Some Offensive Things at the West End of the Town.

New York, 1895

The board of health of the town of Jamaica held their regular monthly meeting at the Town Hall on Monday. Supervisor Everitt presided. Justice Lester was absent. Dr. Flynn, health officer, reported that there were four cases of scarlet fever in the town, one case at Richmond Hill, one at Woodhaven, one at Ozone Park, and one at Springfield.

A letter was received from Philip H. Gartleman, complaining that the stench from the fertilizer factory on Liberty avenue, Woodhaven, was intolerable.

Robert Hubner, proprietor of the works, said that all of the matter used in the manufacture of the fertilizer was deodorized before it reached the factory, and that the stench came from nightsoil and garbage dumped in the woods near the Jewish cemetery.

On motion of Justice Kissam, the health officer was directed to visit the fertilizer factory and ascertain if there was anything on the premises detrimental to health.

William Flagg, a scavenger, asked permission to dump night soil on land that he had leased at Woodhaven. The soil was covered up as soon as dumped. As no complaint had been made against Mr. Flagg, no action on his request was taken.

Justice Lott reported that one arrest had been made for dumping nightsoil at Woodhaven. A man named Kessler was brought before him and he fined him $5. He believed that it had a good effect, as he had heard no complaints since.

The secretary was directed to notify the Hempstead and Jamaica plank road company to fill up the excavation at the roadside at Hollis, now filled with stagnant water.

The bill of Joseph Barratt, $25.75, for services as watchman at dumping ground, Woodhaven, was ordered paid.

—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, June 14, 1895, p. 8.