Fire Equipment Greatly Needed

From The Indianapolis Star, Friday, July 26: Mayor Jewett and members of the board of public safety inspected eighteen fire engine houses yesterday, and the mayor said, “This inspection convinced me that the Indianapolis firemen are the finest housekeepers in town.” However, leaky roofs and bad floors were found in many buildings and much equipment, particularly in houses with horse-drawn equipment, was found to be in bad condition. Firemen were trying their best to keep the aging equipment in the finest shape possible. City officials were convinced that motor equipment must be obtained and placed in houses throughout the city as rapidly as possible. This will enable the department to do away with unpleasant surroundings where horses and wagons are kept and give the fire chief the ability to rearrange districts so the response to fires would be more efficient.

“Fire Equipment Greatly Needed,” The Indianapolis Star, 26 July 1918, p. 16:5

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One of 37,000 Children in Marion County Undergoing Test for Physical Ills

From The Indianapolis Star, Sunday, July 21: At the suggestion of President Wilson, the Council of National Defense has requested physical examinations of every child in the United States under the age of 6. This survey is a direct outcome of military examinations of men who were rejected for military service. It is believed most of the causes of rejection could have been eliminated in youth by proper and prompt medical and dental treatment. The 37,000 little ones in Marion County are currently undergoing scrutiny by physicians and nurses, and fifty percent of those inspected so far are normal. Of the subnormal kiddies, most can be returned to perfect health if right care is given to them; only an extremely small number will not have perfect health. Physical inspections are made in schoolhouses at no charge to the parents.

“One of 37,000 Children in Marion County Undergoing Test for Physical Ills,” The Indianapolis Star, 21 July 1918, p. 9:2

#worldwarone #children #militaryservice #MarionCounty #publichealth #physicalhealthinspection #draft

Whistles Din War Message

From The Indianapolis Star, Friday, July 19: At 5 o’clock yesterday afternoon, tied-down factory whistles shrieked and church bells rang out across Indianapolis beginning a prolonged, impromptu salute to the American army’s successful four-mile advance against the Germans. Workers rushed from their work stations into factory yards and gave cheers for the success of our army. Mayor Jewett came up with the plan to acclaim the magnificent advance of arms, and operators of the Central Union and Indianapolis Telephone companies sent out the word to the factories. He also issued a proclamation calling upon the people to display the American flag across the city on Friday. Rev. Morton Pearson, secretary of the Indianapolis Church Federation, communicated the news to church officials and called for an observance of thanksgiving and prayer on Friday for the further success of our armies.

“Whistles Din War Message,” The Indianapolis Star, 19 July 1918, p. 8:4

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#worldwarone #churchbells #factorywhistles #advanceofarms #patriotism