Recorded by Charles Carter Morgan, son of Allen Hungerford Morgan (older brother of this Charles Carter Morgan).
I was named after Charles Carter Morgan. Charles Carter Morgan was called "Carter." As best I can tell, he was never called by his first name. Perhaps this was to avoid confusion between him and his father.
Carter was, by all reports, an accomplished musician. He played the flute and perhaps other instruments. I found a flute in the attic of the home at "Windyhill" and was told that it was Carter's.
Helen Carter kept a diary with quite a detailed account of the challenges that Carter faced with respect to his health beginning at an early age. Her diary is held at the Massachusetts Historical Society and contains the following detailed account that is quite informative with respect to his final illness and death:
"Tonsil and adenoids removed Jan 7, '26. Tonsils exceedingly large and adenoids also. In hospital 24 hours.
"Complained of pain in abdomen occasionally from Jan 1st (or thereabouts) until Feb. 10. Woke up at 3 a.m. crying with pain & wanted electric pad - soon went to sleep again. No more trouble until Feb 13th - diarrhea began about 5 p.m. with pain at bed time - both lasting all night. Dr. Brackett came in a.m. Feb 1 - prescribed ice bag on abdoman - and castor oil - found appendix sensitive but not unusually so -- glands above appendix swollen. Castor oil given at 10 a.m. 1 tbsp - no result apparent-- next stool, next day being normal. Little pain all day - stayed in bed - liquid diet mostly. Dr. Brackett came Mon. a.m. Carter feeling better -- got up about noon - no strenuous playing allowed - careful of diet. Pain returned occasionally about every other day -- sometimes more often.
"Feb 20th specimen of urine showed nothing alarming. Giving nujol - 1 tbsp daily.
"C.e.o. 2 tsp daily.
"Feb. 22nd -- very constipated -- gave enema at 3 p.m. -- fair result -- stool very hard - very dark.
"Feb. 23 -- suppository -- good result but movement accompanied by pain.
"24 -- less pain, but some with move. stool soft. Dr. B. recommends t.b. specialist.
"26 - Consulted Dr. Walter Bailey. Thot abdominal syptoms not alarming but found glands near lungs involved & recommended Colorado at once -- said pulmonary infection imminent any delay in treatment was 'very chancey' -- said if a childs lungs became involved it was 'all off' & the next two months would decide the matter.
"27th. Saw Dr. Fritz Talbot -- diagnosis the same but more encouraging -- felt Col. not necessary & that 6 months on the south shore of the Cape would be a good substitute -- with the chances 7 - 3 in Carter's favor that the next two months would not decide the case. Both Bailey & Talbot recommended Dr. Chadwick of Westfield as the best authority.
"Feb 27 - Dr. Worcester also said to leave it to Dr. chadwick. Talked with Dr. C. by phone & made an appointment for Tues at 10 oclock.
"Dr. Putnam wired.
"March 2 -- Dr. Chadwick made thoro exam - diagnosis agreed with others - thinks Westfield is the proper treatment -- no doubt of being able to cure him.
"March 3. Went to Westfield and put in application.
"Waiting list too long so C was admitted to N. Reading State Sanatorium Mar 12 - improved immediately gaining 4 1/2 pounds first week and several ounces weekly until April 1st when one week he gained nothing - next week 1/2 pound following week nothing -- next week 1/2 pound. Latter part of April he was given diptheria toxin-anti toxin treatment and following the 3rd 'shot' he developed a high temperature & was put to bed in the sick ward.
"Apr. 29th Temp up for about a week & lost a whole pound. Gradually improved & Temp returned to normal, but doctors thot best to keep him in bed. Dr. Bailey advised that we must do something more if he continued to lose weight after 2 weeks.
"Weight May 10th showed no gain but no loss. Found that Carter was being kept in bed mostly because there was no room for him in the 'well ward.' About June 4th he was released at my request from the sanatorium and brot home. The hospital routine was followed as far as possible at home.
"June 21st we moved to North Falmouth, staying until the first of October. Through the summer he wore only trunks practically the whole day long and slept on the porch every night. He gained slowly in weight and in October was examined by Dr. Bailey - condition improved and encouraging. Dr. Putnam made an exam about this time and found no alarming symptoms at all.
"November 1st at Dr. Putnam's suggestion we bot an Alpine lamp and began at once with treatments, starting with one minute and increasing one minute each day until one hour was given daily. After some weeks Carter seemed over stimulated, didn't sleep well after treatmetns so it was cut down to 30 minutes. Twice the eyes were burned and caused considerable discomfort but drops given by Dr. Jennings and no lamp treatment for a day restored them to normal. Treatment continued all winter.
"In April 1927 Dr. Bailey wished an exam by a child specialist & referred us to Dr. Tafft. Dr. Tafft made microscopic examinations and skin tests - Dr. Meacher took X-Rays & fluoroscopic exam. and in each case no evidence was found of tuberculosis germs. Advised feeding to bring weight up to normal average - and generally special care for a frail child, but no reason for his not entering school.
"June 15th to July 5th spent at Megansett. Summer very cold and very little sunshine so there was practically no sun treatment given.
"I was very ill with pneumonia all of May, and Charlie in the hospital 2 weeks in July for operation -- 2 more weeks we (C & I) in Maine to recuperate. Returned to Megansett Sept for a week until school began. Vaccinated just before school opened Sept 1927.
"School tired him at first and after 3 attempts at all day sessions, 1/2 session was tried for several weeks with good results. Just when he was trying all day sessions again, and getting along nicely, whooping cough developed about Thanksgiving time. Five doses of serum were given with good results - the case was mild (altho in Allan it was very severe) and Carter returned to school the eigth week. Later had an attack of tonsilitiis for a week, & occasionally coughed but all winter (showed very fine response to treatment. Helio was given regularly from Oct 1st until about the 3rd week of whooping cough. Not given again all winter (regularly - a few treatments given).
"June 21st to July 1 -- Megansett in Waltham all summer till Aug 28th we moved to Wayland. Fine summer & winter until just after Xmas Carter had a very slight attack of grippe or flu & Allan developed same thing in much more severe form, showing Carter's resistance to be splendid. Carter was thin after this, & was kept out of school until Fri Jan 11th. On Mon Jan 14th 3 cases of scarlet fever had developed in his room so decided to keep him out a week more. Ok after that until latter part of April (1929) developed scarlet fever - quite sick for 4 days but after that was very comfortable - no complications - very good - was up and out doors at the end of five weeks. Did not take serum treatment - Allan tho exposed did not catch it. Allan was vaccinated just before this but it didn't 'take.'
"Entered Mount [unreadable] Oct 1930 - improved in [unreadable] gained 15 lbs in weight -[unreadable] much better.
"Made great gain in height next two years (put on 1st long trousers in 1932). No sickness of any sort until Sept 1932. Had bad bronchial sounding cold with cough which persisted - due to a discharge in back of throat (Dr Br) used drops in nose and 'Adex' also tablets. [unreadable] passed life ins exam satisfactorily for $15,000 ind. policy. App received April 1936 - Entered N. C. D. school Sept 1936. Int attack Feb 1938. Graduated June 8, 1938. Died July 8, 1938 int. obst. emergency says Dr. [unreadable]."
Helen's calendar shows the following entries for June and July 1938:
"Tuesday, June 21 C & C back to Wayland
"Wednesday, June 22 C. Rockport
"Thursday, June 23 C to Brooklyn
"Thursday, June 30 Home
"Wednesday, July 6 C taken sick 4 a.m. operated on in afternoon Charlie flew to N.Y.
"Thursday, July 7 Ed Lipton & I drove to Brooklyn
"Friday, July 8 Carter died at 3:10 a.m. C & I drove home.
"Monday, July 11 Service at Cong. church & Mt. Auburn
"Tuesday, July 12 Al to Eagle Camp"
Carter had been accepted to Tufts University for the Fall Semester 1938.
As attested by his mother's diary entries set forth above, he died at a young age in New York City during the summer between high school and before he could enter Tufts. He apparently went to Brooklyn to find a summer job and worked at a restaurant busing dishes.
The story behind his death in the family growing up was that his death was due to his drinking bad unpasteurized milk. According to the Certificate of Death on file with the Borough of Brooklyn, Carter was hospitalized on July 6, 1938 and underwent surgery that same day. The "principal cause of death and related causes of importance were as follows: 'acute generalized Peritonitis.' Other contributory cause of importance: 'Perforation of Intestine following acute obstruction from adhesions." The Certificate of Death further states: "Name of operation - Laparotomy & lysis of adhesions & repair of perforations.'"
According to a surgeon acquaintance of mine, it would not be unusual for bad milk to have caused a pin hole in the intestine that would have caused the inflamation and sickness leading to his death.
As the first male born after his death, I was given his name.
Based on letters in the family files and Helen's diary, it appears that he took a job as a bus boy in a restaurant in New York sometime during the last week of June, 1938.
A post card addressed to "Mr. Carter Morgan, Windyhill, Wayland, Massachusetts" is postmarked Brooklyn, N.Y. on May 13, 1938. It reads as follows: "Dear Carter, Glad to hear from you . I will get a room for you by the time you come down. However, I think it would be a good idea to wait until a week or two before you come, as it is hard to hold a vacant room for very long without paying rent. How much you want to economize? Do you want to pay about $2 or $2.50. We could probably cut expenses a little by living together. As our work is in different directions we would have to effect a compromise as to location. I cook my breakfast an supper in a perculator, and so save on my food. When The time comes I shall see what I can find for you on the beach side of Brooklyn. I would not mind living further from New York if near an express station. I hope Tufts or some college will give you a good scholarship. I would be glad to write a letter if that would help. Will be gald to see you. Sincerely, Fremont."
As it turned out, Carter moved into an apartment at 2653 East 19th Street, Brooklyn, NY (some six and a half miles from Fremont's address) based on the address on the letters sent to him by his father and mother. A letter that he intended to send home sometime in late June, 1938 or early July, was found in an unstamped letter addressed to "The Chas. t. Morgans, Cochituate Road, Wayland, Massachusetts." Perhaps this letter was written shortly before he was hospitalized and he didn't have a chance to put a stamp on it and mail it. The letter reads as follows:
"Dear Morgans,
"Bought some ink as you see.
"Don't know right now how long I'll be able to stay here working. No one is allowed to work under eighteen in N.Y. I've been told what to say in case I'm asked; was born Oct. 19, 1919. But its a federal offense to work without Social Security, and to get a card I will have to put down my age, and I don't know about putting down a false birth-date on a document that is filed in Washington; its too easy to check up on. Will you find out the legal age limit for work in Mass? It might help, because I'm from Mass., and they might think I was going to work there. I'll have to talk it over with French or somebody.
"Spent the afternoon and evening with Polly Ojack & friends; very pleasant.
"It was my day off.
Love, Carter"
I was named after Charles Carter Morgan. Charles Carter Morgan was called "Carter." As best I can tell, he was never called by his first name. Perhaps this was to avoid confusion between him and his father.
Carter was, by all reports, an accomplished musician. He played the flute and perhaps other instruments. I found a flute in the attic of the home at "Windyhill" and was told that it was Carter's.
Helen Carter kept a diary with quite a detailed account of the challenges that Carter faced with respect to his health beginning at an early age. Her diary is held at the Massachusetts Historical Society and contains the following detailed account that is quite informative with respect to his final illness and death:
"Tonsil and adenoids removed Jan 7, '26. Tonsils exceedingly large and adenoids also. In hospital 24 hours.
"Complained of pain in abdomen occasionally from Jan 1st (or thereabouts) until Feb. 10. Woke up at 3 a.m. crying with pain & wanted electric pad - soon went to sleep again. No more trouble until Feb 13th - diarrhea began about 5 p.m. with pain at bed time - both lasting all night. Dr. Brackett came in a.m. Feb 1 - prescribed ice bag on abdoman - and castor oil - found appendix sensitive but not unusually so -- glands above appendix swollen. Castor oil given at 10 a.m. 1 tbsp - no result apparent-- next stool, next day being normal. Little pain all day - stayed in bed - liquid diet mostly. Dr. Brackett came Mon. a.m. Carter feeling better -- got up about noon - no strenuous playing allowed - careful of diet. Pain returned occasionally about every other day -- sometimes more often.
"Feb 20th specimen of urine showed nothing alarming. Giving nujol - 1 tbsp daily.
"C.e.o. 2 tsp daily.
"Feb. 22nd -- very constipated -- gave enema at 3 p.m. -- fair result -- stool very hard - very dark.
"Feb. 23 -- suppository -- good result but movement accompanied by pain.
"24 -- less pain, but some with move. stool soft. Dr. B. recommends t.b. specialist.
"26 - Consulted Dr. Walter Bailey. Thot abdominal syptoms not alarming but found glands near lungs involved & recommended Colorado at once -- said pulmonary infection imminent any delay in treatment was 'very chancey' -- said if a childs lungs became involved it was 'all off' & the next two months would decide the matter.
"27th. Saw Dr. Fritz Talbot -- diagnosis the same but more encouraging -- felt Col. not necessary & that 6 months on the south shore of the Cape would be a good substitute -- with the chances 7 - 3 in Carter's favor that the next two months would not decide the case. Both Bailey & Talbot recommended Dr. Chadwick of Westfield as the best authority.
"Feb 27 - Dr. Worcester also said to leave it to Dr. chadwick. Talked with Dr. C. by phone & made an appointment for Tues at 10 oclock.
"Dr. Putnam wired.
"March 2 -- Dr. Chadwick made thoro exam - diagnosis agreed with others - thinks Westfield is the proper treatment -- no doubt of being able to cure him.
"March 3. Went to Westfield and put in application.
"Waiting list too long so C was admitted to N. Reading State Sanatorium Mar 12 - improved immediately gaining 4 1/2 pounds first week and several ounces weekly until April 1st when one week he gained nothing - next week 1/2 pound following week nothing -- next week 1/2 pound. Latter part of April he was given diptheria toxin-anti toxin treatment and following the 3rd 'shot' he developed a high temperature & was put to bed in the sick ward.
"Apr. 29th Temp up for about a week & lost a whole pound. Gradually improved & Temp returned to normal, but doctors thot best to keep him in bed. Dr. Bailey advised that we must do something more if he continued to lose weight after 2 weeks.
"Weight May 10th showed no gain but no loss. Found that Carter was being kept in bed mostly because there was no room for him in the 'well ward.' About June 4th he was released at my request from the sanatorium and brot home. The hospital routine was followed as far as possible at home.
"June 21st we moved to North Falmouth, staying until the first of October. Through the summer he wore only trunks practically the whole day long and slept on the porch every night. He gained slowly in weight and in October was examined by Dr. Bailey - condition improved and encouraging. Dr. Putnam made an exam about this time and found no alarming symptoms at all.
"November 1st at Dr. Putnam's suggestion we bot an Alpine lamp and began at once with treatments, starting with one minute and increasing one minute each day until one hour was given daily. After some weeks Carter seemed over stimulated, didn't sleep well after treatmetns so it was cut down to 30 minutes. Twice the eyes were burned and caused considerable discomfort but drops given by Dr. Jennings and no lamp treatment for a day restored them to normal. Treatment continued all winter.
"In April 1927 Dr. Bailey wished an exam by a child specialist & referred us to Dr. Tafft. Dr. Tafft made microscopic examinations and skin tests - Dr. Meacher took X-Rays & fluoroscopic exam. and in each case no evidence was found of tuberculosis germs. Advised feeding to bring weight up to normal average - and generally special care for a frail child, but no reason for his not entering school.
"June 15th to July 5th spent at Megansett. Summer very cold and very little sunshine so there was practically no sun treatment given.
"I was very ill with pneumonia all of May, and Charlie in the hospital 2 weeks in July for operation -- 2 more weeks we (C & I) in Maine to recuperate. Returned to Megansett Sept for a week until school began. Vaccinated just before school opened Sept 1927.
"School tired him at first and after 3 attempts at all day sessions, 1/2 session was tried for several weeks with good results. Just when he was trying all day sessions again, and getting along nicely, whooping cough developed about Thanksgiving time. Five doses of serum were given with good results - the case was mild (altho in Allan it was very severe) and Carter returned to school the eigth week. Later had an attack of tonsilitiis for a week, & occasionally coughed but all winter (showed very fine response to treatment. Helio was given regularly from Oct 1st until about the 3rd week of whooping cough. Not given again all winter (regularly - a few treatments given).
"June 21st to July 1 -- Megansett in Waltham all summer till Aug 28th we moved to Wayland. Fine summer & winter until just after Xmas Carter had a very slight attack of grippe or flu & Allan developed same thing in much more severe form, showing Carter's resistance to be splendid. Carter was thin after this, & was kept out of school until Fri Jan 11th. On Mon Jan 14th 3 cases of scarlet fever had developed in his room so decided to keep him out a week more. Ok after that until latter part of April (1929) developed scarlet fever - quite sick for 4 days but after that was very comfortable - no complications - very good - was up and out doors at the end of five weeks. Did not take serum treatment - Allan tho exposed did not catch it. Allan was vaccinated just before this but it didn't 'take.'
"Entered Mount [unreadable] Oct 1930 - improved in [unreadable] gained 15 lbs in weight -[unreadable] much better.
"Made great gain in height next two years (put on 1st long trousers in 1932). No sickness of any sort until Sept 1932. Had bad bronchial sounding cold with cough which persisted - due to a discharge in back of throat (Dr Br) used drops in nose and 'Adex' also tablets. [unreadable] passed life ins exam satisfactorily for $15,000 ind. policy. App received April 1936 - Entered N. C. D. school Sept 1936. Int attack Feb 1938. Graduated June 8, 1938. Died July 8, 1938 int. obst. emergency says Dr. [unreadable]."
Helen's calendar shows the following entries for June and July 1938:
"Tuesday, June 21 C & C back to Wayland
"Wednesday, June 22 C. Rockport
"Thursday, June 23 C to Brooklyn
"Thursday, June 30 Home
"Wednesday, July 6 C taken sick 4 a.m. operated on in afternoon Charlie flew to N.Y.
"Thursday, July 7 Ed Lipton & I drove to Brooklyn
"Friday, July 8 Carter died at 3:10 a.m. C & I drove home.
"Monday, July 11 Service at Cong. church & Mt. Auburn
"Tuesday, July 12 Al to Eagle Camp"
Carter had been accepted to Tufts University for the Fall Semester 1938.
As attested by his mother's diary entries set forth above, he died at a young age in New York City during the summer between high school and before he could enter Tufts. He apparently went to Brooklyn to find a summer job and worked at a restaurant busing dishes.
The story behind his death in the family growing up was that his death was due to his drinking bad unpasteurized milk. According to the Certificate of Death on file with the Borough of Brooklyn, Carter was hospitalized on July 6, 1938 and underwent surgery that same day. The "principal cause of death and related causes of importance were as follows: 'acute generalized Peritonitis.' Other contributory cause of importance: 'Perforation of Intestine following acute obstruction from adhesions." The Certificate of Death further states: "Name of operation - Laparotomy & lysis of adhesions & repair of perforations.'"
According to a surgeon acquaintance of mine, it would not be unusual for bad milk to have caused a pin hole in the intestine that would have caused the inflamation and sickness leading to his death.
As the first male born after his death, I was given his name.
Based on letters in the family files and Helen's diary, it appears that he took a job as a bus boy in a restaurant in New York sometime during the last week of June, 1938.
A post card addressed to "Mr. Carter Morgan, Windyhill, Wayland, Massachusetts" is postmarked Brooklyn, N.Y. on May 13, 1938. It reads as follows: "Dear Carter, Glad to hear from you . I will get a room for you by the time you come down. However, I think it would be a good idea to wait until a week or two before you come, as it is hard to hold a vacant room for very long without paying rent. How much you want to economize? Do you want to pay about $2 or $2.50. We could probably cut expenses a little by living together. As our work is in different directions we would have to effect a compromise as to location. I cook my breakfast an supper in a perculator, and so save on my food. When The time comes I shall see what I can find for you on the beach side of Brooklyn. I would not mind living further from New York if near an express station. I hope Tufts or some college will give you a good scholarship. I would be glad to write a letter if that would help. Will be gald to see you. Sincerely, Fremont."
As it turned out, Carter moved into an apartment at 2653 East 19th Street, Brooklyn, NY (some six and a half miles from Fremont's address) based on the address on the letters sent to him by his father and mother. A letter that he intended to send home sometime in late June, 1938 or early July, was found in an unstamped letter addressed to "The Chas. t. Morgans, Cochituate Road, Wayland, Massachusetts." Perhaps this letter was written shortly before he was hospitalized and he didn't have a chance to put a stamp on it and mail it. The letter reads as follows:
"Dear Morgans,
"Bought some ink as you see.
"Don't know right now how long I'll be able to stay here working. No one is allowed to work under eighteen in N.Y. I've been told what to say in case I'm asked; was born Oct. 19, 1919. But its a federal offense to work without Social Security, and to get a card I will have to put down my age, and I don't know about putting down a false birth-date on a document that is filed in Washington; its too easy to check up on. Will you find out the legal age limit for work in Mass? It might help, because I'm from Mass., and they might think I was going to work there. I'll have to talk it over with French or somebody.
"Spent the afternoon and evening with Polly Ojack & friends; very pleasant.
"It was my day off.
Love, Carter"
Recorded by Charles Carter Morgan, son of Allen Hungerford Morgan (older brother of this Charles Carter Morgan).
I was named after Charles Carter Morgan. Charles Carter Morgan was called "Carter." As best I can tell, he was never called by his first name. Perhaps this was to avoid confusion between him and his father.
Carter was, by all reports, an accomplished musician. He played the flute and perhaps other instruments. I found a flute in the attic of the home at "Windyhill" and was told that it was Carter's.
Helen Carter kept a diary with quite a detailed account of the challenges that Carter faced with respect to his health beginning at an early age. Her diary is held at the Massachusetts Historical Society and contains the following detailed account that is quite informative with respect to his final illness and death:
"Tonsil and adenoids removed Jan 7, '26. Tonsils exceedingly large and adenoids also. In hospital 24 hours.
"Complained of pain in abdomen occasionally from Jan 1st (or thereabouts) until Feb. 10. Woke up at 3 a.m. crying with pain & wanted electric pad - soon went to sleep again. No more trouble until Feb 13th - diarrhea began about 5 p.m. with pain at bed time - both lasting all night. Dr. Brackett came in a.m. Feb 1 - prescribed ice bag on abdoman - and castor oil - found appendix sensitive but not unusually so -- glands above appendix swollen. Castor oil given at 10 a.m. 1 tbsp - no result apparent-- next stool, next day being normal. Little pain all day - stayed in bed - liquid diet mostly. Dr. Brackett came Mon. a.m. Carter feeling better -- got up about noon - no strenuous playing allowed - careful of diet. Pain returned occasionally about every other day -- sometimes more often.
"Feb 20th specimen of urine showed nothing alarming. Giving nujol - 1 tbsp daily.
"C.e.o. 2 tsp daily.
"Feb. 22nd -- very constipated -- gave enema at 3 p.m. -- fair result -- stool very hard - very dark.
"Feb. 23 -- suppository -- good result but movement accompanied by pain.
"24 -- less pain, but some with move. stool soft. Dr. B. recommends t.b. specialist.
"26 - Consulted Dr. Walter Bailey. Thot abdominal syptoms not alarming but found glands near lungs involved & recommended Colorado at once -- said pulmonary infection imminent any delay in treatment was 'very chancey' -- said if a childs lungs became involved it was 'all off' & the next two months would decide the matter.
"27th. Saw Dr. Fritz Talbot -- diagnosis the same but more encouraging -- felt Col. not necessary & that 6 months on the south shore of the Cape would be a good substitute -- with the chances 7 - 3 in Carter's favor that the next two months would not decide the case. Both Bailey & Talbot recommended Dr. Chadwick of Westfield as the best authority.
"Feb 27 - Dr. Worcester also said to leave it to Dr. chadwick. Talked with Dr. C. by phone & made an appointment for Tues at 10 oclock.
"Dr. Putnam wired.
"March 2 -- Dr. Chadwick made thoro exam - diagnosis agreed with others - thinks Westfield is the proper treatment -- no doubt of being able to cure him.
"March 3. Went to Westfield and put in application.
"Waiting list too long so C was admitted to N. Reading State Sanatorium Mar 12 - improved immediately gaining 4 1/2 pounds first week and several ounces weekly until April 1st when one week he gained nothing - next week 1/2 pound following week nothing -- next week 1/2 pound. Latter part of April he was given diptheria toxin-anti toxin treatment and following the 3rd 'shot' he developed a high temperature & was put to bed in the sick ward.
"Apr. 29th Temp up for about a week & lost a whole pound. Gradually improved & Temp returned to normal, but doctors thot best to keep him in bed. Dr. Bailey advised that we must do something more if he continued to lose weight after 2 weeks.
"Weight May 10th showed no gain but no loss. Found that Carter was being kept in bed mostly because there was no room for him in the 'well ward.' About June 4th he was released at my request from the sanatorium and brot home. The hospital routine was followed as far as possible at home.
"June 21st we moved to North Falmouth, staying until the first of October. Through the summer he wore only trunks practically the whole day long and slept on the porch every night. He gained slowly in weight and in October was examined by Dr. Bailey - condition improved and encouraging. Dr. Putnam made an exam about this time and found no alarming symptoms at all.
"November 1st at Dr. Putnam's suggestion we bot an Alpine lamp and began at once with treatments, starting with one minute and increasing one minute each day until one hour was given daily. After some weeks Carter seemed over stimulated, didn't sleep well after treatmetns so it was cut down to 30 minutes. Twice the eyes were burned and caused considerable discomfort but drops given by Dr. Jennings and no lamp treatment for a day restored them to normal. Treatment continued all winter.
"In April 1927 Dr. Bailey wished an exam by a child specialist & referred us to Dr. Tafft. Dr. Tafft made microscopic examinations and skin tests - Dr. Meacher took X-Rays & fluoroscopic exam. and in each case no evidence was found of tuberculosis germs. Advised feeding to bring weight up to normal average - and generally special care for a frail child, but no reason for his not entering school.
"June 15th to July 5th spent at Megansett. Summer very cold and very little sunshine so there was practically no sun treatment given.
"I was very ill with pneumonia all of May, and Charlie in the hospital 2 weeks in July for operation -- 2 more weeks we (C & I) in Maine to recuperate. Returned to Megansett Sept for a week until school began. Vaccinated just before school opened Sept 1927.
"School tired him at first and after 3 attempts at all day sessions, 1/2 session was tried for several weeks with good results. Just when he was trying all day sessions again, and getting along nicely, whooping cough developed about Thanksgiving time. Five doses of serum were given with good results - the case was mild (altho in Allan it was very severe) and Carter returned to school the eigth week. Later had an attack of tonsilitiis for a week, & occasionally coughed but all winter (showed very fine response to treatment. Helio was given regularly from Oct 1st until about the 3rd week of whooping cough. Not given again all winter (regularly - a few treatments given).
"June 21st to July 1 -- Megansett in Waltham all summer till Aug 28th we moved to Wayland. Fine summer & winter until just after Xmas Carter had a very slight attack of grippe or flu & Allan developed same thing in much more severe form, showing Carter's resistance to be splendid. Carter was thin after this, & was kept out of school until Fri Jan 11th. On Mon Jan 14th 3 cases of scarlet fever had developed in his room so decided to keep him out a week more. Ok after that until latter part of April (1929) developed scarlet fever - quite sick for 4 days but after that was very comfortable - no complications - very good - was up and out doors at the end of five weeks. Did not take serum treatment - Allan tho exposed did not catch it. Allan was vaccinated just before this but it didn't 'take.'
"Entered Mount [unreadable] Oct 1930 - improved in [unreadable] gained 15 lbs in weight -[unreadable] much better.
"Made great gain in height next two years (put on 1st long trousers in 1932). No sickness of any sort until Sept 1932. Had bad bronchial sounding cold with cough which persisted - due to a discharge in back of throat (Dr Br) used drops in nose and 'Adex' also tablets. [unreadable] passed life ins exam satisfactorily for $15,000 ind. policy. App received April 1936 - Entered N. C. D. school Sept 1936. Int attack Feb 1938. Graduated June 8, 1938. Died July 8, 1938 int. obst. emergency says Dr. [unreadable]."
Helen's calendar shows the following entries for June and July 1938:
"Tuesday, June 21 C & C back to Wayland
"Wednesday, June 22 C. Rockport
"Thursday, June 23 C to Brooklyn
"Thursday, June 30 Home
"Wednesday, July 6 C taken sick 4 a.m. operated on in afternoon Charlie flew to N.Y.
"Thursday, July 7 Ed Lipton & I drove to Brooklyn
"Friday, July 8 Carter died at 3:10 a.m. C & I drove home.
"Monday, July 11 Service at Cong. church & Mt. Auburn
"Tuesday, July 12 Al to Eagle Camp"
Carter had been accepted to Tufts University for the Fall Semester 1938.
As attested by his mother's diary entries set forth above, he died at a young age in New York City during the summer between high school and before he could enter Tufts. He apparently went to Brooklyn to find a summer job and worked at a restaurant busing dishes.
The story behind his death in the family growing up was that his death was due to his drinking bad unpasteurized milk. According to the Certificate of Death on file with the Borough of Brooklyn, Carter was hospitalized on July 6, 1938 and underwent surgery that same day. The "principal cause of death and related causes of importance were as follows: 'acute generalized Peritonitis.' Other contributory cause of importance: 'Perforation of Intestine following acute obstruction from adhesions." The Certificate of Death further states: "Name of operation - Laparotomy & lysis of adhesions & repair of perforations.'"
According to a surgeon acquaintance of mine, it would not be unusual for bad milk to have caused a pin hole in the intestine that would have caused the inflamation and sickness leading to his death.
As the first male born after his death, I was given his name.
Based on letters in the family files and Helen's diary, it appears that he took a job as a bus boy in a restaurant in New York sometime during the last week of June, 1938.
A post card addressed to "Mr. Carter Morgan, Windyhill, Wayland, Massachusetts" is postmarked Brooklyn, N.Y. on May 13, 1938. It reads as follows: "Dear Carter, Glad to hear from you . I will get a room for you by the time you come down. However, I think it would be a good idea to wait until a week or two before you come, as it is hard to hold a vacant room for very long without paying rent. How much you want to economize? Do you want to pay about $2 or $2.50. We could probably cut expenses a little by living together. As our work is in different directions we would have to effect a compromise as to location. I cook my breakfast an supper in a perculator, and so save on my food. When The time comes I shall see what I can find for you on the beach side of Brooklyn. I would not mind living further from New York if near an express station. I hope Tufts or some college will give you a good scholarship. I would be glad to write a letter if that would help. Will be gald to see you. Sincerely, Fremont."
As it turned out, Carter moved into an apartment at 2653 East 19th Street, Brooklyn, NY (some six and a half miles from Fremont's address) based on the address on the letters sent to him by his father and mother. A letter that he intended to send home sometime in late June, 1938 or early July, was found in an unstamped letter addressed to "The Chas. t. Morgans, Cochituate Road, Wayland, Massachusetts." Perhaps this letter was written shortly before he was hospitalized and he didn't have a chance to put a stamp on it and mail it. The letter reads as follows:
"Dear Morgans,
"Bought some ink as you see.
"Don't know right now how long I'll be able to stay here working. No one is allowed to work under eighteen in N.Y. I've been told what to say in case I'm asked; was born Oct. 19, 1919. But its a federal offense to work without Social Security, and to get a card I will have to put down my age, and I don't know about putting down a false birth-date on a document that is filed in Washington; its too easy to check up on. Will you find out the legal age limit for work in Mass? It might help, because I'm from Mass., and they might think I was going to work there. I'll have to talk it over with French or somebody.
"Spent the afternoon and evening with Polly Ojack & friends; very pleasant.
"It was my day off.
Love, Carter"
I was named after Charles Carter Morgan. Charles Carter Morgan was called "Carter." As best I can tell, he was never called by his first name. Perhaps this was to avoid confusion between him and his father.
Carter was, by all reports, an accomplished musician. He played the flute and perhaps other instruments. I found a flute in the attic of the home at "Windyhill" and was told that it was Carter's.
Helen Carter kept a diary with quite a detailed account of the challenges that Carter faced with respect to his health beginning at an early age. Her diary is held at the Massachusetts Historical Society and contains the following detailed account that is quite informative with respect to his final illness and death:
"Tonsil and adenoids removed Jan 7, '26. Tonsils exceedingly large and adenoids also. In hospital 24 hours.
"Complained of pain in abdomen occasionally from Jan 1st (or thereabouts) until Feb. 10. Woke up at 3 a.m. crying with pain & wanted electric pad - soon went to sleep again. No more trouble until Feb 13th - diarrhea began about 5 p.m. with pain at bed time - both lasting all night. Dr. Brackett came in a.m. Feb 1 - prescribed ice bag on abdoman - and castor oil - found appendix sensitive but not unusually so -- glands above appendix swollen. Castor oil given at 10 a.m. 1 tbsp - no result apparent-- next stool, next day being normal. Little pain all day - stayed in bed - liquid diet mostly. Dr. Brackett came Mon. a.m. Carter feeling better -- got up about noon - no strenuous playing allowed - careful of diet. Pain returned occasionally about every other day -- sometimes more often.
"Feb 20th specimen of urine showed nothing alarming. Giving nujol - 1 tbsp daily.
"C.e.o. 2 tsp daily.
"Feb. 22nd -- very constipated -- gave enema at 3 p.m. -- fair result -- stool very hard - very dark.
"Feb. 23 -- suppository -- good result but movement accompanied by pain.
"24 -- less pain, but some with move. stool soft. Dr. B. recommends t.b. specialist.
"26 - Consulted Dr. Walter Bailey. Thot abdominal syptoms not alarming but found glands near lungs involved & recommended Colorado at once -- said pulmonary infection imminent any delay in treatment was 'very chancey' -- said if a childs lungs became involved it was 'all off' & the next two months would decide the matter.
"27th. Saw Dr. Fritz Talbot -- diagnosis the same but more encouraging -- felt Col. not necessary & that 6 months on the south shore of the Cape would be a good substitute -- with the chances 7 - 3 in Carter's favor that the next two months would not decide the case. Both Bailey & Talbot recommended Dr. Chadwick of Westfield as the best authority.
"Feb 27 - Dr. Worcester also said to leave it to Dr. chadwick. Talked with Dr. C. by phone & made an appointment for Tues at 10 oclock.
"Dr. Putnam wired.
"March 2 -- Dr. Chadwick made thoro exam - diagnosis agreed with others - thinks Westfield is the proper treatment -- no doubt of being able to cure him.
"March 3. Went to Westfield and put in application.
"Waiting list too long so C was admitted to N. Reading State Sanatorium Mar 12 - improved immediately gaining 4 1/2 pounds first week and several ounces weekly until April 1st when one week he gained nothing - next week 1/2 pound following week nothing -- next week 1/2 pound. Latter part of April he was given diptheria toxin-anti toxin treatment and following the 3rd 'shot' he developed a high temperature & was put to bed in the sick ward.
"Apr. 29th Temp up for about a week & lost a whole pound. Gradually improved & Temp returned to normal, but doctors thot best to keep him in bed. Dr. Bailey advised that we must do something more if he continued to lose weight after 2 weeks.
"Weight May 10th showed no gain but no loss. Found that Carter was being kept in bed mostly because there was no room for him in the 'well ward.' About June 4th he was released at my request from the sanatorium and brot home. The hospital routine was followed as far as possible at home.
"June 21st we moved to North Falmouth, staying until the first of October. Through the summer he wore only trunks practically the whole day long and slept on the porch every night. He gained slowly in weight and in October was examined by Dr. Bailey - condition improved and encouraging. Dr. Putnam made an exam about this time and found no alarming symptoms at all.
"November 1st at Dr. Putnam's suggestion we bot an Alpine lamp and began at once with treatments, starting with one minute and increasing one minute each day until one hour was given daily. After some weeks Carter seemed over stimulated, didn't sleep well after treatmetns so it was cut down to 30 minutes. Twice the eyes were burned and caused considerable discomfort but drops given by Dr. Jennings and no lamp treatment for a day restored them to normal. Treatment continued all winter.
"In April 1927 Dr. Bailey wished an exam by a child specialist & referred us to Dr. Tafft. Dr. Tafft made microscopic examinations and skin tests - Dr. Meacher took X-Rays & fluoroscopic exam. and in each case no evidence was found of tuberculosis germs. Advised feeding to bring weight up to normal average - and generally special care for a frail child, but no reason for his not entering school.
"June 15th to July 5th spent at Megansett. Summer very cold and very little sunshine so there was practically no sun treatment given.
"I was very ill with pneumonia all of May, and Charlie in the hospital 2 weeks in July for operation -- 2 more weeks we (C & I) in Maine to recuperate. Returned to Megansett Sept for a week until school began. Vaccinated just before school opened Sept 1927.
"School tired him at first and after 3 attempts at all day sessions, 1/2 session was tried for several weeks with good results. Just when he was trying all day sessions again, and getting along nicely, whooping cough developed about Thanksgiving time. Five doses of serum were given with good results - the case was mild (altho in Allan it was very severe) and Carter returned to school the eigth week. Later had an attack of tonsilitiis for a week, & occasionally coughed but all winter (showed very fine response to treatment. Helio was given regularly from Oct 1st until about the 3rd week of whooping cough. Not given again all winter (regularly - a few treatments given).
"June 21st to July 1 -- Megansett in Waltham all summer till Aug 28th we moved to Wayland. Fine summer & winter until just after Xmas Carter had a very slight attack of grippe or flu & Allan developed same thing in much more severe form, showing Carter's resistance to be splendid. Carter was thin after this, & was kept out of school until Fri Jan 11th. On Mon Jan 14th 3 cases of scarlet fever had developed in his room so decided to keep him out a week more. Ok after that until latter part of April (1929) developed scarlet fever - quite sick for 4 days but after that was very comfortable - no complications - very good - was up and out doors at the end of five weeks. Did not take serum treatment - Allan tho exposed did not catch it. Allan was vaccinated just before this but it didn't 'take.'
"Entered Mount [unreadable] Oct 1930 - improved in [unreadable] gained 15 lbs in weight -[unreadable] much better.
"Made great gain in height next two years (put on 1st long trousers in 1932). No sickness of any sort until Sept 1932. Had bad bronchial sounding cold with cough which persisted - due to a discharge in back of throat (Dr Br) used drops in nose and 'Adex' also tablets. [unreadable] passed life ins exam satisfactorily for $15,000 ind. policy. App received April 1936 - Entered N. C. D. school Sept 1936. Int attack Feb 1938. Graduated June 8, 1938. Died July 8, 1938 int. obst. emergency says Dr. [unreadable]."
Helen's calendar shows the following entries for June and July 1938:
"Tuesday, June 21 C & C back to Wayland
"Wednesday, June 22 C. Rockport
"Thursday, June 23 C to Brooklyn
"Thursday, June 30 Home
"Wednesday, July 6 C taken sick 4 a.m. operated on in afternoon Charlie flew to N.Y.
"Thursday, July 7 Ed Lipton & I drove to Brooklyn
"Friday, July 8 Carter died at 3:10 a.m. C & I drove home.
"Monday, July 11 Service at Cong. church & Mt. Auburn
"Tuesday, July 12 Al to Eagle Camp"
Carter had been accepted to Tufts University for the Fall Semester 1938.
As attested by his mother's diary entries set forth above, he died at a young age in New York City during the summer between high school and before he could enter Tufts. He apparently went to Brooklyn to find a summer job and worked at a restaurant busing dishes.
The story behind his death in the family growing up was that his death was due to his drinking bad unpasteurized milk. According to the Certificate of Death on file with the Borough of Brooklyn, Carter was hospitalized on July 6, 1938 and underwent surgery that same day. The "principal cause of death and related causes of importance were as follows: 'acute generalized Peritonitis.' Other contributory cause of importance: 'Perforation of Intestine following acute obstruction from adhesions." The Certificate of Death further states: "Name of operation - Laparotomy & lysis of adhesions & repair of perforations.'"
According to a surgeon acquaintance of mine, it would not be unusual for bad milk to have caused a pin hole in the intestine that would have caused the inflamation and sickness leading to his death.
As the first male born after his death, I was given his name.
Based on letters in the family files and Helen's diary, it appears that he took a job as a bus boy in a restaurant in New York sometime during the last week of June, 1938.
A post card addressed to "Mr. Carter Morgan, Windyhill, Wayland, Massachusetts" is postmarked Brooklyn, N.Y. on May 13, 1938. It reads as follows: "Dear Carter, Glad to hear from you . I will get a room for you by the time you come down. However, I think it would be a good idea to wait until a week or two before you come, as it is hard to hold a vacant room for very long without paying rent. How much you want to economize? Do you want to pay about $2 or $2.50. We could probably cut expenses a little by living together. As our work is in different directions we would have to effect a compromise as to location. I cook my breakfast an supper in a perculator, and so save on my food. When The time comes I shall see what I can find for you on the beach side of Brooklyn. I would not mind living further from New York if near an express station. I hope Tufts or some college will give you a good scholarship. I would be glad to write a letter if that would help. Will be gald to see you. Sincerely, Fremont."
As it turned out, Carter moved into an apartment at 2653 East 19th Street, Brooklyn, NY (some six and a half miles from Fremont's address) based on the address on the letters sent to him by his father and mother. A letter that he intended to send home sometime in late June, 1938 or early July, was found in an unstamped letter addressed to "The Chas. t. Morgans, Cochituate Road, Wayland, Massachusetts." Perhaps this letter was written shortly before he was hospitalized and he didn't have a chance to put a stamp on it and mail it. The letter reads as follows:
"Dear Morgans,
"Bought some ink as you see.
"Don't know right now how long I'll be able to stay here working. No one is allowed to work under eighteen in N.Y. I've been told what to say in case I'm asked; was born Oct. 19, 1919. But its a federal offense to work without Social Security, and to get a card I will have to put down my age, and I don't know about putting down a false birth-date on a document that is filed in Washington; its too easy to check up on. Will you find out the legal age limit for work in Mass? It might help, because I'm from Mass., and they might think I was going to work there. I'll have to talk it over with French or somebody.
"Spent the afternoon and evening with Polly Ojack & friends; very pleasant.
"It was my day off.
Love, Carter"
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