Lesson in Leeching – April 28 & 29, 2012

The names yellow fever, malaria, and cholera struck fear in the hearts of those
living in 19th century Texas as medical doctors were simply helpless to save the unfortunate souls who contracted these diseases. Giving birth might mean the death of both mother and child. An uncontrolled infection might cost someone their life or limb. Common problems which attack the body as it ages would often be misdiagnosed or have no fitting remedies for the symptoms.

Nineteenth century physicians often turned to leeches, blood-letting, purging, sweating, amputation, and mercury or arsenic based potions as they worked to cure what ailed their patients. Those things sound rather barbaric compared to what we experience today, but physicians in the 1850s had no clue such things as germs and bacteria existed or how to successfully treat the many maladies and injuries frontier folks suffered from.

On Saturday and Sunday, April 28th & 29th, from 10:00 am until 4:30 pm,
Barrington Living History Farm will explore the seemingly backwards and sometimes unusual ways to treat “desperate diseases” which required “desperate measures” as doctors practiced medicine in Texas in the 1850s. Visitors will get a sample of what it might have been like had they sought the help of a doctor or what they thought might be a doctor.

Barrington Living History Farm is located in Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historical Park off Highway 105 between Navasota and Brenham on FM 1155.
Hours of operation are from 10:00 am to 4:30 pm daily.

Accessible for the mobility impaired.

Farm admission fees are $5 for adults and $3 for students; children six and under and State Park Pass holders are admitted free of charge.

Discounted multi-site passes including Independence Hall and the Star of the Republic Museum are available.

For additional details call (936) 878-2214 ext 246 or visit their website.

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