Gazette and Gazette
March 20, 1918
Williamsport has
666,577 Lbs. Flour

Compiled by Lou Hunsinger Jr.

According to information received from the Office of County Food Administrator, Brua C. Keefer, in the post office building yesterday afternoon, Williamsport has over 666,577 pounds of wheat flour. The survey of the city’s excess and supply for present use has been completed and with the exception of a few straggling reports this a complete total.

Many interesting figures are included in the report, which is being made out by Mr. Keefer and his corps of assistants. There have been at least 15 women at work nearly every day during the past 10 days making out the survey. The report shows that Williamsport will have a little over 152,623 pounds of excess flour. There are 7,732 people who have 50 pounds or over on hand at the present time. The non-excess of flour or the number of pounds of flour in the possession of people who have less than 50 pounds is 127,354 pounds, 7,732 people who have 50 pounds of flour on hand have a total of 386,200 pounds. These three totals computed amount to 666,577 pounds of flour in this city.

In making out the report of the flour on hand the clerks first classified those who have less than 50 pounds and then those who have 50 pounds or over. Each person who reports 50 pounds or over is given credit with the 50 pound and the excess over 50 pounds is kept separate from the other tabulations. The city and county are divided and separate tabulations are made of both. The tabulated reports give the name and the address of the holder of flour and the amount on hand. There are a few reports that are still being received but the majority of the city reports are believed to be on hand. The county reports of wheat flour on hand will be received until this evening.

The total number of reports received to date is about 18,000.