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Mail Tribune 100, Nov. 4, 1918 Nov 06, 2018 01:16 PM A A The following news items were drawn from the archives of the Mail Tribune 100 years ago. Nov. 4, 1918 GATES EXPLAINS WHY CITY SECURED HOSPITAL FLOOR Mayor Gates, in explanation of the action in fitting up the top floor of the Sacred Heart hospital as a city hospital for influenza patients under charge of the county nurse states that an emergency exists and that the terms under which the Medford sanitarium was offered were impossible of acceptance. The first telegram asking its use brought the following reply from Mrs. E. H. Porter: “Personally do not approve. Only charity hospitals opened to influenza cases here. Building would be unfit for use because of danger of influenza for several months. Doctor returning soon. Letter follows.” Another telegram explaining the emergency brought the following reply from Dr. Porter: “Both wires received today on my return. Use of sanitarium granted city on conditions: Mrs. Wagner takes charge. You personally invoice all moveable property of every description to city, taking receipts. All my drugs, cotton, gauze, etc., put in storage room. My office, X-ray and storage rooms to be locked. Three cords of wood in basement. Ed White to run boiler. City makes satisfactory terms with Calder regarding his rent six months. City to give me written agreement repairing all damages and expense of disinfection and cleansing on vacating as I direct. Silverware not available. Suggest meals to be procured from hotels.” As the Sacred Heart offered free use of a floor with beds, and it was only necessary to furnish bedding, etc., the city accepted the offer. The hospital has been equipped by the Red Cross and Miss McGrail, public health nurse, is in charge. CALL ISSUED FOR VOLUNTEER NURSES The city emergency hospital for influenza patients is now ready for patients but shy of nurses, and the Red Cross issued a call for volunteers. The work will be under direction of Miss McGrail, but as she has her regular work in addition, she must have assistance. All who have had nursing experience or instruction are asked to volunteer. A few new cases of influenza were reported today, with two deaths, Miss G. Mieres, the nurse who contracted the disease in California, and the infant child of William Withrow, whose mother died last week. LOCAL AND PERSONAL The management of the Junior Red Cross, in the near future will have several boxes placed near the confectionery stores, cigar stores, hotels, and stations for the collection of tinfoil. Please watch for the same and deposit the pieces of tinfoil there. This will be appreciated very much by the Junior Red Cross and it will give another method for our boys and girls to assist in the duty of conserving that this great war may be won. Other details will be announced later. For more stories like this, check out “The Archive,” a weekly podcast series at mailtribune.com/podcasts News from 100 years ago