A Humane Society existed in this town in the year 1786, but, having sunk
from notice, was resuscitated in 1824, for the purpose of preventing
those fatal accidents which have been of frequent occurrence during the
bathing season, and often in the winter time, when the river in a frozen
state affords the amusement of skaiting. The purpose of the society is
to render prompt assistance in the use of the most approved means for
restoring suspended animation, from whatever cause arising, and the
rewarding of persons whose humane and intrepid exertions have been
instrumental in saving life, or, although unsuccessful, such as to
entitle their endeavours to the thanks of society.
To accomplish these objects, watchmen, prepared with every requisite
apparatus, are stationed on the banks of the river, where accidents at
any time may be expected to occur, and receiving houses are established,
where every facility is afforded to employ remedies for the restoring of
life in those cases which hold out the slightest hope of a recovery.
It may be mentioned that many instances have occurred by which a just
estimate can be formed of the positive good resulting from the exertions
of this Society, in rescuing persons from drowning.