A HISTORY OP HOSPITALS AND SHELTERS FOR THE SICK 13
Odd Fellows & Others
Only one-fifth of the sick could be accommodated at the fort hospital and complaints of exorbitant charges began to circulate. In September the rains came and with them, an outbreak of typhus. Many sufferers had only trees for shelter, and many died. At the southeast comer of the fort the local Odd Fellows organization opened a hospital on December 8, 1849, and was later joined in its efforts to administer relief, by the Freemasons. Care was given first to members and when there was room, to others in need. The Sacramento Transcript announced on May 2,1850, that Dr. Deal had purchased the Odd Fellows and Masons Hospital at the southeast comer of Sutter's Fort. The announcement praised Dr. Deal: “Since its establishment the Doctor has faithfully performed the duties ofMinister, Physician, Friend, and Trustee without the hope of reward, save that reward so freely flowing from the approving con science.” 16 On December 22, 1849, Drs. John F. Morse and J.D.B. Stillman opened a private hospital at3rd and KStreets. They had made arrangements with a builder, Priest, Lee and Company, to rent the completed building for $1500 per month. It was constructed of Oregon pine, was one and one-half stories high, and measured 35 by 55 feet, depending upon one’s source of information. There was an accompanying apothecary’s office. The private wards were lined with mus lin, “the way houses are finished off here interiorly.” Daylight
