stores were Middleton’s and Stockton’s. Stockon’s was our family drug store into the 1970s. They also sold patent medicines. Black Draught and Lydia Pinkham’s were two such medicines, which still existed in my day. Unknown to me were Dr. Sloan’s Kidney Pills and Dr. Williams’ Pills for Pale People.
Drug stores also sold merchandise, such as combs, hair brushes, hand mirrors, stationery, toothbrushes, liniments, perfumes, mouth harps, salves, etc. At Christmas, new items were added. Christmas cards were not yet popular. Gifts for sale included sleds, skates, books and peppermint candy. For more affluent gift givers, bicycles were available. We were not rich, so my first bicycle came from Montgomery Wards in the late 1930s.
What were the prevalent diseases in the late 19th century? Many were similar to diseases in later years — measles, mumps, chicken pox, whooping cough, diphtheria, scarlet fever, pneumonia and typhoid. In the 1930s, I had all of these diseases with the exceptions of diphtheria, typhoid and pneumonia.
For those in the 1890s who had smallpox, there was the pest house. Polio came later. For ill adults, there was a poorhouse — out on the road to Union City, if I remember correctly.
Needless to say, there was no Medicare in the 19th century. The Pattie A. Clay Infirmary operated on Glyndon Avenue in 1892.
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God comforts us in the midst of trials
“May the God of all grace, who called us to eternal glory by Christ Jesus, perfect, establish, strengthen and settle you.” (Peter 5:10)
A father who truly loves his child will discipline him so that the child can become all that he is intended to be. God, as our heavenly father, is no different, and in the midst of suffering or trial, we are encouraged to see God’s gracious hand at work refining and preparing us to be vessels for his glory. -
CPH-45 sale dates set
We have set the sale dates for the 2010-2011 CPH-45 sale season. They are Tuesday, Dec. 7 at 6 p.m. and Feb. 1 at 6 p.m.
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Cover crops for your garden
Your garden has done a great job of feeding you this season, why not return the favor?
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Extension homemakers beginning a new year
September marks the beginning of a new year for Madison County Extension Homemakers. If you are not familiar with this organization, you will be surprised by all the opportunities they offer. Read on for an overview of upcoming activities, classes and clubs.
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Say good-bye to summer with ‘ethnic burgers’
The warm days of summer soon will be winding down and it’ll soon be time to think about hardier “indoor” food, like soups, stews and goodies from the oven, but there are still a few chances to have some summer fare on the grill before the chill winds of autumn give way to the gales of winter.
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Financial tips for college students
College students are back. For the next few weeks, things will be a little hectic as they settle into their routines and we adjust to the increase in local population and traffic. Be patient.
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Join us for Farm Field Day
The Madison County Cooperative Extension Service is partnering with Eastern Kentucky University for a BioEnergy Field Day on Thursday, Sept. 9 from 4 to 8 p.m. at the EKU Meadowbrook Farm.
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Steaks and chops good any old time
While most serious home cooks tend to experiment with more elaborate dishes, once in a while, there’s nothing like a good old fashioned steak or chop to satisfy the appetite.
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Free soil testing program offered
Soil testing is a very important part of most any agriculture and/or horticultural operation. It allows the producer to apply soil amendments that are needed (fertilizer, lime, micronutrients, etc.) in amounts needed for maximum crop production potential.
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Demolition of old community center to begin
Hello readers. It continues to be a beautiful morning here in Paint Lick and while I am mindful of all the things I could be doing at home, I do enjoy writing to my readers. You are my reason for “pressing on.”
Members and guests of the Paint Lick Sportsman’s Club Community Center met Monday evening at the shelter and while we were appreciative of a good bunch of quality people, it would have been nice to see some different faces in the crowd. Things are looking up with the future of not only a more pleasant atmosphere, but a much nicer place to look upon as plans to take down the old building come to a pass. We do have the blessings of a demolition and recycling company out of Lexington that will donate all their time and equipment to take down what will become just another eyesore for the town of Paint Lick. - More Lifestyles & Community Headlines
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God comforts us in the midst of trials
