Friday, Dec. 21, 1923
Port Townsend’s health record shown
Report to Council Gives Unusually Low Death Rate
Port Townsend’s climatic and health record have always been a source of pride.
Few localities in the entire United States are so favored by a lack of extremes in temperature, amount of sunshine and low mortality records.
In his recent report to the city council, Dr. J.C. House, city health officer, who has piloted the city through many epidemics successfully, tells the complete story of one year’s work here.
The startling facts revealed, include the fact that the death age average for 1923, December to December, was 69 years and 9 months. This average is believed to be unequaled anywhere in the United States. …
“In the winter and spring of this year there were 76 cases of small-pox, most of mild form. Said disease was brought here by a family from Seattle, who made not report, with their children mixing freely with others, making the disease to spread rapidly, which was finally brought under control by vaccinations and quarantine.” ...
“I have given considerable of my time to the water supply during the period of pollution from the location of the logging camp. I am gratified to state that through the installing of the chlorinating plant by the mayor and council, we will have no further complaint from that source.
“During the year I condemned several buildings on account of their filthy and unsanitary conditions, notifying the owners of my action.
“I have caused to be abated a number of nuisances, consisting of the disposal of garbage and rubbish, and have returned a smile for the ill will and wrath heaped upon me by some of those who believe in filth and dirt.”
Note: Today’s life expectancy in the U. S. is about 79 years, according to UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs, 2022.
Katherine Darrow works with Jefferson County Historical Society, which provided the 1923 Leader, #1999.36.103, JCHS collection.
