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Newspaper
Boston Post
Location
Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
Date
Jul 07, 1911
Page
4
Continued from first page reports hundreds prostrated as a worsening episode forces major department stores to close or release most staff early in the afternoon leaving streets nearly deserted and shoppers in disarray.
Heat wave triggers fears of foodborne illness and water strain as Boston Board of Health investigates milk scarcity and orders railroads to prioritize milk cars. Ice demand surges 100 percent while New England suffers across the region with Portsmouth cited among affected areas.
Boston endured brutal heat with unofficial 106 degree readings, water shortages, and restricted sprinklers. 70 deaths in 34 hours, 60 horses killed, hospitals strained, and ice company workers subjected to extreme conditions. Public spaces flooded by rain cooled temps, but humidity spiked as relief arrived.
Cambridge suffered four deaths and about 20 prostrations as a heat wave forced shutdowns of major businesses and factories. A 70 year old man John Fitzpatrick died at home on Bridge Street as he sat down to supper. John McSweeney, 39, Ice man, was found dead in bed on Sixth Street. Margaret H Casey a four month old girl died at her Third Street home. Joseph Ferara died after hospital treatment at Relief Hospital. Heat peaked near 100 degrees and horses were rendered idle, with autos used by police. Milk shortages drove wealthy households to milk stations at City Hall East Cambridge and Cambridgeport.
Manchester New Hampshire reports seven heat related deaths in 24 hours amid record temperatures. July 6 saw a 101 degree high with prior days reaching 102, 106 and 107. Noyes B. Cummings, 37, a city inspector and timekeeper, died by his own hand at Lake Massabesic, said to be crazed by the heat.
Biddeford Maine July 6 One death from heat prostration occurred today. The victim was a two year old child of Alcide Chantigny and was considered healthy until last night.
Boston records total 216 deaths since Saturday noon with infants under 1 year at 50, ages one to five at 18, five to twenty at 12, over 20 at 136. For the prior week the city reported 171 deaths including 28 infants under 1 year.
Superintendent William H. Pierce announced the police department requires coats buttoned and worn at all times on duty regardless of weather. He saw no reason for change, noting the rule applies year round and parallels fire department uniform standards.
Lynn on July 7 faced record heat with temperatures reported up to 125 degrees. The heat halted work in shoe factories with a day off for thousands and closed stores. Two deaths occurred directly from the heat and about fifty prostrations were logged. Esther Livermore died in the morning and Alfred Barham of East Boston was found dead near Foxhill bridge at the Saugus line.
Steamers leaving Boston faced crew shortages due to extreme heat. The Massachusetts bound for New York was delayed nearly an hour as firemen quit, saying the heat of the past three days was too much. Substitutes were sought, and by 5 PM a full crew was finally assembled for sailing.
Quincy suffers an ice cream shortage as local dealers cannot obtain stock from their Boston supplier. Only two shops in Cranite City sold ice cream last night, forcing vendors to make their own, due to ingredient supply delays.
WAKEFIELD July 6 The intense heat claimed another victim when Mrs Christiana Taylor 62 years old died here today. Patrick Walsh was prostrated by the heat this forenoon. Thermometers marked 97 degrees in the shade at 11 oclock leading several factories employing about 1099 persons to close down until next Monday.
On a hot day in downtown, workers hose and relieve overheated horses as hundreds die and officials warn of alarming mortality. The electric horse ambulance and electric delivery trucks emerge as possible solutions, with praise from veterinary figures and local business leaders for reducing harm during extreme temperatures.
In New York on July 6 amid a severe heat wave a subway blockade intensified suffering as stalled trains caused fainting and hospitalizations. By 10 pm the temperature reached 84 and six deaths were reported with a man committing suicide on the upper west side. Relief was promised with possible thunderstorms tonight.
Haverhill reports another heat related death and several prostrations with a 100 degree reading. Fourteen month old Philip Bowen died of cholera infantum linked to heat as seventeen deaths occur this week. Factory workers retired to hospitals, milk dealers struggle, and Twin Elm poultry yards lose 199 hens. J H Winchell factory shut down. a storm later cooled the city by fifteen degrees.
James F. Curtis assistant secretary of the treasury is recuperating at his Manchester home after suffering heat prostration last Monday. He has been in bed since, sat up today for the first time, and officials say his illness is not critical and he should return to Washington by next Sunday.
The big ice companies of Boston seek men to work in country ice houses loading freight cars with ice blocks for shipment to Boston. They will be paid $2 per day, with railroad fares provided by the ice companies. Scores of men are needed at once.
Chicago reports 201 deaths and 273 prostrations from a five day heat wave. Infants accounted for 125 of the deaths. A rain break and cooler air arrived after 1 am, with temperatures falling from 93 to 78 by 9 am. Forecasters expect cooler unsettled weather with storms tonight and clearer, cooler skies Friday.
Citizens protest as Postmaster Mansfield suspends two noon deliveries during a heat wave causing delays for tradesmen in outlying city sections. Carriers fainted from heat and the postmaster weighed resuming the regular schedule despite complaints.
Providence records a 96.6 degree high the warmest since 1904 with streets topping 100. Two heat deaths reported, many others hastened by heat. Mills and plants across the state shorten hours or close at noon as workers seek relief from extreme temperatures.
Great Barrington July 6 Ed mund Maher an electrician collapsed from heat on returning home and will recover The Berkshire street railway tracks formed an S shape on a straight stretch if the first car had not been slow a serious crash might have happened A load of charcoal near West Stockbridge ignited by heat a bucket brigade fought the blaze Hay fields and factories in South Berkshire have suffered from heat but found relief after a storm earlier tonight
In Berlin on July 6 a brood of seven hens owned by Constable Walter Cole were buried after dying from heat the previous day. The incident highlights heat stress affecting poultry in the region.
In 1909 a Boston family details a severe infant rash first diagnosed as chicken pox in Ireland. After nine months of treatment with Cuticura Soap and Ointment the sores faded, itching ceased, and the child slept normally, with the family endorsing the products and offering a free sample and skin book.
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