Family Card - Person Sheet
Family Card - Person Sheet
NameFlorence West DUCKERING MD 
, 994
, 994Baptism12 September 1869, Southwater, Sussex, England2205 Age: <1
Census2 April 1871, Southwater, Sussex, England2206 Age: 1
Census3 April 1881, Lanaways Farm, Horsham, Sussex, England2207 Age: 11
Emigration25 March 1894, Sailed Southampton, England to New York, USA on Burhmi2190 Age: 24
Census8 June 1900, 2 Warner Street, Suffolk, Massachusetts, USA Age: 30
Census2 May 1910, Beacon Street, Boston, Suffolk, Massachusetts, USA2208 Age: 40
Death25 October 1951, 2407 N. 7th St., Hancock, New Hampshire, USA Age: 82
OccupationGeneral Physician 1910, Surgeon2209
EducationScholar. 1900 Student Graduate School of Medicine, Tufts University, with distinction2210,154
ReligionEpiscopalian2211
FatherThomas DUCKERING , 986 (1823-1898)
MotherEliza WEST , 988 (1829-1891)
Never married
Notes for Florence West DUCKERING MD
No record found for the 1891 Census. (Michael D. letter 16.3.96)
1900 Census 2 Warner Street, Suffolk, Massachusetts, USA Duckering, William W., head born Nov 1861, age 38 England, arrived USA 1888 a Physician. Duckering, Mary W. sister born Aug 1868 age 31 England arrived USA 1891. Duckering, Charles, brother born Jan 1867 age 33 England arrived USA 1884 a Clerk Railroad.Duckering, Florence W., sister born Aug 1868 age 31 born England, arrived USA 1894 a student. Duckering, James, brother born April 1872 age 28 born England arrived USA 1889 a agent SPCA. Denise, Mina, servant born April 1880 age 20, born Scotland arrived USA 1895 a servant.
United States of America Petition for Naturalization - see copy on file: Florence West Duckering, 483 Beacon St, Boston, physician, born 22 August 1869 Horsham, England. Emigrated to the USA from Southampton, Eng on the 16 March 1894 and arrived in the USA at the port of New York, NY 25 March 1894 on board Burhni. I declared my intention to become a citizen of the USA on the 28 January 1909, Boston, Mass in the US Dist, Mass, Dist. I am not married. Signed 12 Septmber 1912. Witnesses Charles Duckering, Clerk of Dorechester and Samuel W Lang, broker of Boston. Dated 12th Septmber 1912.
The Boston 1904 City Business Directory, records Duckering, Florence W, physician, 330 Dartmouth, followed by an entry for Duckering, William W, physician, 2 Warner, Dor. (see copy of entry)
Votes for Women, 18 February 1910. A protest form American Doctors. The following memorial has ben sent to us by twenty-nine famous Boston women physicians:- We, the undersigned, women physicians of Boston, Mass., USA, wich to express our horror at the shamefully brutal treatment accorded to the women political prisoners in English jails, which is not only out of proportion to the gravity of the offences for which they are arrested (and is not the punishment given to men for like or even worse offences), but is also of a character not employed by any other civilised nation.
We appeal to British physicians to refuse to carry out such inhuman treatment, even upon orders from the Government. Florence W Duckering, MD
The Ellis Island records shows Florence W. Duckering arriving New York on the 12 Sept 1914 aged 45, single on the SS Campania from Liverpool, a US Citizen. She was travelling with her brother William aged 50 and her sister Mary aged 47. See copy on file. 2190
The subject property was purchased in 1921 by sisters Mary W Duckering and Dr Florence W Duckering. Records suggest that Mary lived in the property and managed it as a boarding house while Florence, the first female member of the American College of Surgeons, continued her medical practice in Boston. When Florence retired from medicine in 1946, the sisters sold the subject property and purchased a smaller home in the nearby North Shore neighborhood. Property adrees 136 Fifth Avenue North, St Petersburg, Florida, USA. From City of St Petersburg, Florida, Planning and Economic Development Department - staff report 10th January 2017.
Letter: Dr Duckering, Old England Lake Hotel Windermere, Telephone No.12, Telegraph Address, Old England, Windermere, Sept 1st 1927, Dear Miss Blackwell, I am thinking of you and your birthday and writing to wish you very very many happy returns of that blessed day, & hope your Summer has been a good and restful one, all ready for the busy winter you are sure to have - as for me I have been very busy, and only the past day and hald have had a restful time in this beautiful spot and lovely clean artistic hotel. I have been on a drive today through the lake region and made Wordsworths acquaintence by a visit to Dove Cottage, also his grave in a near by church yard, in the ? of his family circle. I am now going to Chester, Llandundno & Clovelly, then to Winchester, London & home by Montreal, as I cannot change that route. I have done a little minimal work too and in ? had a wonderful & inspiring time. Please give my love to Mrs Bayden & Mrs Wood & will much to yourself. Yours as ever in friendship Florence W. Duckering. See copy on file.
Letter: Florence W. Duckering M.D., 520 Beacon Street, Boston, Mass, July 30th 1929. Dear Miss Blackwell, Thank you for your nice letter. I am glad such a tooth came out, and hope by this time you are feeling the benefit of being without it, as well as from the change of air. I am going to move to the fifth floor to suite 23, as soon as it is fitted & renovated, probably in about 3 weeks time, so don’t forget that if you come to see me later on. My sister is here from the south, and each hot spell seems to bring some one who needs an operation, but I communte to my camp when I can. With love and best wishes for a restful Summer. Yours my sincerely Florence W. Duckering. See copy on file.
Letter: Florence W. Duckering M.D., 520 Beacon Street, Boston, Mass, Jan. 16-1931. Dear Miss Blackwell, Thank you for your nice letter, and the check for $85.00 to pay Mrs Woods bill. I am sorry she got faint, I am inclined to think the fur coat might have been rather hot & heavy, & of course she has been through a good deal of strain with the infection & pain even before the operation. If she keeps on with the tonic, she will soon pick up, if she lives as I asked her to, with regard to rest & diet. I think she seems better with you and more interested. I hope all is well with you this changeable weather. With love Yours my sincerely Florence W. Duckering. See copy on file.
Letter: Dr Duckering, 370 Cons. Ave., Boston, Mass, Aug. 24th 1933. Dear Miss Blackwell, In answer to your letter just received. I am so sorry to hear about your cousin. The attack seem to be of an epiliptiform character, and may be brought on by excitement, fatigue, or constipation, as exciting causes - she may have some troube with circulation in the brain cortex which controls the motor system, and gives her the uncertainty and difficulty in locomotive and other weakness in the arms or legs. The treatment is to see 1st that her diet is right, not too heavy, and what you are giving her is alright if not too constipating. You might add more fruit, cooked or raw, or ornage juice, daily and any green vegetables she will eat if you can get them & cereals twice a day. 2nd, see that she does not get constipated phenolax, senna pods, or ?, are alright if necessary or an enema. Hot or cold water as she take it. 3rd, for the attacks, put something in her mouth if she has teeth, to prevent her biting her tongue, a clotes join will do and put her in a comfortable position where she can not hurt herself, or fall (off the bed). 4th, no undue fatigue or excitement, either in listening to reading or people, or getting overtired. There is nothing more than this you can do that I can see at present. It will probably be a gradual thing, but one cannot tell, even that. She has had the cortical disturb - once many years, and the cortical brain is not improving at 86 years of age I should think. I should not change her habits, but let her enjoy life as she seems to be doing, and live in peace. I don’t think medicine is necessary in her casse, and she probably would not take it if I did. Thank you for your kind wishes for me, and the check for 5.00 which I hesitate to accept from you. Please ask me anything I can do to keep you without any check. With love to you dear Miss Blackwell ? Florence W Duckering. See copy on file.
Letter: Dr Duckering, 370 Cons. Ave., Boston, Mass, May 18th 1934. Dear Miss Blackwell, Thank you so much for all three letters which I will try and answer together. first there is no portrait of Dr Elizabeth Blackwell at the N.E.Hospital and they know nothing about it there. Then I have had no cases for the place in dorchester belonging to Mrs MacKenzie, but will keep her address in case I hear of anyone. I do not know where Dr Feldman is now, but may be in the telephone directory. Again thank you for the 8.00 check which came a long time ago. Lastly I want to thank you for the very nice letter you sent about my niece. She and her mother are staying with me in Waban and she is studying quite hard for examinations. I hope all is well with you & yours. With love Florence W. Duckering. See copy on file.
Letter: Florence W Duckering, M.D. 466 Commonwealth Ave. Boston, Mass. Dec 28th-1935. Dear Miss Blackwell, Thank you for your lovely peace card & greeting, and your nice letter. I am sorry you did not spend the ?gift? on something for yourself. No I am not offended, how could I mind anything you do. You are the angel, all you say of me belongs to you, and mother my illustrious friend, and I have and advise you - I dare not return your ?gift?, but shall hope to settle it when you come & see me. I hope your cousin is well, please give her my best wishes for a happy New Year. With love to you & all my best, may God Bless you and all you do. Yours my sincerely Florence W. Duckering. See copy on file.
Letter: Florence W Duckering, M.D. 466 Com. Ave. Boston, Mass. May 27th 1936, Dear Miss Blackwell, Thank you for this mornings letter, you certianly have a sick house. I am glad to hear that you at least are better. I am enclosing 2 prescriptions for use in general if needed. Also brush your teeth with the pereborate powder instead of any others, & use the solution as a mouth wash & gargle - I think you can use your own judgement about Mrs Barrys feet, I think they should be kept carefully clean whether she enjoys the process or not, & use the ointment as necessary. I expect to be away for 3 or 4 days so am writing to you. If you need anything more let me know in. a day or two by tel. about 10am (Tel 4600 the). Perhaps you had better go back to your twice before meals, I will enclose a copy in case you mislaid it, with love Florence W. Duckering. See copy on file.
Letter: Florence W Duckering, M.D. 466 Com. Ave. Boston, Mass. May 27th 1936, Dear Miss Blackwell, I heard you over the radio last night and after the first adjustment your voice soundedd fine. I liked what you said and the way you said it. Out of the four speakers your voice was the most expressive and sweetest, a quality which those who know you best could sincerely appreciate. I liked your introduction too. With love Fl. W. Duckering. See copy on file.
Letter: Florence W Duckering, M.D. 466 Commonwealth Ave. Boston, Mass. Jan. 29th-1937. Dear Miss Blackwell, In answer to your letter you might have any of the drinks you mention. I know of nothing against them, but try them out for yourself and vary the kind you take according to taste and the way they agree with you. I had a good journey and Florida is beautiful. Flowers everywhere and the birds are beginning to sing. My sister is well and seems to enjoy life here very much. People are kind in taking me to ride in their autos and I like to walk and look about at the flowers & pretty little bungalows. Later I expect to travel a little & see more of Florida, but at present am content to rest and be lazy. With love & all good wishes Florence W Duckering. See copy on file.
Letter: Florence W Duckering, M.D. 466 Commonwealth Ave. Boston, Mass. March 26th 1937. Dear Miss Blackwell, Thank you for your kind Easter Greetings and thought of me. I am back, but the chnage has given me colds, so I have stayed in a good deal. I hope you have had a good winter. With love & Easter Greetings. Yours my sincerely Florence W Duckering. See copy on file.
Letter: Florence W Duckering, M.D. 466 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, Mass. Jan. 31-1938. Dear Miss Blackwell, I think the indoor confienment may have something to do with the eczema, take a teaspoon of lemon juice a day in cold water between meals & be sure the bowels are free enough. Perhaps an egg every other day would be better for a time. I shall probably have left by the time this reaches you - good luck & fond ? with love Florence W Duckering. See copy on file.
Letter: Florence W Duckering, M.D. 466 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, Mass. Nov. 21-1938. Dear Miss Blackwell, Your dear poem came for Halloween and it was so nice to contact your sweet brave spirit - I hope your thanksgiving will be pleasant one in spite of your lack of eyesight for I know you are surrounded by an adoring family and friends, as you should be - I should have been over for a call before this but my brother has been ill for over 3 months. First with a very bad & painful eye and then a ? pneunmonia, which has left him in a weakened state from which he finds it hard to recover. I do go out to Dorchester most days, and this in addition to my own work keeps me pretty busy especially when the driving is bad. I think of you often and bless you for what you are, and for what you have done, and are doing. Yours with love Florence W Duckering. See copy on file.
Letter: Florence W Duckering, M.D., 466 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, Mass. April 26-1939. Dear Mrs Stantial, I am so sorry to have delayed on this, family sickness & a rush of work are my excuse. If too late for you will you turn it over to the right party. Yours my sincerely Florence W. Duckering. See copy on file.
Letter: Florence W Duckering, M.D., 466 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, Mass. Nov. 3rd-1940. Dear Miss Blackwell, Thank you dear friend for your lovely tribute to me on Halloween, as ever you over estimate me. Now in answer to your letter of Oct 27th- about sleeping tablets. Have you tried going to bed at a later hour? I think you sit too much, and that is bad for the ? on your sit down. I would have a meal in my stomach in the evening ? too lighta meal, and a ? one. I am sure you do not drink tea or cocoa at an evening meal to say nothing of coffee as they all contain caffienewhich your lack of sleep sounds like. I also hope you get out every fine day that is improtant, only be sure to take someone with you, a short time will do, not to get overtired. I am sending a prescription for Terminal take first before bedtime preferably with a hot drink of malted milk, or even Veget. ? ? ? have a nice vegetable powder to make a drink, purely vegetable at the Battle Vreek food counter, it is called “vegetable mineral broth” & that would do for a change. If you need another tablet in the night you may have it. I shall be so glad when this election is over now that I have made up mind, as I am sure that you have. With love dear friend. Your my sincerely Florence W Duckering. See copy on file.
Letter: Florence W Duckering, M.D., 466 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, Mass. March 28th 1941, Dear Miss Blackwell, In answer to your nice letter, go on with the prunes & apple sauce, they are a good in moderation. I am sending a prescription for more drops that are quite harmless, but anything used too often may dry up the mebranes. I use it myself occasionally & especially if I feel a cold coming on, it often stops it - I never use anything very strong, I am wondering if the Druggist read my ? correctly - when you take a bath use the water warm for comfort & cleansing and don’t stay in any longer than necessary, never a hot bath for you. Then go to bed after it for 1/2 to 1 hour, with light warm covering, and later on dress, but avoid cold draughts - I think a prolonged bath is quite exhausting. I am glad you are getting some out door exercise, that will help in many ways I know. With love yours my sincerely Florence W Duckering. See copy on file.
Letter: Florence W Duckering, M.D., 466 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, Mass. June 20-1941. Dear Miss Blackwell, In answer to your letter of this morning, I am giving June 26th (Thursday) at 6pm unless you hear from me to the contrary. I sometimes take weekends in the Summer months but have not begun yet. With love Florence W Duckering. See copy on file.
Letter: Florence W Duckering, M.D., 466 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, Mass. June 7-1941. Dear Miss Blackwell, I am sorry you are having eczema. I have given you an appointment at 6pm on Tuesday 10th, if not conveint please change it and let me know. Will you bring about 1/4 pint of urine, from the first morning passing, with you. Yours with love, Florence W Duckering. See copy on file.
Letter: Florence W Duckering, M.D., 466 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, Mass. June 13-1941. Dear Miss Blackwell, In answer to your letter received yesterday, take 1 teaspoonful with the 2nd warm water at 6am & see how the eczema is, if no better take 2 teaspoonfuls a day-one with each point at 5 & 6 am. Come in & see me when you feel able before the weather gets too hot. I will look up the article in the Readers Digest. With love, Yours sincerely Florence W Duckering. See copy on file.
Letter: Florence W Duckering, M.D., 466 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, Mass. Dec 18th-1941. Dear Miss Blackwell, I have your two lovely tributes in the shape of poems, I am much over estimated but accept the love which ? them with grateful appreciation. I am so full of business in various directions, that so many things I like to do have gone by the board. First, I came out here to Walace to sell this house which has kept me poor for some time. A lovely little antique place but needs just the right person to want it. I took my furniture out of storage and then found it almost impossible to get workmen & then at an impossible price. Finally with the help of my sister from Florida we got it in a saleable condition and then the war broke out. So it looks as if I am out on a limb. I have an office at the Bracmore on the hall floor and attend to my appointments just the same, but at present am busy here attending to black curtains & things to please the Air Raid Wardens on. a possible blackout. Then I am on call at the N.E>Hospital, and the Mass. General Hospital on general work for the Am. Medical Society. So you see I am quite a busy person. I received a very nice note from Mrs Catt in N.Y. last month about you, and answered it, I hope satisfactorily. How are you now and when do I see you again? I hope your Christmas can be a pleasant one in spite of conditions and may the New Year bring us peace. With love Florence W. Duckering. See copy on file.
Letter: Florence W Duckering, M.D., 466 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, Mass. Nov 3rd 1942. Dear Miss Blackwell, Thank you for your nice letter and “flattering” poem for Halloween - about the cleaning out of the bowels occasionally (I did’nt say scouring). You can vary the kind of salts and the amount, Sol Hepatica is good, to vary with scidlity powder, Epsom salts, ort any good sodium Phosphate that effervesses, or Squibbs plain S.P. in a glass of hot water. Always before breakfast for good results with any of these. This is to overcome a sluggishness from lack of exercise in general. How do you like the election? I hope you voted “yes” to birth control for the removal of the law on a doctors liberty of conscience and action - apparently the Catholic Church thicks we have no conscience and bootlegging goes on apace as it did with prohibition in the old days. With love, Yours sincerely, Florence W Duckering. See copy on file.
Letter: Florence W Duckering, M.D., 466 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, Mass. Jan 8th 1943. Dear Miss Blackwell, Yes, please continue the vitamin pills twice a day, but stop them for 3 or 4 days every month or so. You need them on account of a lack of some vitamins in your diet. I am sorry you are having neuritis, I think you sit too much and get too little exercise which in this weather gives a kind og chilling and stiffness, get up at times and walk about if you can when someone else is with you. If the pain keeps you awake take one Empirin tablet of 5 grams and drink a glass of water after it, you have some I think and do not need a prescription for it if you have not. Be sure you do not get chilled in the night, keep your bed warm as you have a cool room. I am glad you get spinach every day, it keeps your blood in good condition. It wa nice to see you. With love Florence W Duckering. See copy on file.
Letter: Florence W Duckering, M.D., 4483 Beacon Street, Boston, Mass. Oct 8th 1944. Dear Miss Blackwell, In answer to your very nice note, I do not think you had better take the vitamins, give it to some one who is doing strenuous physical work. If you want to take vitamins stick to the Squibbles Yeast tablets, as I do personally use these days. You could take 2 after each meal and sometimes drop the middle dose and take 4 a day - chew them up and swallow a little water, they taste very good I think (Vit. B1 & 2). The package you received was an advertisement I am sure, they often do that to advertise merchandise. Have you seen the last Edition of Time Magazine with Dr Blackwell’s picture in it as the 1st woman Dr in the U.S.A.. Incidentally Harvard Medical School is admitting women this year. Pretty late in the day is’nt it? Any cathartic is liable to need an increase as time goes on, but I think the cream may have changed the eczema as in other things we are having trouble at times with both drugs and druggist. You had better mention the matter to your drug store people and tell them I asked you to do so. I am say busy, without help in any way, and many patients, so please excuse this delay in answering your letter. I am so glad you are keeping well it means so much, these days especially. As ever yours with love Florence W. Duckering. See copy on file.
Letter: Florence W Duckering, M.D., 466 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, Mass. (undated). Dear Miss Blackwell, I was glad to hear from you, but felt you miust be alright from seeing your activity in newspaper articles. Come in soon & get checked up again, maybe some vitamins would do you good. The last I heard of Miss McLeod she was on her way to ? but her permament address I think is still at the Boston nurses club, 839 Boylston St. Boston. Yours with love Florence W. Duckering. See copy on file.
Letter: Dr. Florence W Duckering, 506 21st Avenue, N.E., St Petersburg, Florida. March 27th 1950. Dear Friends Thank you for your letter and notice of the death of Miss Blackwell. I have a sadness in her loss and shall miss her dear letters and poems at Christmas and Easter, but I realize that a beautiful soul has passed to its fulfilment. I had the medical & surgical care of her for several years before I retired to Florida having inherited her from Drs Lurith & Culliertson when they retired to Florida. I enclose my check for 500 toward the fund. I am temporarily short of ready money on account of paying off a mortgage here, but if necessary I can send you another $500 later on - I have her little letters and cards for several years past but probably they would not help you in any way - Yours my sincerely Florence W Duckering. See copy on file.
While Florence lived in Boston she resided at 483 Beacon Street. (Tuft's University 23.4.96)2177
Florence worked as a nurse in New York hospital and finished her career as a physician practising in Boston, Massachusetts. (See article on William D.) 'Until 1903, Florence West Duckering was a supporting and resident surgeon at Woman's Charity Club Hospital. She was next assistant surgeon at New England Hospital. Ms Duckering was a member of the Professional Women's Club of Boston and of the College Equal Suffrage league. In her Woman's Who's Who of America, 1914-1915 listing, Ms Duckering indicated that she was episcopalian and favoured women's suffrage.' (Tuft's University 23.4.96)
Duckering, Florence West (1869–1951)
American physician. Born Aug 22, 1869, in Sussex, England; died Oct 25, 1951, in Peterborough, New Hampshire; earned medical degree cum laude, Tufts College, 1901.
Served as extern, resident surgeon, and superintendent at Massachusetts Women's Hospital; had medical practice (1903–46); served as assistant surgeon, then senior surgeon, at New England Hospital for Women and Children; became one of 1st two women, with Alice Gertrude Bryant, admitted to the American College of Surgeons (1914); volunteered with American Red Cross and American Women's Hospitals during both world wars; served as volunteer, Medical Service Corps, and as member of Council of National Defense; retired (1946). The Florence W. Duckering Scholarship Fund at Tufts University was established by the bequest of Mary Duckering (1959) (Source www.encyclopedia.com 7th Sept 2017)
1900 Census 2 Warner Street, Suffolk, Massachusetts, USA Duckering, William W., head born Nov 1861, age 38 England, arrived USA 1888 a Physician. Duckering, Mary W. sister born Aug 1868 age 31 England arrived USA 1891. Duckering, Charles, brother born Jan 1867 age 33 England arrived USA 1884 a Clerk Railroad.Duckering, Florence W., sister born Aug 1868 age 31 born England, arrived USA 1894 a student. Duckering, James, brother born April 1872 age 28 born England arrived USA 1889 a agent SPCA. Denise, Mina, servant born April 1880 age 20, born Scotland arrived USA 1895 a servant.
United States of America Petition for Naturalization - see copy on file: Florence West Duckering, 483 Beacon St, Boston, physician, born 22 August 1869 Horsham, England. Emigrated to the USA from Southampton, Eng on the 16 March 1894 and arrived in the USA at the port of New York, NY 25 March 1894 on board Burhni. I declared my intention to become a citizen of the USA on the 28 January 1909, Boston, Mass in the US Dist, Mass, Dist. I am not married. Signed 12 Septmber 1912. Witnesses Charles Duckering, Clerk of Dorechester and Samuel W Lang, broker of Boston. Dated 12th Septmber 1912.
The Boston 1904 City Business Directory, records Duckering, Florence W, physician, 330 Dartmouth, followed by an entry for Duckering, William W, physician, 2 Warner, Dor. (see copy of entry)
Votes for Women, 18 February 1910. A protest form American Doctors. The following memorial has ben sent to us by twenty-nine famous Boston women physicians:- We, the undersigned, women physicians of Boston, Mass., USA, wich to express our horror at the shamefully brutal treatment accorded to the women political prisoners in English jails, which is not only out of proportion to the gravity of the offences for which they are arrested (and is not the punishment given to men for like or even worse offences), but is also of a character not employed by any other civilised nation.
We appeal to British physicians to refuse to carry out such inhuman treatment, even upon orders from the Government. Florence W Duckering, MD
The Ellis Island records shows Florence W. Duckering arriving New York on the 12 Sept 1914 aged 45, single on the SS Campania from Liverpool, a US Citizen. She was travelling with her brother William aged 50 and her sister Mary aged 47. See copy on file. 2190
The subject property was purchased in 1921 by sisters Mary W Duckering and Dr Florence W Duckering. Records suggest that Mary lived in the property and managed it as a boarding house while Florence, the first female member of the American College of Surgeons, continued her medical practice in Boston. When Florence retired from medicine in 1946, the sisters sold the subject property and purchased a smaller home in the nearby North Shore neighborhood. Property adrees 136 Fifth Avenue North, St Petersburg, Florida, USA. From City of St Petersburg, Florida, Planning and Economic Development Department - staff report 10th January 2017.
Letter: Dr Duckering, Old England Lake Hotel Windermere, Telephone No.12, Telegraph Address, Old England, Windermere, Sept 1st 1927, Dear Miss Blackwell, I am thinking of you and your birthday and writing to wish you very very many happy returns of that blessed day, & hope your Summer has been a good and restful one, all ready for the busy winter you are sure to have - as for me I have been very busy, and only the past day and hald have had a restful time in this beautiful spot and lovely clean artistic hotel. I have been on a drive today through the lake region and made Wordsworths acquaintence by a visit to Dove Cottage, also his grave in a near by church yard, in the ? of his family circle. I am now going to Chester, Llandundno & Clovelly, then to Winchester, London & home by Montreal, as I cannot change that route. I have done a little minimal work too and in ? had a wonderful & inspiring time. Please give my love to Mrs Bayden & Mrs Wood & will much to yourself. Yours as ever in friendship Florence W. Duckering. See copy on file.
Letter: Florence W. Duckering M.D., 520 Beacon Street, Boston, Mass, July 30th 1929. Dear Miss Blackwell, Thank you for your nice letter. I am glad such a tooth came out, and hope by this time you are feeling the benefit of being without it, as well as from the change of air. I am going to move to the fifth floor to suite 23, as soon as it is fitted & renovated, probably in about 3 weeks time, so don’t forget that if you come to see me later on. My sister is here from the south, and each hot spell seems to bring some one who needs an operation, but I communte to my camp when I can. With love and best wishes for a restful Summer. Yours my sincerely Florence W. Duckering. See copy on file.
Letter: Florence W. Duckering M.D., 520 Beacon Street, Boston, Mass, Jan. 16-1931. Dear Miss Blackwell, Thank you for your nice letter, and the check for $85.00 to pay Mrs Woods bill. I am sorry she got faint, I am inclined to think the fur coat might have been rather hot & heavy, & of course she has been through a good deal of strain with the infection & pain even before the operation. If she keeps on with the tonic, she will soon pick up, if she lives as I asked her to, with regard to rest & diet. I think she seems better with you and more interested. I hope all is well with you this changeable weather. With love Yours my sincerely Florence W. Duckering. See copy on file.
Letter: Dr Duckering, 370 Cons. Ave., Boston, Mass, Aug. 24th 1933. Dear Miss Blackwell, In answer to your letter just received. I am so sorry to hear about your cousin. The attack seem to be of an epiliptiform character, and may be brought on by excitement, fatigue, or constipation, as exciting causes - she may have some troube with circulation in the brain cortex which controls the motor system, and gives her the uncertainty and difficulty in locomotive and other weakness in the arms or legs. The treatment is to see 1st that her diet is right, not too heavy, and what you are giving her is alright if not too constipating. You might add more fruit, cooked or raw, or ornage juice, daily and any green vegetables she will eat if you can get them & cereals twice a day. 2nd, see that she does not get constipated phenolax, senna pods, or ?, are alright if necessary or an enema. Hot or cold water as she take it. 3rd, for the attacks, put something in her mouth if she has teeth, to prevent her biting her tongue, a clotes join will do and put her in a comfortable position where she can not hurt herself, or fall (off the bed). 4th, no undue fatigue or excitement, either in listening to reading or people, or getting overtired. There is nothing more than this you can do that I can see at present. It will probably be a gradual thing, but one cannot tell, even that. She has had the cortical disturb - once many years, and the cortical brain is not improving at 86 years of age I should think. I should not change her habits, but let her enjoy life as she seems to be doing, and live in peace. I don’t think medicine is necessary in her casse, and she probably would not take it if I did. Thank you for your kind wishes for me, and the check for 5.00 which I hesitate to accept from you. Please ask me anything I can do to keep you without any check. With love to you dear Miss Blackwell ? Florence W Duckering. See copy on file.
Letter: Dr Duckering, 370 Cons. Ave., Boston, Mass, May 18th 1934. Dear Miss Blackwell, Thank you so much for all three letters which I will try and answer together. first there is no portrait of Dr Elizabeth Blackwell at the N.E.Hospital and they know nothing about it there. Then I have had no cases for the place in dorchester belonging to Mrs MacKenzie, but will keep her address in case I hear of anyone. I do not know where Dr Feldman is now, but may be in the telephone directory. Again thank you for the 8.00 check which came a long time ago. Lastly I want to thank you for the very nice letter you sent about my niece. She and her mother are staying with me in Waban and she is studying quite hard for examinations. I hope all is well with you & yours. With love Florence W. Duckering. See copy on file.
Letter: Florence W Duckering, M.D. 466 Commonwealth Ave. Boston, Mass. Dec 28th-1935. Dear Miss Blackwell, Thank you for your lovely peace card & greeting, and your nice letter. I am sorry you did not spend the ?gift? on something for yourself. No I am not offended, how could I mind anything you do. You are the angel, all you say of me belongs to you, and mother my illustrious friend, and I have and advise you - I dare not return your ?gift?, but shall hope to settle it when you come & see me. I hope your cousin is well, please give her my best wishes for a happy New Year. With love to you & all my best, may God Bless you and all you do. Yours my sincerely Florence W. Duckering. See copy on file.
Letter: Florence W Duckering, M.D. 466 Com. Ave. Boston, Mass. May 27th 1936, Dear Miss Blackwell, Thank you for this mornings letter, you certianly have a sick house. I am glad to hear that you at least are better. I am enclosing 2 prescriptions for use in general if needed. Also brush your teeth with the pereborate powder instead of any others, & use the solution as a mouth wash & gargle - I think you can use your own judgement about Mrs Barrys feet, I think they should be kept carefully clean whether she enjoys the process or not, & use the ointment as necessary. I expect to be away for 3 or 4 days so am writing to you. If you need anything more let me know in. a day or two by tel. about 10am (Tel 4600 the). Perhaps you had better go back to your twice before meals, I will enclose a copy in case you mislaid it, with love Florence W. Duckering. See copy on file.
Letter: Florence W Duckering, M.D. 466 Com. Ave. Boston, Mass. May 27th 1936, Dear Miss Blackwell, I heard you over the radio last night and after the first adjustment your voice soundedd fine. I liked what you said and the way you said it. Out of the four speakers your voice was the most expressive and sweetest, a quality which those who know you best could sincerely appreciate. I liked your introduction too. With love Fl. W. Duckering. See copy on file.
Letter: Florence W Duckering, M.D. 466 Commonwealth Ave. Boston, Mass. Jan. 29th-1937. Dear Miss Blackwell, In answer to your letter you might have any of the drinks you mention. I know of nothing against them, but try them out for yourself and vary the kind you take according to taste and the way they agree with you. I had a good journey and Florida is beautiful. Flowers everywhere and the birds are beginning to sing. My sister is well and seems to enjoy life here very much. People are kind in taking me to ride in their autos and I like to walk and look about at the flowers & pretty little bungalows. Later I expect to travel a little & see more of Florida, but at present am content to rest and be lazy. With love & all good wishes Florence W Duckering. See copy on file.
Letter: Florence W Duckering, M.D. 466 Commonwealth Ave. Boston, Mass. March 26th 1937. Dear Miss Blackwell, Thank you for your kind Easter Greetings and thought of me. I am back, but the chnage has given me colds, so I have stayed in a good deal. I hope you have had a good winter. With love & Easter Greetings. Yours my sincerely Florence W Duckering. See copy on file.
Letter: Florence W Duckering, M.D. 466 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, Mass. Jan. 31-1938. Dear Miss Blackwell, I think the indoor confienment may have something to do with the eczema, take a teaspoon of lemon juice a day in cold water between meals & be sure the bowels are free enough. Perhaps an egg every other day would be better for a time. I shall probably have left by the time this reaches you - good luck & fond ? with love Florence W Duckering. See copy on file.
Letter: Florence W Duckering, M.D. 466 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, Mass. Nov. 21-1938. Dear Miss Blackwell, Your dear poem came for Halloween and it was so nice to contact your sweet brave spirit - I hope your thanksgiving will be pleasant one in spite of your lack of eyesight for I know you are surrounded by an adoring family and friends, as you should be - I should have been over for a call before this but my brother has been ill for over 3 months. First with a very bad & painful eye and then a ? pneunmonia, which has left him in a weakened state from which he finds it hard to recover. I do go out to Dorchester most days, and this in addition to my own work keeps me pretty busy especially when the driving is bad. I think of you often and bless you for what you are, and for what you have done, and are doing. Yours with love Florence W Duckering. See copy on file.
Letter: Florence W Duckering, M.D., 466 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, Mass. April 26-1939. Dear Mrs Stantial, I am so sorry to have delayed on this, family sickness & a rush of work are my excuse. If too late for you will you turn it over to the right party. Yours my sincerely Florence W. Duckering. See copy on file.
Letter: Florence W Duckering, M.D., 466 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, Mass. Nov. 3rd-1940. Dear Miss Blackwell, Thank you dear friend for your lovely tribute to me on Halloween, as ever you over estimate me. Now in answer to your letter of Oct 27th- about sleeping tablets. Have you tried going to bed at a later hour? I think you sit too much, and that is bad for the ? on your sit down. I would have a meal in my stomach in the evening ? too lighta meal, and a ? one. I am sure you do not drink tea or cocoa at an evening meal to say nothing of coffee as they all contain caffienewhich your lack of sleep sounds like. I also hope you get out every fine day that is improtant, only be sure to take someone with you, a short time will do, not to get overtired. I am sending a prescription for Terminal take first before bedtime preferably with a hot drink of malted milk, or even Veget. ? ? ? have a nice vegetable powder to make a drink, purely vegetable at the Battle Vreek food counter, it is called “vegetable mineral broth” & that would do for a change. If you need another tablet in the night you may have it. I shall be so glad when this election is over now that I have made up mind, as I am sure that you have. With love dear friend. Your my sincerely Florence W Duckering. See copy on file.
Letter: Florence W Duckering, M.D., 466 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, Mass. March 28th 1941, Dear Miss Blackwell, In answer to your nice letter, go on with the prunes & apple sauce, they are a good in moderation. I am sending a prescription for more drops that are quite harmless, but anything used too often may dry up the mebranes. I use it myself occasionally & especially if I feel a cold coming on, it often stops it - I never use anything very strong, I am wondering if the Druggist read my ? correctly - when you take a bath use the water warm for comfort & cleansing and don’t stay in any longer than necessary, never a hot bath for you. Then go to bed after it for 1/2 to 1 hour, with light warm covering, and later on dress, but avoid cold draughts - I think a prolonged bath is quite exhausting. I am glad you are getting some out door exercise, that will help in many ways I know. With love yours my sincerely Florence W Duckering. See copy on file.
Letter: Florence W Duckering, M.D., 466 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, Mass. June 20-1941. Dear Miss Blackwell, In answer to your letter of this morning, I am giving June 26th (Thursday) at 6pm unless you hear from me to the contrary. I sometimes take weekends in the Summer months but have not begun yet. With love Florence W Duckering. See copy on file.
Letter: Florence W Duckering, M.D., 466 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, Mass. June 7-1941. Dear Miss Blackwell, I am sorry you are having eczema. I have given you an appointment at 6pm on Tuesday 10th, if not conveint please change it and let me know. Will you bring about 1/4 pint of urine, from the first morning passing, with you. Yours with love, Florence W Duckering. See copy on file.
Letter: Florence W Duckering, M.D., 466 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, Mass. June 13-1941. Dear Miss Blackwell, In answer to your letter received yesterday, take 1 teaspoonful with the 2nd warm water at 6am & see how the eczema is, if no better take 2 teaspoonfuls a day-one with each point at 5 & 6 am. Come in & see me when you feel able before the weather gets too hot. I will look up the article in the Readers Digest. With love, Yours sincerely Florence W Duckering. See copy on file.
Letter: Florence W Duckering, M.D., 466 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, Mass. Dec 18th-1941. Dear Miss Blackwell, I have your two lovely tributes in the shape of poems, I am much over estimated but accept the love which ? them with grateful appreciation. I am so full of business in various directions, that so many things I like to do have gone by the board. First, I came out here to Walace to sell this house which has kept me poor for some time. A lovely little antique place but needs just the right person to want it. I took my furniture out of storage and then found it almost impossible to get workmen & then at an impossible price. Finally with the help of my sister from Florida we got it in a saleable condition and then the war broke out. So it looks as if I am out on a limb. I have an office at the Bracmore on the hall floor and attend to my appointments just the same, but at present am busy here attending to black curtains & things to please the Air Raid Wardens on. a possible blackout. Then I am on call at the N.E>Hospital, and the Mass. General Hospital on general work for the Am. Medical Society. So you see I am quite a busy person. I received a very nice note from Mrs Catt in N.Y. last month about you, and answered it, I hope satisfactorily. How are you now and when do I see you again? I hope your Christmas can be a pleasant one in spite of conditions and may the New Year bring us peace. With love Florence W. Duckering. See copy on file.
Letter: Florence W Duckering, M.D., 466 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, Mass. Nov 3rd 1942. Dear Miss Blackwell, Thank you for your nice letter and “flattering” poem for Halloween - about the cleaning out of the bowels occasionally (I did’nt say scouring). You can vary the kind of salts and the amount, Sol Hepatica is good, to vary with scidlity powder, Epsom salts, ort any good sodium Phosphate that effervesses, or Squibbs plain S.P. in a glass of hot water. Always before breakfast for good results with any of these. This is to overcome a sluggishness from lack of exercise in general. How do you like the election? I hope you voted “yes” to birth control for the removal of the law on a doctors liberty of conscience and action - apparently the Catholic Church thicks we have no conscience and bootlegging goes on apace as it did with prohibition in the old days. With love, Yours sincerely, Florence W Duckering. See copy on file.
Letter: Florence W Duckering, M.D., 466 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, Mass. Jan 8th 1943. Dear Miss Blackwell, Yes, please continue the vitamin pills twice a day, but stop them for 3 or 4 days every month or so. You need them on account of a lack of some vitamins in your diet. I am sorry you are having neuritis, I think you sit too much and get too little exercise which in this weather gives a kind og chilling and stiffness, get up at times and walk about if you can when someone else is with you. If the pain keeps you awake take one Empirin tablet of 5 grams and drink a glass of water after it, you have some I think and do not need a prescription for it if you have not. Be sure you do not get chilled in the night, keep your bed warm as you have a cool room. I am glad you get spinach every day, it keeps your blood in good condition. It wa nice to see you. With love Florence W Duckering. See copy on file.
Letter: Florence W Duckering, M.D., 4483 Beacon Street, Boston, Mass. Oct 8th 1944. Dear Miss Blackwell, In answer to your very nice note, I do not think you had better take the vitamins, give it to some one who is doing strenuous physical work. If you want to take vitamins stick to the Squibbles Yeast tablets, as I do personally use these days. You could take 2 after each meal and sometimes drop the middle dose and take 4 a day - chew them up and swallow a little water, they taste very good I think (Vit. B1 & 2). The package you received was an advertisement I am sure, they often do that to advertise merchandise. Have you seen the last Edition of Time Magazine with Dr Blackwell’s picture in it as the 1st woman Dr in the U.S.A.. Incidentally Harvard Medical School is admitting women this year. Pretty late in the day is’nt it? Any cathartic is liable to need an increase as time goes on, but I think the cream may have changed the eczema as in other things we are having trouble at times with both drugs and druggist. You had better mention the matter to your drug store people and tell them I asked you to do so. I am say busy, without help in any way, and many patients, so please excuse this delay in answering your letter. I am so glad you are keeping well it means so much, these days especially. As ever yours with love Florence W. Duckering. See copy on file.
Letter: Florence W Duckering, M.D., 466 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, Mass. (undated). Dear Miss Blackwell, I was glad to hear from you, but felt you miust be alright from seeing your activity in newspaper articles. Come in soon & get checked up again, maybe some vitamins would do you good. The last I heard of Miss McLeod she was on her way to ? but her permament address I think is still at the Boston nurses club, 839 Boylston St. Boston. Yours with love Florence W. Duckering. See copy on file.
Letter: Dr. Florence W Duckering, 506 21st Avenue, N.E., St Petersburg, Florida. March 27th 1950. Dear Friends Thank you for your letter and notice of the death of Miss Blackwell. I have a sadness in her loss and shall miss her dear letters and poems at Christmas and Easter, but I realize that a beautiful soul has passed to its fulfilment. I had the medical & surgical care of her for several years before I retired to Florida having inherited her from Drs Lurith & Culliertson when they retired to Florida. I enclose my check for 500 toward the fund. I am temporarily short of ready money on account of paying off a mortgage here, but if necessary I can send you another $500 later on - I have her little letters and cards for several years past but probably they would not help you in any way - Yours my sincerely Florence W Duckering. See copy on file.
While Florence lived in Boston she resided at 483 Beacon Street. (Tuft's University 23.4.96)2177
Florence worked as a nurse in New York hospital and finished her career as a physician practising in Boston, Massachusetts. (See article on William D.) 'Until 1903, Florence West Duckering was a supporting and resident surgeon at Woman's Charity Club Hospital. She was next assistant surgeon at New England Hospital. Ms Duckering was a member of the Professional Women's Club of Boston and of the College Equal Suffrage league. In her Woman's Who's Who of America, 1914-1915 listing, Ms Duckering indicated that she was episcopalian and favoured women's suffrage.' (Tuft's University 23.4.96)
Duckering, Florence West (1869–1951)
American physician. Born Aug 22, 1869, in Sussex, England; died Oct 25, 1951, in Peterborough, New Hampshire; earned medical degree cum laude, Tufts College, 1901.
Served as extern, resident surgeon, and superintendent at Massachusetts Women's Hospital; had medical practice (1903–46); served as assistant surgeon, then senior surgeon, at New England Hospital for Women and Children; became one of 1st two women, with Alice Gertrude Bryant, admitted to the American College of Surgeons (1914); volunteered with American Red Cross and American Women's Hospitals during both world wars; served as volunteer, Medical Service Corps, and as member of Council of National Defense; retired (1946). The Florence W. Duckering Scholarship Fund at Tufts University was established by the bequest of Mary Duckering (1959) (Source www.encyclopedia.com 7th Sept 2017)