Advertisement
The Winthrop and Readfield Historical Societies will co-host a program on Colonial medicine on Thursday, November 12th at 6:00 pm at the Winthrop History and Heritage Center, 107 Main Street, Winthrop. The presenter, Jackie Fournier, whose interest in history blends well with her passion for medicine, is a historical interpreter at Fort Western and a docent at the Pownalborough Court House. She recently spent a week at the Colonial Williamsburg apothecary learning the trade of compounding medicines. Fournier will enhance her presentation by appearing as Dr. Samuel Colman, the second physician to reside and practice in Hallowell. Born in Newburyport, MA in 1762 and educated at Harvard, Dr. Colman came to Hallowell 2-3 years later where he lived for a short time at Fort Western with Captain James Howard’s family. While Colman practiced medicine in the Hallowell area, he also operated a store where he sold scythes, hoes, tobacco and pharmaceuticals. In both occupations he worked closely with the midwife, Martha Ballard and is mentioned often in her diaries. Ballard bought imported medicinal ingredients from Dr. Colman that she used in her own practice, and the two sometimes worked together while treating the ill and women in labor. Dr. Colman married Susannah Atkins of Newburyport in 1787 and brought her to Hallowell where they raised a large family until 1806, when they returned to Newburyport. He died there four years later at age 47.
Fournier will augment her presentation with a slide show, focusing on colonial medicine and exploring common illnesses and injuries from the period and the treatments, procedures and instruments used. There is no fee for the program but donations are welcome. FMI contact Mary Richards at (207) 377-9663 or [email protected]; or Dale Potter-Clark at (207) 441-9184 or [email protected]
Advertisement
Event venue
Winthrop Maine Historical Society, 107 Main St, Winthrop, ME 04364-1436, United States
Tickets
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.