“The ice is broken. Pressure that has been brought to bear by manufacturers is giving the health authorities clear sailing in enforcing vaccination throughout the city.”
“Many of the leading industries of the city were represented at the meeting held at the Commercial club parlors, Tuesday evening. Mayor Milstead presided, JJ Rardin1 was chosen secretary. Health Officer Dr. Smith2, Sanitary Policeman Fred Brodbeck and Dr. Rardin were also present.”
“Dr. Smith outlined the situation and asked for the support of all present. There were many unpleasant features connected with his duties some persons seemingly laboring under the impression that the authorities allowed personal feeling to enter into their work. He cited one case, that of John K. Duke, who has threatened to break quarantine. Mr. Duke imagines himself the victim of enforced circumstances. The doctor was advised to show no distinction and to go head performing his duties as he deemed best. He was told all eyes were upon him at this time and was assured of the cooperation by those assembled.”
“Following the informal discussion reports were received from all representatives present.”
“John Williams, of the Excelsior Shoe company, reported that of the 701 certificates that had been issued to employees of that firm, all but 25 had been returned and that only four persons remained yet to be vaccinated. Some little trouble was experienced with a few averse to vaccination but these eventually submitted.”
“Frank V. Knauss reported that the Portsmouth Stove and Range works did not receive certificates until Wednesday afternoon, but that all in the plant save one person were now vaccinated. The foreman have received orders to employ no persons not vaccinated.”
“George Matthews, representing the Portsmouth Panel and Veneer works sais all certificates were in, save that of one man, and he, a resident of Kentucky, had been discharged. Five of the employees have had smallpox in the past. Mr. Matthews said he had assumed responsibility, placing no blame on the board of health for the orders. He gave the men to understand they must either be vaccinated or quit. After receiving this ultimation, three or four quit of their own accord.”
“Chris Heer reported 323 certificates issued to employees of the Heer Shoe company and that all save ten had been returned. Two promised to return their certificates Wednesday morning. Two men absolutely refused to be vaccinated, and Mr. Heer was at a loss what course to pursue. He was advised to bring a physician to the factory to vaccinate men and if they still declined to discharge them.”
“Wade Kennedy reported all employees of the Irving Drew Shoe Company except one, a girl whom a physician refused to vaccinate. Twelve or fifteen certificates were still out owing to the persons being ill.”
“John Ives said one half of the certificates issues at the Tremper Shoe company had been returned, and that the remainder were expected by Friday. Mr. Ives said most opposition came from young men who were converts of physical culture.”
“This announcement brought out similar statements from others present.”
“Dan Labold believed that most all men in his employ had been vaccinated. He was urged to see that they were.”
“Wash Kinney reported 23 certificates returned by employees of the Ohio Stove company. The plant has suspended operations for the week, but none of the men will be allowed to resume work without first showing certificates.”
“JJ Rardin said the Drew-Selby company did not understand what the exact nature of the reports were to be. For this reason he was not in a position to say how many certificates had been returned. He said, however, that the firm was pushing matters as well as possible, and to his knowledge no one had refused to be vaccinated. Members of the firm themselves setting the example, long before action had been taken by the board of health.”3
- Jared Johnston Rardin
- Dr William W Smith
- Certificate of vaccination necessary to land a job in portsmouth. (1903, October 3). Portsmouth Times, p. 1.
