Learn about doctors, medicine, and health concerns in late 1800s Jacksonville when Historic Jacksonville, Inc. hosts “Victorian Medical Practices” from 12 noon to 4 pm on Saturday, August 8, at Jacksonville’s 1873 Beekman House. Located at 470 E. California Street, in Jacksonville, the Beekman House was home to one of Southern Oregon’s most prominent pioneers, occupied by only the one family, and remains completely furnished with family artifacts.
In the late 1800s, Victorians were concerned about health above almost all other issues of the day. The discovery of germs led to major advances in hygiene and sanitation, but most doctors were still “practitioners” lacking any formal medical education; hospitals were virtually non-existent; epidemics wiped out large numbers of residents; and cocaine, heroin, opium, mercury, and strychnine were the base of many medicines.
Beekman house tours will begin at 15 to 20 minute intervals with costumed docents discussing the local health care available in the late 1800s, sharing stories of Beekman health issues and “cures,” and pointing out sanitation measures the family adopted.
Lawn displays include the Cascade Civil War Society’s medical tent along with their Civil War surgeon and nurse; a phrenology (skull reading) exhibit; and medical related artifacts from various local historic digs conducted by Southern Oregon University’s Archaeology Laboratory.
Beekman House tours are $5 for adults, $3 for seniors (62+) and students (6-12); lawn activities are free.
For additional information, contact 541-245-3650 or info@historicjacksonville.org.