1918-12-16hh

“At a meeting of the board of health this morning attended by representatives of the local medical association, board of trade and retail business concerns, it was decided to lift the ban on stores and poolrooms, that churches be allowed to resume regular week night services, and street cars be allowed to carry an additional number of passengers.”

Hamilton Herald.    December 16, 1918.

There had been no question that the influenza epidemic which had started in the fall was a devastating and deadly matter. It seemed that nothing could be done to stop the huge number of influenza cases being reported in Hamilton, including the number of fatalities resulting from most of those cases.

One step was taken in the belief that the disease was communicated more quickly by large gatherings of citizens in closed settings was a ban on as many of those kind of gatherings as possible. Hence the Hamilton Board of Health insisted that all schools be closed, all churches cease having services, all stores have their hours of opening severely limited and all places of entertainment including theatres and pool rooms have their doors locked and patrons kept out.

By mid-December, the rate of influenza cases, and influenza-related deaths, being reported had begun to decline.

Hamilton Mayor Booker, at the board of health meeting on December 16, 1918, began proceedings by urging a modification on the restrictions being placed on Hamilton retail industry, notably the reduction of the hours of opening.

As the bulk of sales for most retail businesses was in the days leading up to Christmas, there had been considerable pressure on the mayor to see that the restrictions be lifted.

In response to the mayor, Norman Clark, chairman of the Hamilton Board of Health said, “I do not want the impression to get out that the board has not given this matter consideration. The closing of business places has caused us no small amount of worry, and no person regrets more than I do the necessity of placing such restrictions on businessmen.”

Next to speak was C. W. Kilpatrick, publicity agent for the board of health:          “ (He) submitted a detailed statement showing the number of new cases reported daily since the commencement of the epidemic. His report showed a considerable decrease in the number of new cases and deaths during the past couple of weeks. For example, the report showed that for the week December 1 to 7, there were 1369 cases reported and 52 deaths, while for the week of December 8 to 14, only 588 cases and 42 deaths were reported.”¹

¹ “Ban Removed From Stores”

Hamilton Herald.    December 16, 1918.

One suggestion had been that the stores still be required to close at 4 p.m., but would be allowed to reopen in the evening from 7 to 10 o’clock. E. L. Smith, of the G. W. Robison company, argued against that, claiming it would entail considerable inconvenience on staff, and the company generally to do.

Thomas Binkley, of Klein & Binkley, said that the 4 p.m. closing rule had been counterproductive to the Board of Health’s goal, as his store was overcrowded as the same number of clients he usually had were forced into coming to his store in fewer hours, thereby creating the overcrowding conditions that the board wanted to avoid.

“ ‘ What do you think of my suggestion that stores reopen from seven until ten?’ asked Mayor Booker .

“ ‘I don’t think much of it. It would not meet our needs,’ replied Mr. Binley.”¹

Several other representatives of major Hamilton businesses chimed in :

“ ‘The whole arrangement is unjust,’ declared L. R. Tobey. ‘If present arrangements are continued, it simply means the murder of our business.’

“ ‘I would suggest that the ban be lifted and that children below the age of 15 years be kept out of stores until after Christmas,’ said J. P. Whalen of the Arcade Company.”¹

Next to speak was Dr. Langrill of the City Hospital, who asked whether the regulation on the number of passengers per street car was being observed, and whether the store owners were following the appropriate restrictions:

“ ‘Yes,’ replied Chairman Clarke. ‘From reports and from observations made by health department inspectors, we have every reason to believe that the street car regulation has been and is being well observed. There is every indication that the business men are doing all in their power  to prevent overcrowding in store.’

“ ‘Do you think these regulations have tended to a decrease in the spread of influenza?’ asked Dr. Langrill.

“ ‘Positively yes,’ replied Chairman Clarke.

“ ‘I would suggest that all regulations affecting stores be annulled and that all business places be allowed to remain open as desired,’ said Dr. Langrill.

“ ‘We are here to safeguard the interests of all, not the financial interest s of the merchants,’ declared Chairman Clark, hotly.

“ ‘The best way to make people think is to inconvenience them,’ declared Dr. D. J. Storms. ‘The closing of stores and other places throughout the city has done more to educating the public to the need of the hour than anything else. It has put the fear of God in their hearts, and as a result, when any person realizes that they have been afflicted with influenza, they immediately go to bed, and bed is the best cure for the disease. I think, however, that the time has come when there could be no danger by lifting the ban on stores providing children are not allowed to visit overcrowded stores till after Christmas.’

“ ‘I would only agree to such a move on the understanding that the ban could go on again at any moment that board considers it necessary,’ said Chairman Clark.”

“ ‘I hope the public will not think this action is taken because of any pressure on the part of the business men,’ said Dr. Morton.

“ ‘It is being done because it is considered safe to do so and for no other reason.,” ¹

Finally, despite the Board of Health Chairman’s reluctance, a motion was unanimously passed to lift the ban on stores, the same to take effect immediately, and that it would be left to the judgement of business to decide whether their stores had become overcrowded:

“It was also decided to allow single truck street cars to carry ten standing passengers and double truck cars fifteen standing passengers above seating capacity, and that churches be allowed vto resume regular week night services and that another meeting beheld later in the week to consider the total lifting of the ban on churches.

“ ‘I regard the churches as the least likely places to spread disease,’ said Dr. Glassco. ‘Generally speaking, I do not regard the ban as worth a hoot.’ ”¹

Throughout the meeting there was considerable disagreement among the Hamilton doctors as to the usefulness that the bans that been taken by the board of health in combating the spread of influenza:

“ ‘During the discussion relative to the benefit of closing orders, Dr. Storms remarked that the death rate in Hamilton had been less than in other places. Dr. Langrill took objection to this statement, saying that, despite alleged official reports to the contrary, such was not the case, and that the death rate in Hamilton under ban restrictions had been greater than in most other cities.’

“ ‘I base my statement on what has been published in the newspapers,’ said Dr. Storms.

“ ‘Well, all I have to say is that such reports are all wrong,’ retorted Dr. Langrill.”¹

The ban on church services was lifted at the meeting, but on only on those weekday evening services, which were generally much less heavily attended than Sunday services.

Although the following letter from Rev. C. B. Kendrick was not specifically discussed at the board of health meeting, it was decided to forward it to the provincial health inspector:

“Dear Sir – I desire to voice the indignation which I feel regarding what I consider to be the intolerable situation at present existing in this city from the action of the local board of health which has closed churches as well as theaters and schools, and restricted the hours during which business may be transacted in stores.

“While many others are complaining, besides ministers of religion, I am writing only from the standpoint of a clergyman whose church has been closed and its activities paralyzed for some five weeks.

“I understand the opinions differ widely among medical men regarding effective means of fighting influenza. My own doctor tells me that the ban, as imposed here, is absolutely ineffective, factories, barrooms , stores, etc., being open and street cars running, while churches, theaters and schools are closed.

“If I am correctly informed, the local officer of health is not himself in favor of the ban, but the board, is being governed by the wishes of a committee of doctors who are responsible to no one. At the present time, the medical officer of health is ill, the board is not meeting, and the chairman, who is a plumber, has, according to the statement credited to him in the press, assumed all responsibilities for the continuance of the ban.

“It is said that those who compose the board of health are not themselves churchgoers, or at least they are very occasional attendants at public worship, consequently they cannot be considered proper judges of whether the house of God should be opened or closed.

“I consider the effect of this arbitrary interference with  nthe rights of Christian people deplorable and likely to have far-reaching results. I fear also that it may be taken as a precedent, and that for insufficient reasons in the futire similar hardship may be imposed upon us. I understand that you have no power to revise such decisions, but I suggest that steps should be taken to change a law which places such power in the hands of a local board without appeal to a higher authority. I have not met one person who does not resent the action taken, and comparisons are constantly made between the crowded stores and the closed churches. Amazement, ridicule and disgust are freely expressed on all sides, and the press is unanimous in condemning the board, which is responsible for the existing state of affairs.

“Meanwhile we have no redress, no matter how unreasonably and vexatiously the law may be interpreted and administered. A Roman Catholic priest was actually fined in the police court for saying mass with 30 persons present in his church, and the police have been instructed to see that clergymen rigidly obey the order of the board.

“It certainly seems absurd that in Toronto, where conditions have been much the same as in Hamilton, no churches have been shut. It suggests that the influence of religious people is greater there than here, where apparently the highest needs of our natures are placed on a par with recreation and amusement, and are considered of less value than the business interests of a community whose factories and stores are open, while its places of worship are closed.

          “Yours truly,

          C. B. Kenrick.”¹

In the same issue of the Hamilton Herald that contained extensive coverage of the heated Hamilton Board of Health meeting, there was also an editorial on the matter :

“ Not because of any pressure from outside, but because rigorous restrictions are no longer necessary, says the chairman of the board of health, the closure on Hamilton has been partially removed. Stores and offices may now be kept open after 4 p.m. Week night services may be resumed in the churches, and no doubt the ban on Sunday services will be raised on Wednesday, when the board is to meet again.

“The number of persons who may lawfully hang onto straps in the street cars has been doubled, and doubtless before the end of the week, the cars may be jammed in the merry old way during the rush hours.

“We are not much concerned about the board’s motive for giving these measures of relief – whether public opinion had anything to do with it or the board really is convinced that it is less necessary now than it was last week, or the week before, to fetter the people with restrictions. The fact that there were only a hundred new cases of influenza reported on Saturday and Sunday appears to be regarded by the board as cheering evidence that the restrictive policy has served its purpose and can now be abandoned. If, following the lifting of the ban, the number of fresh cases continues to diminish daily, the board will be able to claim with pride that it chose exactly the right psychological moment for changing its policy and permitting more freedom. Although in many other towns where no restrictive measures whatever have been adopted, the epidemic has been suppressed, we are not disposed to grudge our health authorities any satisfaction which they can derive from self-congratulation. The important thing is that they have changed their restrictive policy.

“Should there be another serious recurrence of the epidemic, we suggest that preventive measures different from those which have been enforced, should be tried.”²

² “The Ban Lifted”

Hamilton Herald.    December 16, 1918.

1918-12-14rr

The cessation of conflict on November 11, 1918 did not mean that there was a cessation of war-related fund-raising efforts in Hamilton.

One of the key organizations involved in on-going efforts to request charitable donations was the Great War Veterans’ association.

On December 14, 1918, the Hamilton Herald published the following letter from the organization’s secretary-treasurer of its West Hamilton branch,  A. W. Cooke, regarding a $15 donation just received from the women workers in the cigarette department of the Tuckett Tobacco company:

“That shows a spirit that so far has not be shown by any other factories. What is the matter with the girls in the woolen mills and numerous other factories that have many departments full of girls? Surely if the census were taken nin each factory and each one was to give 25 cents it would amount to a grand total of several hundred dollars.

”Come along now, girls, the ‘flu’ ban has been on for some time past. What about the quarters and half dollars you have saved from the movies etc.? Would you like to be in a position of some of the little mothers who have so nobly sacrificed and given their all, in order that he might go and defend his country and you? You know fully well a mother’s love that no one but a mother fully understands. Are there any of you who would shun and spurn a little kiddie in the hour of need, and in the day of trouble? When you see a little boy or girl crying on the street does your heart not go out to him or her? If you have the opportunity, don’t you go to him or her and say, ‘Never mind, don’t cry, you will be all right now and pat them on the back, and try to cheer them up? Of course you do. I have seen you do it myself.

“Here is your opportunity now to help. You won’t be able to go into all these homes and see the little ones looking for Santa Claus. You won’t be able to see the big eyes fill up with tears when there is little or nothing in their stocking from Santa. These are the sights the world does not see, and they are the saddest of all. The poor, little, unprotected, unthought of children of the men who sacrificed all in order that you might be spared from the ravages suffered in Belgium and France.

“You see pictures here and there portraying those conditions in Belgium and France, and you say, ‘No, it is impossible, this is all too horrible to be true.’ Let me tell you is all true and only too true, as it always was and ever will be. Truth is always stranger than fiction.

“Girls not only in factories, but in offices, department stores and those who are fortunate enough in being able to stay out of business, get together, give what little you can. Maybe the day will come when the iron hand of fate will descend on you and yours. Wouldn’t you like to think that someone thinks of You”¹

¹ “Help Kiddies : Give to the Christmas Tree Fund.”

Hamilton Herald.    December 14, 1918.

1918-12-16yy

 

Just over a month since the armistice was signed ending the Great War, a group of returning soldiers was expected to arrive in Hamilton on December 16, 1918.

A reporter for the Hamilton Herald got access to a list of the names of those soldiers, whom he called “returned heroes” were due be back in the city that day.

A name that jumped out to him was one which would be very familiar to Hamilton hockey fans:

“ Among the list is the name of ‘Shorty’ Green, the speedy center-player of the 227^th battalion senior O.H.A. team of two years ago. He is going to locate in Hamilton, and will be available for the Tigers. He was wounded, but has quite recovered, and in his last letter he stated that he would be ready to jump into the game as soon as he reached Canada.

“ ‘Shorty’ Green is known in Hamilton as one of the fastest center-players who ever appeared here. He and ‘Babe’ Donnelly were the stars of the 227^th team, and their play was a feature of every game. Green is tricky, speedy, and, in fact, possesses everything that goes to make a real hockey player.

“It is his intention to reside in Hamilton, and his coming is welcomed.”¹

¹ “ ‘Shorty’ Green Among Returned Soldiers – Will Reside Here.”

Hamilton Herald.   December 16, 1918.

When Green arrived, the details of his experiences at the front became widely known. He had fought in the Battle of Passchendaele where he was one of the victims of a gas attack.

Green played the whole 1918-1919 season with the Hamilton Tigers, leading that team to an Allan Cup championship. He would then return to his home city, Sudbury, Ontario, playing four seasons with the Sudbury Wolves, before returning to Hamilton to play with the city’s NHL team, the Tigers.

‘Shorty’ Green would be inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1963.

 

 

1918-12-26yy

It was a case that heightened the problems that would arise again and again as Hamilton soldiers returned home after fighting in the Great War.

Every soldier had his own experience in the war, and not all fit into the strict, inflexible rules that were in place in the days, weeks and months after peace had been declared.

There were some supports, financial and otherwise, for soldiers and their families, but far often individual soldiers and their dependents suffered as their situation was not the norm.

Such was the case of a Hamilton soldier and his family, as reported in the Boxing Day issue of the Hamilton Herald:

“Lieut.-Col. William Hendrie, in urging the establishment of a bureau to take care of victims of the war who are not provided for by the pensions department of the patriotic fund, has called attention to the case of a 173^rd Highlander, who was sent back from England as medically unfit. He received no pension, and his family has received no allowance from the patriotic fund since April, when he was discharged from the service.

“The man, who has five children, one a cripple, returned to work too soon after an attack of influenza, and is now in serious condition, physically and financially. The G. W. V. A. sent Christmas cheer to the family, and the Soldiers’ Aid commission has rendered temporary aid.”¹

¹ “Pathetic Case : Unfortunate Highlander’s Xmas Brightened By Veterans”

Hamilton Herald.    December 26, 1918

1918-12-22os

One of Canada’s leading military figures as the Great War came to an was Major-General, Honourable Sidney Chilton Mewburn.

Well-known to his fellow Hamiltonians because of his military, business and political prominence in the Ambitious City, not to mention because of his beautiful residence on Markland Street at the head of Park street, Mewburn was the Minister  of Militia and Defense with the federal government in December, 1918.

On December 23, 1918, Mewburn sent the following Christmas message to the Canadian troops overseas awaiting demobilization and a return home:

“On behalf of your comrades in Canada, I have the proud privilege od sending Christmas greetings this year to a victorious Canadian army, occupying the territory of a conquered foe. Last year, you looked back upon a year of desparate, if glorious fighting, and forward to a doubtful issue, for the enemy was known to have gained new strength and to be meditating a tremendous blow against us. Today you can look back upon a year in which the British bore adversity with fortitude, refused to despond when things were at their darkest, returned to the offensive at the critical moment, and in three months of fighting such as the world have never seen before, won a victory unexampled alike for the glory won and for the service rendered by it for humanity.

“In this warfare of giants you have borne a part which fills us with a pride and gratitude which we cannot express. Amiens, Arras, the Queant-Drocourt line, the Canal du Nord, Cambrai, Valenciennes and the Mons are words which will inspire Canadians for centuries, and you are the men who have these these resounding deeds. Our homage of love and pride is tendered to the men who fell in these triumphs.

“We hope soon to welcome you home, and you may rest assured that every effort is being made to ease the path of your return to peaceful industry.”¹

¹ “Mewburn’s Message to the Canadians”

Hamilton Spectator.     December 24, 1918.

1918-12-21qk

From the Hamilton Spectator, December 21, 1918 :

                   Christmas

Sound over all waters, reach out from all lands,

The chorus of voices, the clasping of hands;

Sing hymns that were sung by the stars of the morn.

Sing songs of the angels when Jesus was born:

   With glad jubilations

   Bring hope to all nations;

The dark night is ending, and dawn has begun;

Rise, Hope of the ages, arise like the sun !

All speech flow to music, all hearts beat as one.

Sing the bridal of nations; with chorals of love,

Sing out the war vulture, and sing in the dove,

Till the hearts of the people keep time in accord,

And the voice of the world in the voice of the Lord.

   Clasp hands of the nations

   In strong congratulations;

The dark night is ending, and dawn has begun;

Rise, Hope of the ages, arise like the sun !

All speech flow to music, all hearts beat as one.

Blow, bugles of battle, the marches of peace;

East, west, north and south, let the long quarrel cease:

Sing the song of great joy that the angels began.

Sing the “glory of God,” and “the good will to man !”

    Hark, joining in chorus

    The heavens bend o’er us:

The dark night is ending, and dawn has begun;

Rise, Hope of the ages, arise like the sun !

All speech flow to music, all hearts beat as one.

                  

                                                ---- J. G. Whittier.

1918-12-25yy

“Hamilton was wrapped in slumber in the earliest hours of the morning, when, as with Troy in the years of long ago, a party of warriors – seasoned veterans and armed to the teeth – stole in upon the sleeping city.”

Hamilton Spectator.   December 21, 1918.

The Great War had finally come to end on the eleventh, of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, and just over a month later, on December 21, 1918, some Hamilton soldiers returned to friends and families in the Ambitious City.

Virtually all soldiers on duty, on November 11, 1918 were still on duty a month later as the immense task on mobilization was still slowly getting underway.

The 30 soldiers that came into Hamilton in the early morning hours of December 21, 1918 had all been wounded, but had recovered enough from their wounds to return to the front. They were, in fact, on their way to France when the German surrender was announced, so, it was decided to turn that party around and sent them back across the ocean to their homes.

The return of those soldiers was known generally, so despite the hour of arrival, a gathering of welcomers was on hand:

“No finer party of returned men has been seen in the city than the 30 odd men who swooped down upon the city at 1:30 this morning.

“Fully equipped to the veriest detail (excepting for their rifles, which they left in Toronto), with their weighty packs upon their backs, with glistening bayonets unsheathed and with the shrapnel helmets swinging over their shoulders, they made a most impressive sight.”¹

¹ “Warm Welcome For Gallant Warriors : Boys of Amiens, of Arras and Cambrai Home.”

Hamilton Spectator.    December 21, 1918.

The arrival of the soldiers was yet another happy occurrence, which helped to raise spirits as they year 1918 was coming to a close. It had been a tough year with continuous warfare, leading to huge numbers of wounded, missing and dead soldiers, and the worldwide influenza epidemic in the fall had carried off tens of thousands of people. In Hamilton alone, when the epidemic was at its height, there were multiple fatalities due to the ‘flu recorded every day.

          By mid-December, 1918, the number of reported cases of, deaths from, influenza, had declined enough that the Board of Health decided to lift its restrictions on the opening of department stores and theatres, as well regarding travel on the Hamilton Street Railway. It had been feared that large crowds in confined quarters would cause the spread of the disease. All schools had been closed and church services banned, although the board indicated that the church ban would be lifted for the Christmas services.

          The Royal Connaught Hotel operators had major plans for the hotel’s  second Christmas season. The managers of the Royal Connaught Hotel had decided upon an elaborate series of events at the hotel to lift the spirits of Hamiltonians:

          “With the war over, with suspense and dread lifted from countless hearts and thankfulness in all, there is going to be a Christmas spirit abroad which has not been seen in all these four weary years when sorrow and gloom, even if it did not attend, dogged the footsteps of all. If there has been any gayety displayed in the Christmastide of these years, it has been forced gayety, and people frolicked ‘because they must, and not because they would.

“Now, however, the cloud of depression has been lifted and in the refulgence cast over the whole world, thoughts turn naturally to all those social gayeties which are inseparable from this season of the year.

“The Royal Connaught, that center of the larger social activities, intends to give the Hamilton public just as much entertainment as it is possible for it to enjoy as it is possible for it to enjoy during Christmas week.”²

² “A Merry Christmas is Here for Everyone : Royal Connaught Making Elaborate Preparations for the Week of Gladness”

Hamilton Herald.   December 21, 1918.

Both the Hamilton Herald and the Hamilton Spectator published their full slate of editions on December 24, 1918. Each newspaper carryied an editorial, reflecting on the Christmas day celebrations to take place.

In his Christmas Eve editorial, the Herald editor began as follows:

“Tomorrow ought to be, and doubtless will be, the happiest Christmas day that has dawned upon the world for many years. Darkened by the smoke of the world-war, the last four Christmas days have lacked much of the joy which the season should bring; but this Christmas will be a real one. It is no small cause of rejoicing that the anniversary of the Prince of Peace will see the world at peace again.

“Cordially and unreservedly, the Herald wishes all its readers a Happy Christmas.”²

² “This Christmas”

Hamilton Herald.   December 24, 1918.

The Spectator’s Christmas eve editorial also included best wishes to its loyal readers:

“To its many thousands of readers, the Spectator extends its sincere hope for a happy Christmas. In the words of good old Shakespeare : ‘Frame your mind to mirth and merriment, which bars a thousand harms and lengthens life’ – save where bereavement has touched with grievous stress. To all such, our deepest sympathy.”³

³ “God Bless You, Everyone”

Hamilton Spectator. December 24, 1918.

The day before Christmas 1918 was a busy travel day, with travel on the railways the heaviest it had been for many years. The Grand Trunk Railway station on Stuart street and the Toronto, Hamilton and Buffalo Railway station on Hunter street were the scenes of exceptional activity as travelers from after arrived, and anxious members of their families were present to greet them.

However, the trains were running between an hour to two hours, as a snow storm had begun in earnest during the morning :

“The first storm of the season is always a heartbreaker for transportation men, and this season’s first, coming when travel is at the maximum, will no doubt spoil the Christmas enjoyment to a considerable extent for the knights of the rail.”⁴

⁴ “Traffic Heavy : And Trains Running Late Owing to the First Storm of the Season.”

Hamilton Spectator.   December 24, 1918.

Of course the three Hamilton daily newspapers did not publish on Christmas day, but each had a reporter on duty to write up an article about Christmas 1918 in Hamilton for the Boxing Day issues.

The Herald reporter’s article captured the spirit of the day in Hamilton with some commendably descriptive prose;

“Outwardly yesterday was like other Christmases. The theaters were crowded to capacity at both the matinee and evening performances.

“Many people took a constitutional to walk off the effect of too much turkey and plum pudding, and about 10 per cent of the city’s population remembered the real meaning of Christmas and went to church in the morning.

“It was in the homes that the real spirit of this 1918 Christmas was most manifest. Hundreds of families celebrated the return of their brave defenders from overseas; had the assurance that their boys would soon be back, or the knowledge that they were at least out of danger. For the first Christmas since 1913 there was no fly in the ointment of their sweet content.

“Yet there were some sad hearts. Those that could see the vacant chair – made vacant by the war. But of those who occupied those chairs in Christmases gone it is not necessary to speak, since their names will never die.

“ ‘Serene’ is the adjective that best describes the day. That feeling was manifest only in the homes, on the streets, but, also, in the weather, which was as the official prophesier predicted, except that he fell down on his ‘clearing’ prediction.

“Of hilarity, there was none. The prevailing spirit which brooded over the first of a long line of peace Christmases was one of thankfulness.”⁵

⁵ “Peace Keynote of This Happy Christmastide”

Hamilton Herald.   December 26, 1918

 

 

 

1915-05-06jj

Private W. H. Porter had been a sergeant in B Company with Hamilton’s Thirteenth Royal Regiment when was declared in August, 1914.

One of the earliest volunteers Porter became a member of the First Canadian Contingent. Rather than being sent to France, he was sent for duty in Bermuda, where his duties included being in the regimental band at that location.

While in Bermuda, Porter composed a patriotic song called The Union Jack, and the song quickly became popular among the citizens of that Caribbean island.

On May 6, 1915, the lyrics were printed in the Hamilton Times:

 

     THE UNION JACK

“The Union Jack is the only flag,

   That has any charms for me;

 It has led our noble fathers on,

   To victories grand, you see;

 Though storms were fierce and battles raged,

   Our fathers knew no fear.

 While fighting ‘neath the Union Jack,

   For home and country

 Though their foes were sly and fierce,

   Still they knew no fear;

 They fought for right in the sight of God,

   And maintained their liberty.

 

 Then, we, their sons, will rally round,

   Our Union Jack so grand,

 And tell our enemies to come on,

   And make their only stand.

 We’ll fight them ten to one,

   Though fierce the battle be,

 We’ll conquer in the end, you’ll see,

   And maintain our liberty.

 And when the battle’s over

   And we have conquered all,

 We’ll raise our flags in triumph,

   And sing our conquering songs”

(At this point the chorus which ended the song consisted of “The Maple Leaf,” “Rule Britannia” and “God Save Our Gracious King.”)¹

¹ “The Union Jack : Hamilton Soldier has composed New Patriotic Song”

Hamilton Times.    May 6, 1915

 

 

1915-06-23rr

The last week of June 1915 had been set aside in Hamilton as Babies’ Welfare Week. It was an idea which was originated by several Hamilton women who wanted to use the occasion to educate mothers, and the community generally, on ways to reduce the infant mortality rate. At the same time, it would be an opportunity to advocate ways for the better, more healthy treatment of babies and educate mothers on the services available to them in their task of keeping their babies healthy.

On June 23, 1915, an article written by Spectator reporter described his visit to The Babies’ Dispensary Guild. The guild held an open clinic at King George School as its contribution to Babies’ Welfare Week.

The guild met every Tuesday at King George School, every Thursday at a room on Wentworth Street north and every other day, except Sunday at the City Hospital:

“When a mother brings a baby to the clinic for the first time, it is weighed and then given an examination by one of the physicians on the staff and the mother is given advice.  When the child is brought in again, it is once more weighed and its history sheet examined, which is a record of the various stages of the baby’s progress. Instructions are then given as to its care.”¹

¹ “Saving the Lives of the Little ones : Glimpse of Babies’ Dispensary Guild”

Hamilton Spectator.   June 23, 1915.

The clinic had a regular staff of physicians and nurses who made themselves available at the clinics. At the King George Clinic on Tuesday, an average of 50 babies were brought, while the average number of babies brought into the other clinics was much lower, at 25.

The work of the Babies’ Dispensary Clinic was mainly preventative and educational. It had been started in 1911, and it was claimed that the infant mortality rate in Hamilton had been reduced over 50 per cent in just four years .

The Hamilton Public Library, in partnership with the Babies’ Dispensary Guild, had purchased and made available at the clinics, various books which would provide important information for mothers on the care of their babies.

After the invited guests to the open clinic had been an opportunity to witness the work being done, a reception was held, with afternoon tea being served:

“At the close of the reception, a group photograph of the mothers and babies attending the clinic was taken in front of the school. The mayor arrived just in time for the photograph, and was considerably surprised when one of the officials of the Babies’ Welfare League placed a little picaninny in his arms. But to balance the effect, he managed to borrow one of his own color from one of the proud mothers.

“Considerable dissatisfaction was caused by the absence of the city officials. The opinion was expressed that they should evince interest in the work of an association that is trying to do so much for the betterment of the city, and should not be conspicuous by their absence.”¹

The morning following the visit to the open clinic of Babies’  Dispensary Guild, a visit was paid to the children’s ward of the Mountain Sanatorium:

“The visitors made a tour of the different rooms, giving flowers and candies to the children, of whom there are forty now under treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis, 26 girls and 14 boys. By the charts at each bed, it was seen that all children had gained as much as fifteen pounds under  the careful treatment of Dr. Holbrook and the competent staff of nurses.¹

¹ “Kiddies’ Ward at the San Visited : Baby Welfare Workers See Good Work Being Done.”

Hamilton Spectator. June 23, 1915.

When the Mountain Sanatorium had opened in 1906, there had been no arrangement whatsoever for the treatment of children, although occasionally children were admitted but they had to stay in adult wards.

As the number of children needing treatment increased, it became evident that a separate building was needed. The building was erected in 1910, and formally opened on January 1, 1911.

From January 1911 to June 1915, 202 children had been treated at the Mountain Sanatorium, and only one of the patients, apparently an already very advanced case, had died.

Dr. Holbrook had grown in his estimation of the progress in the disease of tuberculosis since the Mountain Sanatorium had opened:

“It has become apparent to the staff that tuberculosis has its beginning far earlier than was formerly suspected, and that undoubtedly many children are affected from one to five years of age. As a result, they feel that the stamping out of tuberculosis resolves itself into the protection of the children, and that the first two years of a child’s life are the most important in this respect.

“This is the connection between the work of the Baby Welfare League and the sanatorium.”¹

After the visitors had inspected the entire children’s ward from the beds to the school room, a photograph of the staff and visitors, plus as many of the children well enough to go outside, gathered for a photograph to be taken.