1883 - August 3aa

 

As part of its ongoing focus on the unhealthy state of many of the alleys in the city, the Hamilton Spectator, on August 3, 1883, carried a report on the condition of an alley which ran parallel to Market and York streets, between Park and McNab streets :

“The whole of the ground of the alleyway is covered with all kinds of decaying vegetable matter, filthy rags, and manure. The manure, which is piled up high against the fences of other citizens’ yards comes from Ten Eyck’s stables, and that, in the first instance, the public object to. Connected with the stables is a cow house and pig pen belonging to Mr. Thomson. The neighbors would not object to him keeping pigs and cattle in the alleyway if the law allows him to do so, but they decidedly object to it if they are obliged to put up with the noxious odors which arise from these places.¹

¹ “A Model Alleyway : What the Health Inspector Might Look After.”

Hamilton Spectator.   August  03, 1883.

It was learned that the alleyway in question had been recently used as a location to kill and dress three pigs. The refuse matter from that operation had been thrown on a dung heap and left uncovered. Later, a dog was shot and the carcass thrown on Ten Eyck’s manure pile causing anther stench:

“When the reporter it (the alley), there was the manure heap one one hand, a pile of lumber on the other, and a cesspool in the center of the road, leaving very little room even for a man to pass.

“In fact, every person living near who has a dead animal of any kind, a lot of decayed fruit or vegetables, or anything else that would be likely to cause an annoying smell, deposits it in this public alleyway, despite the notices posted up to the effect that all social evil doers will be prosecuted.”¹

 

(To Be Continued)