Of Interest…“A 1937 Letter from Harvey Deater”
Submitted by: Beulah Womer
Thursday Nite
Nov. 18
Dear Folks:
We came in the hospital yesterday about nine o’clock but it was eleven before we were admitted. We missed out on dinner but were xrayed from our chest and had supper. They feed swell here.
Lights out at nine PM then they get us up at 4 in the morning we wash up then wait until seven for breakfast, dinner at 11 & supper at 5.
Today they took three blood tests, a urine test and this afternoon they photographed our feet seperatley (sic) and together.
The Dr. that is Rugh(?) was in this afternoon and he knows practically everything about the disease but he does not know what causes it or how to cure it.
He said if we stayed off our feet completely it would heal up, but the first time we walked far on them they would be sore again. He does not want to heal them that way so we are allowed to walk around. They gave us pyjammies (sic) and a robe and we have our shoes.
Tomorrow we have another xray head and all a complete body xray. I don’t mind it so much now and I don’t think Russell does either but up to noon today from noon yesterday it seemed like a year.
There are 24 in the ward, all odd cases and the fellows are all nice. The present bunch of nurses are swell, but some of them get changed tomorrow.
Alice brought us over and stayed until we were located in the ward about 2 o’clock. Then she came in today and brought us candy oranges nuts & grapes. I don’t know who is going to eat them as she said she would be back Sat. and bring more.
We are both fine but have no idea how long they will keep us. We have been examined by a hundred or more Drs. already.
Hoping everyone & everything is OK up there will say goodbye.
With Love, Harvey & Russell
Harvey Deater
Mens Special Ward
Jefferson Hospital
Philadelphia, PA