TAGS:\u00a0 <\/strong>Dr. Alfreda Withington correspondence Kentucky, general medical practitioners, Medical Settlement Big Laurel, horseback travel, practicing medicine in\u00a0 Appalachia in early 1900s, lady doctor in Labrador, woman doctor specializing in tuberculosis<\/p>\n [withington_a_001.jpg]<\/strong> [no month or day] 1924. Application Blank (unsigned) with handwritten entries for Age (60), Education, Interests, Preferences, References.<\/span> [001a] <\/b>Reverse side of Application Blank: Continuation of answers.<\/span><\/p>\n [withington_a_002.jpg]<\/strong> January 20, 1924.Handwritten 3-page note to [no salutation] from Miss S.C. Rogers of Pittsfield, MA. Saw notice in Journal A.M.A. and recommends \u201ca person who might like that kind of work.\u201d <\/span>[002a]<\/b> Page 2: Describes her credentials.<\/span> [002b]<\/b> Page 3: Requests more information about the work.<\/span><\/p>\n [withington_a_003.jpg]<\/strong> January 22, 1924. Handwritten 3-page letter to [no salutation] from Dr. Alfreda B. Withington<\/a>. Pittsfield, MA. Indicates her interest in the work and her training and experience. Lists her qualifications; asked for more information about the position.<\/span> [003a] – [003b] <\/b>Pages 2-3 Continues listing qualifications.<\/span> \u201cIt seems as though there would be a human side to the Kentucky work, which one (?) in the present day tendency to specialization.\u201d <\/span><\/i>Encloses a testimonial from the Rockefeller [Commission] and part of an extract from the press. Prefers N.Y. or Boston for interview.<\/span><\/p>\n [withington_a_004.jpg]<\/strong> [n.d.] Handwritten 3-page list from Withington with information about her education, references and internship.<\/span> [004a] <\/b>Continuation of list, describing more of her education, as well as employment and writing biographies for a book.<\/span> [004b] <\/b>Continuation of handwritten list from Withington of her employment, membership activities, presentations.<\/span><\/p>\n [withington_a_005.jpg]<\/strong> [n.d.] Handwritten 3-page letter to Mrs. Ethel de Long Zande<\/a>, Executive Committee, Pine Mt. Settlement from Withington. Encloses the Application Blank.<\/span> \u201cAs regards age – I look years younger and am stronger than the younger generation and outdo them now in ski-ing and show-shoeing. In fact, I\u2019ve always had demands upon me which involved me in a very busy and not easy life, \u2026<\/span><\/i> [005a]<\/b> and so am inured to work.\u201d <\/span><\/i>Describes her health. <\/span>[005b] <\/b>Gives salary preference ($1500); encloses another testimonial.<\/span><\/p>\n [withington_a_006.jpg]<\/strong> January 26, 1924. Carbon copy of unsigned typewritten 2-page letter to Miss S. C. Rogers<\/strong> from EZ (Ethel Zande). Expresses interest in the friend whom Rogers suggested; asks Rogers to send her information about the position. Describes location of PMSS and its Medical Settlement; encloses booklets about PMSS history and the Medical Settlement; explains the heavy workload and need for physical fitness; <\/span>\u201cOur interest is of course in building up social, moral and hygienic ideals among the people, as well as in the medical work. No one can succeed here who has not the gift of making strong personal contacts, for it is the human qualities in a person which win here in this very undeveloped and unsophisticated place.\u201d <\/span><\/i>Explains that the school is only able to pay a low salary. <\/span>[006a] <\/b>Will discuss salary with candidate if she is acceptable. Encloses Application Blank.<\/span><\/p>\n [withington_a_007.jpg]<\/strong> January 26, 1924. Handwritten 2-page letter to Miss Katherine Pettit from Caroline H. Adam in Pittsfield, MA. Refers to advertisement in the <\/span>Chicago Medical Journal <\/span><\/i>for a doctor and recommends her friend, listing her (Dr. A.B. Withington) qualifications.<\/span> [007a] <\/b>Reverse side with handwritten words <\/span>\u201cJournaled (?) this..\u201d<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [withington_a_008.jpg]<\/strong> January 29, 1924. Carbon copy of unsigned typewritten letter to Withington from EZ (Ethel Zande). Expresses interest in what Rogers and Withington have written; refers to her letter to Rogers with information about the position; suggests that Withington meet in Northampton with<\/span> \u201ctwo Smith girls who were [at PMSS] last summer for several months and spent a few days at the Medical Settlement<\/span><\/i> who would answer her questions about the work; asks her to write her thoughts about salary; describes the conditions under which she would work. <\/span>\u201cDr. Grace Huse<\/a> has had every experience possible to a physician in her obstetrical work\u2026. Cesarean section where she managed to save both the mother and baby. It really is a remarkable field if your endurance and courage are high.\u201d <\/span><\/i>Invites her to visit.<\/span><\/p>\n [withington_a_009.jpg]<\/strong> February 2, 1924. Handwritten 2-page letter to Zande from Caroline H. Adam (Mrs. William L. Adam)<\/strong> in Pittsfield, MA. Describes Dr. Withington as <\/span>\u201cattractive personally, that is she is pleasant and companionable and gives one a sense of reserve strength equal to any emergency.\u201d <\/span><\/i>Describes Withington\u2019s experience, good judgment, reliability. <\/span>\u201cShe loves the plain people and they love her.\u201d <\/span><\/i>Relates examples of her work in Labrador and France. <\/span>\u201cI\u2019ve known Dr. Withington at least twenty-four years. She has educated three nephews and a niece\u2026.\u201d<\/span><\/i> [009a] <\/b>Page 2. <\/span>\u201cShe is a woman of refined and good taste but so-called refinements are not essential to her. She is the kind of person you and Miss Pettit are.\u201d<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n [withington_a_010.jpg]<\/strong> February 2, 1924. Handwritten 3-page letter to Zande from Withington.<\/span> \u201cAs far as seeing the Smith College girls is concerned – I do not need to on my own account, for I am very sure I\u2019d like the mountains. And many a child I\u2019ve ushered into life under circumstances as needy as could be found anywhere.\u201d <\/span><\/i>Assures Zande of her \u201cfitness.\u201d <\/span>[010a]<\/b> Page 2. Describes \u201cawful winters\u201d in Mass. <\/span>\u201cI’m <\/span><\/i>not<\/span><\/i> a biblical person – <\/span><\/i>far from it<\/span><\/i> – but culturally (?) practical, and the poor and \u2018down and out\u2019 have usually liked me.\u201d <\/span><\/i>Describes her studies in obstetrics. <\/span>[010b]<\/b> Page 3. Asks about the number of Dr. Huse\u2019s obstetrical cases and miles she rides in a day. She states that she doesn\u2019t need to visit PMSS first and asks for <\/span>\u201can agreement that I\u2019d go for a year – and if satisfactory on both sides – stay on.\u201d <\/span><\/i>If accepted, she would have to practice \u201ccross-saddle riding\u201d and store her household effects.<\/span><\/p>\n [withington_a_011.jpg]<\/strong> [n.d.] Letter of reference to \u201cMy dear (?)\u201d from W. Gilman Thompson.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n [withington_a_012.jpg]<\/strong> February 6, 1924. Carbon copy of unsigned typewritten letter to Withington from EZ (Ethel Zande). Both Zande and Huse feel that <\/span>\u201cBig Laurel ought to be your particular niche.\u201d <\/span><\/i>Asked to plan for a year or 6 months if the \u201cniche\u201d is the wrong one.<\/span> \u201cThe mountain people are a peculiar people, and the only reason why I should think the six months stipulation desirable is that certain personalities are strange to them, and do not win their confidence. What I really believe is that we shall be wanting to keep you for years and years and years\u2026\u201d <\/span><\/i>Answers questions about number of cases per year and miles traveled; will keep the nurse another year as help. Asks Withington to arrive by first of April or earlier; Huse will leave soon after. <\/span>[011a] <\/b>Page 2. Zande is glad Withington agrees to a salary of $1500. Expresses appreciation for Mrs. Adam\u2019s letter; <\/span>\u201cWe are certainly fortunate in having someone like her who knows both Miss Pettit and me, to introduce you to us.\u201d<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n [withington_a_013.jpg]<\/strong> February 9, 1924. Handwritten 4-page letter to Zande from Withington: Agrees to one year or sooner <\/span>\u201cif the niche prove a wrong one.\u201d <\/span><\/i>She feels that it would take a year for the people to adjust to a new doctor. <\/span>[013a] <\/b>Page 2. Asked Zande if she would request a Kentucky license from the state Examining Board based \u201con credentials.\u201d <\/span>[013b] <\/b>Page 3 and <\/span>[013c] <\/b>Page 4. More on NY, KY and Mass. credentials and the desire to avoid red tape and expense. Next will be questions concerning what to bring, with an offer of donations of medical supplies and layettes from her and her friends.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [withington_a_014.jpg]<\/strong> February 11, 1924. Handwritten 2-page letter to Zande from Withington: Informed Zande that, according to the AMA,<\/span> \u201cthere seems to be difficulty in getting reciprocity through an intermediate state\u2026\u201d <\/span><\/i>but will still see if the Kentucky Board would give a license on credentials based on Zande\u2019s work at PMSS. <\/span>\u201cIt would be tragic if they wouldn\u2019t!\u201d <\/span><\/i>[014a] <\/b>Page 2.<\/span><\/p>\n [withington_a_015.jpg]<\/strong> February 12, 1924. Carbon copy of unsigned typewritten letter to Dr. Annie S. Veech, Director, Bureau of Child Hygiene, Louisville, KY, from EZ (Ethel Zande). Explains the situation and asks questions about licensing on credentials. Encloses <\/span>\u201can outline [Withington] has sent me, based on questions generally asked in Massachusetts. Dr. Withington has a New York State license of 1911. Does Kentucky reciprocate with New York?\u201d <\/span><\/i>Also included Withington\u2019s letter stating her case.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [withington_a_016.jpg]<\/strong> February 12, 1924. Carbon copy of unsigned typewritten letter to Withington from EZ (Ethel Zande). Informs Withington that she wrote to the State about accepting her credentials. \u201c… if you don\u2019t think I am medieval, your handwriting most happily predisposes one to believe in you. \u2026\u201d<\/em> Agrees to one-year employment. Advises what to bring; will consult Dr. Huse about medical equipment needs.<\/span><\/p>\n [withington_a_017.jpg] <\/strong>February 19, 1924. Carbon copy of unsigned typewritten letter to Withington from EZ (Ethel Zande). Thanks her for sending her account of her Labrador summer; asks if Withington could bring with her a Medical Settlement housekeeper, since the current one – Mrs. Lombard<\/strong> – accepted another job. Describes the work of the housekeeper.<\/span><\/p>\n [withington_a_018.jpg]<\/strong> February 18, 1924. Typewritten letter to Zande from Annie S. Veech<\/strong>, M.D., Director, State Board of Health of Kentucky, Bureau of Maternal and Child Health, Louisville, KY. Encloses a \u201creciprocity blank\u201d for Withington to complete. <\/span>\u201c…[W]e have not reciprocity with New York, but if the credentials are acceptable permission to practise <\/span><\/i>(sic)<\/span> in Kentucky will be given.\u201d<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n [withington_a_019.jpg]<\/strong> February 24, 1924. Handwritten 2-page letter to Zande from Withington. She <\/span>\u201ccan think of no suitable person\u201d <\/span><\/i>to serve as housekeeper yet. <\/span>[020] <\/b>Page 2. Awaiting the decision of the Kentucky Board concerning her license.<\/span><\/p>\n [withington_a_021.jpg]<\/strong> [n.d.] Handwritten 4-page letter to Zande from Withington. Received Zande\u2019s post card message that Kentucky Board will give her a license. Mentions reciprocity rules in PA\u2026 <\/span>[021a] <\/b>Page 2. Asks if Dr. Huse can wait to leave PMSS until mid-April, because she has much preparation to do, wishes to be sure about the license, and needs to have dental work on a broken tooth. <\/span>[020b] <\/b>Page 3. Asks about clothing and weather needs,…<\/span>[020c] <\/b>Page 4. … access to a truck, sending and storing a trunk of clothing, need for her Ford coupe.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [withington_a_022.jpg]<\/strong> February 25, 1924. Carbon copy of unsigned typewritten letter to Veech from EZ (Ethel Zande). Thanks her for the reciprocity blank.<\/span>\u201dDr. Huse is giving up medical practice for a time until her health is better. We hope some time we will have her back here in the mountains.\u201d<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n [withington_a_023.jpg]<\/strong> February 25, 1924. Carbon copy of unsigned typewritten letter to Withington from EZ (Ethel Zande). Encloses the reciprocity blank from the Kentucky State Board of Health to be completed and sent to Dr. A.T. McCormack<\/strong> at the State Board of Health, Louisville, KY. Worries about getting a housekeeper for Withington.<\/span><\/p>\n [withington_a_024.jpg]<\/strong> February 28, 1924. Typewritten letter to Zande from Veech. Asks that Dr. Withington send credentials directly to her.<\/span><\/p>\n [withington_a_025.jpg]<\/strong> February 29, 1924. Carbon copy of unsigned typewritten letter to Withington from EZ (Ethel Zande). Tells her to send credentials directly to Veech; gives advice about clothing and KY climate. <\/span>\u201cMedical Settlement is heated by stoves and fireplace, and temperature varies enough to make underwear a piece of wisdom.\u201d <\/span><\/i>Instructs how to send and store her trunk;<\/span> \u201c…[T]here are no roads at the Medical Settlement suitable for a [F]ord. \u2026 Our nurse at Line fork has been wearing knickers through the last year, and I think that very possibly you could after a while.\u201d <\/span><\/i>Dr. Huse may be able to stay until mid-April.<\/span><\/p>\n [withington_a_026.jpg]<\/strong> March 1, 1924.Carbon copy of unsigned typewritten letter to Veech from EZ (Ethel Zande). Apologizes for asking Withington to send credentials to McCormack; asking Withington to send them to Veech instead, if not too late.<\/span><\/p>\n [withington_a_027.jpg]<\/strong> [n.d.] Handwritten 2-page letter to Zande from Dr. Huse. Can stay until mid-February, if necessary and if possible; explains her health problems.<\/span> \u201cI meant to lift the [measles] quarantine for children on this side of the mountain this week, but still hesitate to as children go across the mountain, until I know more about the measles situation over there.\u201d <\/span><\/i>Asks Zande to send a short note in her name to Dr. Todd, Dr. Cawood<\/strong> at Harlan, and Dr. Fields<\/strong> at\u2026 <\/span>[027a] <\/b>Page 2. \u2026Poor Fork <\/span>\u201casking about the measles situation in each community. Then we would have some information to go on. In the mean time the children on this side may go home this week.\u201d <\/span><\/i>Huse thinks that Sara Tanover(?) doesn\u2019t have the whooping cough but only a \u201cgrippe cough\u201d which a number of other children also have. Huse is sending a special cough medicine for Sara.<\/span><\/p>\n [027b]<\/b> Page 3. [n.d., no salutation] Handwritten 2-page note from Withington.<\/span> \u201cSome off hand questions\u201d <\/span><\/i>Can she send things by American Express? What else to send besides things furnished by Dr. Huse and Miss Butler? Who lives at the Medical Settlement: nurse, teacher, housekeeper, doctor? Summer and winter temperatures? Need rubber boots? <\/span>[027c]<\/b> Page 4. <\/span>\u201cHow is a medical kit carried, in a knap-sac? Is the settlement \u201chorse\u201d a mule or horse[?] (I\u2019ve been reading Perry MacKaye\u2019s article.)<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n [withington_a_028.jpg]<\/strong> March 4, 1924. Carbon copy of unsigned 2-page typewritten letter to Withington from Zande. Informs Withington of Dr. Huse\u2019s agreement to stay until mid-April, if possible; asking State Board of Health to let Withington come to PMSS. Gives information about the housekeeper position, such as salary of $50 a month with living expenses provided.<\/span> \u201cMiss Harriet Butler<\/a> has really been the head of the Medical Settlement work, though the work she has done has been that of housekeeper. She is a very able and gifted person, who had long experience in the mountains as a trained nurse but was not able to do that work any longer. She is obliged to leave us now because of a very bad heart condition.\u201d <\/span><\/i>Describes the temperature ranges and weather at PMSS, … <\/span>[028b]<\/b> Page 2. …how to send things by express, and the settlement horse (not a mule). PMSS students are reading the Labrador article.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0[withington_a_029.jpg]<\/strong> Friday Evening – [n.d.] Handwritten 2-page letter to Zande from Withington. Tells of \u201csnag\u201d in getting the reciprocity vote of \u201cthe Society” because their next meeting is in two months or more. Instead, she asked the Secretary to recommend her and explains the next steps to be taken. <\/span>[029a]<\/b> Page 2. Therefore, she asked to arrive at PMSS at the end of April; explains the tasks she must do before leaving. Encloses list of questions. <\/span>[029b]<\/b> Page 3. \u201c<\/span>
\nCONTENTS: Dr. ALFREDA WITHINGTON Correspondence Kentucky<\/h3>\n