1918-11-05CitizenRecognition

There were many Hamiltonians who contributed to the community effort to combat the Spanish influenza. Nearly everyone who did so were anonymous contributors, but November 5, 1918, the Hamilton Herald chose to recognize two men.

The first was Dr. Thomas Balfe:

“An esteemed citizen and well-known medical man died this morning in the person of Dr. Thomas Hugh Balfe at his home on North James street. The doctor’s death, which will come as a personal grief to a large number of friends and acquaintances in medical and other circles, was the result of an attack of Spanish influenza, which developed into double pneumonia. He died at 11:30 this morning, after a short illness. With other members of the medical profession, Dr. Balfe had devoted himself too strenuously to the work of fighting the epidemic, and when he was attacked himself had too little strength with which to combat the disease. He was attended by Dr. Bauer and Dr. Elliot, of Toronto.

“Born 47 years ago near Smith Falls, Ontario, Dr. Balfe was the son of a well-known farmer of that district. In 1892, he graduated from Queen’s university, Kingston, and after taking a postgraduate course in New York, came to this city where he has practiced ever since. He had an extensive practice and was very highly thought of in local medical circles. Dr. Balfe was a large-hearted, and his genial kindliness had gained him a large number of close friends. In an unobtrusive way, he was the means of affecting much good will and his memory is one which will be revered by many. He leaves to mourn his death his widow Florence C., youngest daughter of J.W. Jones, of this city; five children, Hugh, Margaret, Helen, John and Florence; his mother and father of Smith Falls; a brother, Michael, of Smith Falls, and four sisters Mrs. Edgar Cotterell, of New York, Mrs. J.C. Cook, Fort William, Ont., Mrs. J. Devanna, Chrysler, Ont., and Miss Gertrude, graduate nurse, Superintendent of Beacon hospital, New York.”¹

“Dr. Balfe Died After Attack of Influenza : He Contracted Disease While Helping as Physician : Was Well-Known Here : He Had Practiced in This City for Nearly Twenty-Five Years”

Hamilton Herald.   November 05, 1918.

The second was Major H.D. Storms who was in charge of the military hospital:

 “Unlike the Base hospital at Toronto, the local military here has never had an adverse word said about its administration during the worst part of the present epidemic. Military and medical men state that, thanks to the work of Major H.D. Storms, M.C., commandant, the situation at no time got out of hand. The men received the best of attention, and every possible preparation was taken against the development of the epidemic. In consequence, though a few deaths occurred, the mortality at the local hospital was very low. When the influenza epidemic first broke out among the troops at the Westinghouse, the cases began to pour into the local military hospital with alarming rapidity. Seeing that room must be supplied, Major Storms anticipated the situation. He commandeered some of the C.O.R. buildings for hospital accommodation, then wrote for authority afterwards, thus getting the best of official red tape. By his administrative skill, he saved the lives of many, and medical men throughout the city speak in glowing terms of his forethought and administration.”²

² “ ‘Flu’ and Red Tape : Major Storms, M.C., Worsted Two Desperate Enemies”

Hamilton Herald.   November 05, 1918.