A look at Owensboro’s health habits in 1926
Health and wellness were very much concerns for our ancestors of 100 years ago, but residents of Owensboro in 1926 had a few theories, ideas, and practices that were very different from our own.
A typical advertisement published in the Owensboro Messenger a century ago told the woeful tale of Mrs. Margaret Wallace, who claimed that “at times I was hardly able to do my housework.”
“How many women,” the ad went on to wonder, “have found themselves in this same condition! How many women have fought bravely on, day after day, cooking, washing, ironing, doing the dishes, and keeping the house clean when they were in a weakened condition and had not sufficient strength to perform these duties.”
Well, never fear. Lydia E. Pinkham’s Vegetable Compound to the rescue.
All those valiant female soldiers who were “waging battle in (their) own kitchens” with “no thrilling bugles to cheer her on, no waving banners” were exhorted to find strength, energy, and health in this miraculous concoction.
Sadly, ladies of 1926 had no means by which to Google ingredients in this magical elixir, but a quick search today tells us that the compound included – oh dear – unicorn root, life root, black cohosh, pleurisy root, and fenugreek seed … all preserved in 19% alcohol.
Well, I guess that’s one way to feel better.
But on a brighter note, our forebears did take seriously the health and wellness of their children. In fact, the entire community rallied around observance of National Health and Clean-Up Day, with special attention focused on programs in public schools.
Mayor J.R. Beck issued a proclamation acknowledging that “the science of disease prevention, if properly applied, can add fifteen years to the average length of a human life, and the economic gain to be obtained from preventing postponable disease, measured in dollars, exceeds one and one-half billion annually.”
Schools implemented a variety of health screenings, including dental examinations in which the teeth of 2,389 children were assessed, of whom 1,746 were found to have teeth in good condition. More than 1,000 children had no family dentist, and 647 children “have really bad teeth” – a figure designated as “good,” all things considered – and 411 children admitted they did not use toothbrushes.
Health programs took place in all schools, including Washington, Lee, Franklin, Longfellow, Lincoln, “and probably the parochial schools.”
A child health fair included cash prizes to be awarded to the children deemed to be in the best physical condition: $10 for first place, $5 for second, and $2.50 for third.
That money could well be spent at Progress and Callas, “Owensboro’s Popular Drink Shops,” which advertised: “For your health’s sake and the health of your baby, eat our pure ice cream and drink our delicious cold drinks.”
Not to be outdone, Porter-Pirtle Co. on Frederica Street offered the convenience of curbside delivery of their “nice cold drinks from our sanitary fountain.”
“If you are in a hurry, blow your horn and watch the prompt service we give you in your car,” they promised.
But for those looking for something beyond soft drinks, there was always this option: “For the health’s sake of grown folks and the babies as well, eat Sugar Creek Creamery Butter.”
Soft drinks? Butter? Unicorn root and alcohol? Well, who are we to argue? Our ancestors lived long enough to beget us. Now let’s do our best to stay healthy for another generation. OL
