The Oregon State Insane Asylum advertised for vendors in the Salem paper. This notice, from the Oregon Statesman December 18, 1895 (transcribed here in full), gives a unique look into the day to day activities of the institution. The section on drug supplies lists a wide variety of familiar products including opium, sarsaparilla, caffeine, bitter almonds, turmeric, clove oil and cocaine that would probably not be found in a hospital today. Food suppliers are charged with some almost modern sounding restrictions, requiring dried prunes supplied be “Oregon Raised” and listing specific source countries for coffee products (Costa Rica and Java). Orders for two dozen corsets, red handkerchiefs, slippers, denim and silesia cast a light on the dress code of the day.
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PROPOSALS FOR SUPPLIES
The board of trustees of the Oregon state insane asylum invite sealed proposals for furnishing at the asylum, near Salem, Oregon, for the six months ending June 30, 1896, the following supplies:
DRY GOODS
1500 yds. Allen prints, assorted patterns, as per sample.
500 yds. Pequot A. sheeting, 45 in., unbleached, as per sample.
500 yds. Lonsdale sheeting, 36 in., bleached as per sample.
1000 yds. French crash linen, bleached, 18 in., as per sample.
500 yds. Glass crash linen, bleached, 18 in., as per sample.
150 yds. Table oil cloth, white, as per sample.
500 yds. Amoskeag blue denims, 9 oz., as per sample.
100 yds. Silesia, drab, as per sample.
2 doz. Corsets as per sample, size 24 to 30.
10 doz. Turkey red handkerchiefs, 24 in.
75 doz. Men’s cotton socks as per sample.
12 doz. B. & W. stay binding, white, as per sample.
½ great gross duplex safety pins No. 3 as per sample.
6 G. gross F.B. shirt buttons, as per sample.
2 G. gross pants buttons, as per sample.
Thread (Coats’ or Clark’s O.N.T.)
15 dozen No. 40 white.
5 dozen No. 50 black.
5 dozen No. 50 white.
15 dozen No. 40 black.
SLIPPERS
30 prs. Men’s leather slippers, No. 7, as per sample.
50 prs. Men’s leather slippers, No. 8, as per sample.
50 prs. Men’s leather slippers, No. 9, as per sample.
30 prs. Men’s leather slippers, No. 10, as per sample.
20 prs. Men’s leather slippers, No. 11, as per sample.
GROCERIES
15,000 lbs. Golden C. sugar.
1,500 lbs. oat meal in barrels.
10,000 lbs. rolled oats in barrels.
3,000 lbs. cracked wheat in barrels.
2,500 lbs. corn meal in barrels.
2,000 lbs. cracked hominy, small, in barrels
2,000 lbs. cream wheat in barrels.
300 lbs. Arm & Hammer soda in 1 lb. packages.
10,000 lbs. Liverpool salt.
500 lbs. soda crackers XXX, more or less, delivered as required.
350 lbs. Silver Gloss starch (Kingsford’s)
500 lbs. cheese, Cranston’s, more or less, delivered as required.
400 lbs. cream of tartar (Folger’s or Shillings’) in 25 lb boxes.
30 dozen whisk brooms.
30 dozen No. 1 best brooms.
10 gross Vulcan Safety matches, as per sample.
500 gal. syrup, as per sample.
30 doz. Corn canned, Glenwood or as good.
600 lbs. sal soda.
CROCKERY
300 clay pipes and stems as per sample.
40 doz. teacups W.G. ware.
10 doz. soup bowls, qts. W.G. ware.
10 doz. dinner plates, 9 in., W.G. ware.
2 doz. pitchers, 2 qt., W.G. ware.
2 doz. pitchers, 1 qt., W.G. ware.
5 doz. pitchers cream, W. G. ware.
5 doz. glass tumblers, as per sample.
6 doz. bakers, 10 in., W.G. ware.
2 doz. sugar bowls, W.G. ware, as per sample.
1 doz. wash bowls and pitchers, W.G. ware, as per sample.
2 doz. granite iron soap dishes, as per sample.
COFFEE
6,000 lbs. coffee, Costa Rica, as per sample.
200 lbs. coffee, Java, as per sample.
1,200 lbs. Chicory, as per sample.
DRIED PRUNES.
(Must be in bbls. Or boxes; not accepted in sacks).
2,000 lbs. prunes, Petite, machine-dried. Oregon raised.
DRIED APPLES.
(Must be in bbls. Or boxes; not accepted in sacks).
2,000 lbs. apples, machine-dried, as per sample.
DRIED PEACHES.
(Must be in barrels or boxes; not accepted in sacks).
1,500 lbs. peaches, machine-dried, as per sample.
TOBACCO.
2,500 lbs. Even Change, or as good.
400 lbs. O.K. Durham Smoking in 2 oz. pkgs.
VINEGAR.
1,000 al. pure cider vinegar, 40 grs. Bidders to submit samples.
FLOUR.
600 bbls. No. 1 flour, more or less, delivered as required.
25 bbls. No. 1 graham flour, more or less, delivered as required.
FISH.
600 lbs. fish per week, more or less, as required.
Kinds as required stating price of each per pound.
OILS AND TURPENTINE.
70 gal. turpentine in 5 gal. cans.
200 gal. kerosene, more or less, in tanks, delivered as required.
2 doz. bottles sewing machine oil, as per sample.
SOAP.
2,500 lbs. Net Savon, Best Standard soap.
144 cakes toilet soap, as per sample.
20 lbs. shaving soap (J.B. Williams’) as per sample.
SPICES.
200 lbs. black pepper standard ground in 5 lb. cans.
15lbs. nutmegs, standard whole.
MISCELLANIOUS
10 doz. combs, dressing, as per sample.
2 doz. mop handles, as per sample.
1 doz. wash tubs, as per sample.
1 doz. washboards Red Cross as per sample.
STATIONERY
6 dozen mucilage, Sanford’s Universal.
1 gross Payson’s Indelible ink, as per sample.
12 quarts Stafford’s or Sanford’s ink, black, in quart bottles.
6 dozen penholders, assorted.
12 dozen pencils, lead, No. 4, (Johann Faber’s).
2 gross Falcon pens, No. D.
2 gross Beats’ stub pens, No. B.
2 gross West Michigan.
2 gross London Incandescent, No. 4, M. Jacobs.
DRUG SUPPLIES.
1 kilogramme Acid Acetic, 36 per cent, (Squibbs.)
1 kilogramme acid boric, powdered, (Squibbs).
2 kilogrammes acid carbolic, pure crystal, (Squibbs).
500 grammes acid tartaric, powdered, (Squibbs).
1 Kilogramme acacia, powdered, (Squibbs).
1 Kilogramme ammonia bromide, granulated, (Squibbs).
2 Kilogrammes ammonia chloride, granulated, (Squibbs).
5 Kilogrammes bismuth sub-nitrate, (Squibbs).
250 grammes cantharides, powdered, (Squibbs).
100 grammes creosote, (Squibbs).
10 kilogramme chloral hydrate, (Squibbs).
8 kilogramme chloroform in 500 gramme bottles, (Squibbs).
500 grammes cubebs, powdered (Suqibbs).
6 kilogrammes ether for anaesthesia, ½ to be in 100 gramme cans and remainder in 250 gramme cans, (Squibbs).
500 grammes opium, powdered, (Squibbs).
1 kilogramme soap, powdered, (white castile), (Squibbs)
2 kilogrammes sodium bicarbonate. (Squibbs).
2 kilogrammes sodim borated, powdered, (Squibbs).
1 kilogrammes sodium et potassa tarrate, (Squibbs).
2 kilogrammes iron chloride, solution, (Squibbs).
2 kilogrammes iron pyrophosphate, (Squibbs).
2 kilogrammes mercurial ointment, (Squibbs).
12 kilogrammes potassa bromide, (Squibbs).
1 kilogramme potasst chlorate, (Squibbs).
2 kilogramme potassa iodide, (Squibbs).
1 kilogramme fluid extract ergot, (Squibbs).
500 grammes Fowler’s solutin, (Squibbs).
500 grammes tincture opium, deodorized, (Squibbs).
6 sheets blue litmus paper, (Squibbs).
1 lb. acid muriatic C.P.P.&W.
1 lb. acid nitric C.P., (P.&W.)
1 lb. acid suphuric C.P., (P.&W.)
2 oz. acid gallic, (P.&W.)
1 oz. caffein citrate, (P.&W.)
1 oz. cocaine muriate, (P.&W.)
½ oz. codeine sulphate, (P.&W.)
1 oz. lunar caustic pure, (P.&W.)
1 oz. lunar caustic No. 2, (P.&W.)
½ oz. Morphine muriate, (P.&W.)
2 oz. morphine sulphate, (P.&W.)
60 oz. quinine sulphate, in 5 oz. cans, (P.&W.)
½ lb. acid tannic (P.&W.)
2 oz. zinc chloride granulated, (P.&W.)
2 lbs. oil sweet orange, (Lahn & Fink.)
2 lbs. oil lemon, Lahn & Fink.)
1 lb. oil cloves, (Lahn & Fink.)
16 oz. europhen, (Bayer).
75 oz. sulfonal, (Bayer).
16 oz. phenacetine, (Bayer).
10 oz. antikamnia.
6 oz. antikamnia, 5 grain tablets.
4 lbs. pepsine sacch (Fairchild’s).
8 oz. pepsine (Boudault’s).
4 doz. Eff. Citrate magnesia, (Bishop).
4 doz. Emulsion Cod Liver Oil, large (Phillips’).
4 doz. Elixir Iod-Brom-Calcium Co., (Tilden).
2 doz. cascara cordial, P.D. & C.
¾ doz. Lloyd’s hydrasits.
½ doz. Katharmon.
1 doz. Listerine.
1 doz. Syrup Hypophosphites Co., (Fellows).
1 doz. bromo seltzer (25c size).
4 doz. beef juice (Wyeth’s).
3 doz. peroxide of hydrogen in ¼ lb. bottles (Marchand’s).
2 lbs Johnson’s Ethereal Antiseptic soap. (P.D. & Co.)
½ doz. Horsford’s Acid Phosphates (large).
½ doz. bromidia (Battle Co.).
½ doz. papine (Battle Co.).
½ doz. willow charcoal, (Ellis).
½ doz. alkalithia, (K.& M.).
1 gallon colorless distilled extract of witch hazel (P.D.&Co.).
10 lbs. Phillips’ Digestible Cocoa.
10 lbs. carbolic acid, Mal., No 1, gold label.
2 lbs. fluid extract belladonna leaves, (P.C. & Co.).
10 lbs. fluid extract buchu (P.D. & Co.)
2 lbs. fluid extract corn silk (P.D. & Co.)
10 bs. Fluid extract cascara sagrada (P.D. & Co.)
1 lb. Fluid extract digitalis (P.D. & Co.)
2 lbs. Fluid extract ginger (P.D. & Co.)
1 lb. fluid extract hyoscyamus (P.D. & Co.)
10lbs. fluid extract jalap (P.D. & Co.)
5 lbs. fluid extract licorice (P.D. & Co.)
10 lbs. fluid extract senna (P.D. & Co.)
10 lbs. fluid Sarsaparilla Co. for syrup (P.D. & Co.)
1 lb. peppermint leaves (P.D. & Co.)
1 lb granulated belladonna leaves (Lilly & Co.)
1 pound granulated cannabis indica (Lilly & Co)
1 pound granulated aconite root (Lilly & Co.).
1 lb. granulated arnica flower (Lilly & Co.)
1 lb. granulated cinchona red (Lilly & Co.)
2 lbs. granulated columbo (Lilly & Co.)
1 lb. granulated digitalis leaves (Lilly & Co.)
1 lbs granulated Gentian (Lilly & Co.)
3 lbs. granulated ginger (Lilly & Co.)
2 lbs. granulated hysocyamus (Lilly & Co.)
5 lbs. granulated quassia (Lilly & Co.)
5 lbs. granulated wild cherry bark (Lilly & Co.)
3 lbs. magnesia carbonate (K. & M.)
10 lbs. gum camphor.
50 lbs. flax seed meal.
100 lbs. Epsom Salts.
10 lbs. borax powdered.
10 lbs. potassium nitrate, powderd.
1 lb. tumeric, powdered.
1 lb. lycopodium.
20 lbs. sulphur sublimed.
35 lbs. Vaseline (Cheseborough’s).
5lbs. prepared chalk.
50 lbs. glycerine (Kirk’s).
5 gallons Baker’s A.A. castor oil (in original package).
5 gallon oil maliga
5 gallons liquid ammonia, concentrated, (in 5 gallon glass containor [sic], Mal.).
6 lbs. muriatic acid (commercial in glass stoppered bottles, Mal.)
2 lbs. liquid albooline.
1,000 each of empty capsules, Nos. 1 and 2 (P.D. & Co.)
1 gross hollow cocoa suppositories, No. 2.
1 lb. bitter almonds, shelled.
6 rolls belladonna plaster in one yard rolls (S. & J.)
6 rolls silk isinglass plaster in one yard rolls (S. & J.)
3 rolls Mead’s Adhesive plaster in 5 yards rollls [sic] (width 12 in.) (S. & J.)
2 rolls oiled silk in one yard rolls (S. & J.)
5 yards oiled muslin (S. & J.)
20 lbs. absorbent cotton in one pound pkgs, (S. & J.)
2 lbs. sterilized lambs wool in ¼ lb. pkgs. (S. & J.)
400 each hypodemic tablets, Nos. 20 and 95 in cases of 10 tubes each (Wyeth’s)
1,000 each hypodermic tablets, Nos. 45 and 68, in cases of 10 tubes each (Wyeth’s).
3 lbs. pill improved cathartic, No. 160. (P.D. & Co.)
1,000 quinine sulphate capsules, 2 grain, (P.D. & Co.)
3,000 quinine sulphate capsules, 3 grain (P.D. & Co.)
1,000 quinine sulphate capsules, 5 grain (P.D. & Co.)
1 pound Wilson’s Corrosive Antiseptic tablets (Wyeth’s)
1,000 compressed powders of opium, ½ grain, lead acetate 1 ½ grain (Wyeth’s).
500 compressed powders of doveri powder, 5 grain (Wyeth’s).
1,000 compressed powders of salol, 5 grain (Wyeth’s).
1,000 compressed powders of migraine No. 2 (Wyeth’s).
TABLETS TRITURATES IN BOTTLES OF 500 EACH.
2,000 tablets triturate aloin, Bellad et Podoph. (Wyeth’s).
1,000 tablets triturate Hyd. Chl. Mite. Et Soda Bicarbonate Co. (Wyeth’s).
1,000 tablets riturate Hyd. Chl. Mite. No. 1 (Wyeth’s).
1,000 tablets triturate Hyd. Chl. Mite. 1-10 grain (Wyeth’s).
500 tablets triturate Hyd. Chl. Mite ½ grain (Wyeth’s).
500 tablets triturate Hyd. Chl. Mite. 1 grain (Wyeth’s).
500 tablets triturate Hyd. Chl. Mite. 2 grain (Wyeth’s).
2,000 tablets triturate ammonia muriate et Codeine Co. (Wyeth’s).
500 tablets triturate nitro glycerine 1-100 grain (Wyeth’s).
500 tablets triturate tincture digitalis et strychnia (Wyeth’s).
2,000 tablets triturate bronchitis (Wyeth’s).
1,000 tablets triturate opium powdered ½ grain (Wyeth’s).
500 tablets triturate podophyllin, ¼ grain (Wyeth’s).
5,000 tablets triturate cathartic improved 1 grain (Wyeth’s).
500 tablets triturate morphine sulphate ¼ grain (Wyeth’s).
500 tablets triturate morphine sulphate 1/8 grain (Wyeth’s).
2,000 tablets triturate ceium oxalate 1 grain (Wyeth’s).
500 tablets triturate aconitia 1-200 grain (Wyeth’s).
100 white filter papers, 15 in, (W.T. & Co.)
200 white filter papers, 13 in., (W.T. & Co.)
3 dozen medicine glasses (graduation engraved) (W.T. & Co.)
1 glass percolating jar, 32 oz. (W.T. & Co.)
1 matchless graduate, 1 oz., (W.T. & Co.)
1 each Phenix graduate (Cone) ½ oz., 3 oz., 4 oz., 6 oz. and 32 oz. (W.T. & Co.)
2 each Phenix graduate (Cone) 2 oz., and 8 oz. (W.T. & Co.)
1 dozen test tubes, 6 in. (W.T. & Co.)
1 gross each prescription vials Philadelphia oval, 4, 6, and 3 oz. (W.T. & Co.)
2 dozen screw-top ointment pots, 4 oz., No. 685 (W.T. & Co.)
1 set drachm coin weights ½ scruple to 2 drachm (W.T. & Co.)
1 set aluminum weights ½ to 5 grains. (W.T. & Co.)
1 set brass troy cup weights ¼ to 16 oz., (W.T. & Co.)
1 boxwood Seidlitz powder measure (W.T. & Co.)
½ dozen horn scoops No. 3 square end. (W.T. & Co.)
6,000 each Phenix powder papers nos. 7 and 16. (W.T. & Co.)
1 each horn spatulas (cocoa handles) No. 30, 4, 5, and 6 in. (W.T. & Co.)
1 each chemist’s rubber covers, 8 and 10 in. (W.T. & Co.)
1 each Berlin porcelain evaporating dishes, Nos. 2 and 4. (W.T. & Co.)
1 hard rubber funnel, 4 oz. (W.T. & Co.)
1 hard rubber straining funnel, 4 oz. (W.T. & Co.)
1 each glass ribbed funnels 8, 16, 32, and 64 oz. (W.T. & Co.)
1 chemical thermometer (Fahrenheit, 400 degrees). (W.T. & Co.)
3 dozen Pippette, assorted, straight and bent. (W.T. & Co.)
1 glass spirit lamp, 4 oz., (globe shape), (W.T. & Co.)
½ dozen museum jars, No. 2600, width 7 5/8 in., length, 8 in. (W.T. & Co.)
1 dozen sick feeders No. 300 shape A. (W.T. & Co.)
2 dozen bent glass medicine tubes. (W.T. & Co.)
1 ½ dozen Empress syringe, No. 1. (W.T. & Co.)
½ dozen Vaseline atomizers, No. 30. (W.T. & Co.)
1 dozen Davidson’s syringes, No. 2.
½ gross camel’s-hair pencils, No. 8.
1 set prescription scales “The Favorite” No. 269, Springer Tarsion Balance Co.
5 gross each circle A. prescription corks extra long, Nos. 3, 4, 5, 6 and 9.
½ gross each prescription corks taper, Nos. 12 and 18.
½ gross each tin ointment boxes, ½ oz. and 1 oz.
¼ gross tin ointment boxes, 4 oz.
1 gross each English pasteboard pill boxes Nos. 29, 30 and 31.
1 gross each Seidlitz powder boxes, No. 59 and 64 (Plumley).
1 gross slide powder boxes No. 52 white.
PLUMBING.
1,00 feet of 1 ¼ in. galvanized pipe.
24 each of 3/8, ½, 1, 1 ¼ and 2 inch elbows.
12 socket couplings, ¾ in.
6 each of 1 ¼, 1 ½ and 2 inch flange unions.
12 each of ¼ x 3/8, 3/8 x ½, 1 ¾ x 1 ½ inch Bushings.
3 each of 1 ¼ and 1 ½ inch Dubois lead traps full S.
10 feet of 1 ¼ inch lead pipe E.
12 yards brass safety chain No. 1.
12 each guage [sic] glass washers 5/8 and ¾ inch.
5 pounds asbestos ball wicking.
12 each of 1/4, 3/8, ½, ¾, 1 ¼ and 1 ½ inch plugs.
6 compression plain bibs ¾ inch, finished S.O.T.
TINNERS’ SUPPLIES.
1 bundle 63 lbs. of No. 7 bright wire.
1 package each of 8 oz. 1, 1 ½ , 2 and 3 lb. tinned rivets.
5 sheets of No. 18 galvanized sheet iron 30x 96.
12 sheets of No. 24 sheet steel 30 x 96.
59 bushels charcoal.
1 pair 5 lb. solder coppers.
HARDWARE.
50 feet each of ¼ x ¾ and ¼ x 1 inch Norway iron.
25 feet each of ½ and ¾ inch square Norway iron.
10 feet each of ½ and ¾ inch octagon steel.
10 feet of 5/8 inch round tool steel.
10 feet of ½ inch harrow tooth steel.
14 feet each of ¼ x 3/8, 3/8 x ½ and ½ x ¾ inch toe calk steel.
2 Heller Bros. horse rasps. 16 inch.
6 flat bastard file, 10 inch.
3 flat bastard files, 10 inch.
3 half round bastard files, 12 inch.
3 half round mill files, 12 inch.
2 round bastard files, 6 inch.
2 each flat mill files 4 and 6 inch.
300 feet of manilla rope, ¾ inch in diam.
5 pounds each of Putnam horseshoe nails, Nos. 5, 6, 7, 8.
3,500 pounds of blacksmiths’ coal.
50 pounds each of Phoenix steel horseshoes, Nos. 2, 3, and 4 front.
50 pounds each of Phoenix steel horseshoes, Nos. 2, 3, and 4 hind.
100 each round head stove bolts 3-16×1/2, 3-16×3/4, 1/4×3/4, ¼ x1 inch.
30 each machine bolts 5-16×11/2, 5-16×2 ½, 3/8×5 and 3/8 x 6 inch.
50 each carriage bolts ¼ x 2, ¼ x 2 ½ , 5-16×3, 5-16x 2 ½ , 5-16x 3, 5-16×4, 3/8×2 ½ , 3/8 x 3, 3/8 x 4 and ½ x 8 inch.
10 pounds each ½ and ¾ inch washers.
50 each ½ and 5/8 inch blank nuts.
1 gallon brilliant shine metal polish.
1 round belt punch 3-1 inch.
1 Button’s combined plyers, 6 inch.
1 Coe’s wrench, 6 inch.
10 pounds Albany compound, No. 3.
Samples may be seen at the commissary of the asylum. Goods must be in accordance with samples, and be in original packages when possible. The right to reject any and all bids is reserved. Delivery of supplies will be required within fifteen (15) days’ notice of acceptance of bid. Each bid must include all the items and totals in full, with the exceptions of flour, fish and vinegar. Payment will be refused until the bidder has completed his contract. A copy of the advertisement must accompany each bid, and the name of class of supplies must be inscribed on the envelope. Auditing officers are prohibited from confirming accounts of purchases when the advertisement does not contain a full description of the articles to be purchased. Each bidder will be required to furnish with his bid a certified check in an amount equal to ten per cent of the bid (save that for flour the check is to be for $300, for fish $75, for vinegar $40), payable to the order of the board-to be returned in case his bid is rejected or his proposal complied with. Bids will be opened in the governor’s office at 2 o’clock p.m., Monday, January 6, 1896.
Salem, Oregon, December 3, 1895.
WM. P. LORD,
H.R. KINCAID,
PHIL METSCHAN,
Board of Trustees O.S.I.A.
W.S. DUNIWAY, Clerk of Board.
