newsletter, The Quarterly
Report a Mistake- Date Made --
- Event --
- Affiliation --
- Artist / Maker / Manufacturer --
- Object Number 2004-H0037.56
- Place of Origin Continent - North America, Country - Canada, Province / Territory - Ontario, Municipality - Toronto
- Category Communication artifacts
- Sub-category Documentary artifact
- Department History
- Museum CMH
- Materials Paper
- Person / Institution Associated institution, Alumnae Association of The Toronto General Hospital School of Nursing
- Measurements Height 28 cm, Width 21.5 cm
- Related activity Nursing
- Caption Transcription
- Additional Information Historical Review/School of Nursing - Toronto General Hospital 80th Anniversary Alumnae Association Monday, May 6, 1974/The first history of the Training School for Nurses, Toronto General Hospital was published to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the School which was started in 1881. Thirty-five years later cultural, educational and humanitarian aspects undreamed of in the 1930's prompted the writing of the second volume. Through years of depression, wars and affluence nursing evolved as an honourable profession. Our graduates have filled positions of importance throughout the world, adding lustre to their Alma Mater. History provides a fascinating record of achievement for this our school of Nursing. The initial suggestion to establish the School came from Miss Harriet Goldie, Lady Superintendent. Students were accepted from the untrained staff and seventeen women enrolled in the first class. Miss Eliza Storrie, a graduate of an English Hospital carried out the instruction of nursing on the wards. The course was 2 years in length. The advances in medicine and the much greater amount of theoretical knowledge which the nurse needed, led to the third year being added in 1896. The Uniform chosen for these women to wear is being [modelled] by CONNIE (HOLLAND) TERRY '45. It was made in a princess style of open brown and white material. It had a row of buttons from the waist line to the chin. The skirts touched the floor. The apron was bibless, the cap was large, round and made of muslin-frilled at the edge. Black stockings and high boots finished off the ensemble. The first badge was a medal hanging from a silver bar pin, set against a piece of red, white and blue ribbon with the inscription around its edge - "I was sick and ye visited me." Notice where the nurse carried her paraphernalia - Hanging from the waist. Miss Mary Agnes Snively, native of St. Catherines and graduate of Bellevue Hospital was appointed Superintendent of Nurses in 1884. There was no system of work or study; no nurses residence; no written orders regarding treatment of patients. Miss Snively saw what she had to accomplish and that the student had to be freed from non-nursing duties in order to increase her academic study. Another of her achievements was the opening of the Nurses Residence in 1887 -this was a milestone in the history of the School. What was happening to the uniform through these years? The School Pin was changed in 1890 to a brooch of silver - the design was a Red Cross on white enamel, an enclosing wreath of laurel signifying victory and triumph. At its head is the familiar figure of a beaver. Toronto General Hospital was engraved outside the red cross and School for Nurses at the foot of the wreath. The Pin was changed to gold in 1910. It is fitting to mention that the school colours selected were purple and gold and the motto adopted was Augere Quam Acquiere, "To be is greater than to acquire." Coming down the aisle is MARGARET McGIBBON '37. She is wearing the blue and white uniform which was substituted in 1893. Kerchiefs were added at graduation in 1894. Caps were greatly reduced in size. Probably due to the elaborate hair styles of that day. A black velvet band was added to the cap of a 3rd year student nurse when placed in charge of a ward. 1895 saw yet another change in the uniform: - JEAN McKAY '44, wears the pin stripe blue and white dress. Notice bib, apron, cuffs from elbow to wrist and stiff collar. Caps were now a starched washed cotton worn coronet style off the face. Notice - no tucks in cap. Black boots and stockings were still part of the uniform. Do you recall lacing them up half-asleep in the morning? While the uniforms were changing so were the duties of the Lady Superintendent. Her tasks as Superintendent of the Hospital were to be separated from her responsibilities as Superintendent of the School for Nurses. Thus the School became a distinct entity in itself and entirely separated from other departments of the Hospital. Toronto General Hospital was always situated in park-like settings with beautiful flower beds, lawns and shrubbery. How many remember John Ede, the gardener, or the wonderful garden parties started in 1907? How helpful were the shrubs in concealing those who had no late leaves and had to wait for a friend who could heave them in a basement window (as one Early Years graduate here tonight vividly recalls) or perhaps unlock the back door. Miss Snively was succeeded by Miss Robina Stewart whose stay was only three years, 1910-1913. However her term was marked by a very thorough change in teaching method of the School. Applicants were accepted to allow the students to enter in classes - two classes a year. The preliminary course was established and the hours of teaching extended. 1913 brought many changes - the Hospital moved to College St. The story is told of the late Edna Moore, Class of 1913 who was designated to oversee putting the new building in readiness for occupation. She had custody of the keys and locking the doors. On answering the bell one night she was amazed to find Sir. Joseph Flavelle, Chairman of the Board locked out of his own hospital. I never knew the hospital doors were ever locked - did you? Jean I. Gunn of Belleville and graduate of Presbyterian Hospital, New York was appointed Superintendent of Nurses that same year. Miss Gunn and her work are a large part of Canadian History. Student Government was introduced in 1917. Each class had representation on the Council which was a legislative body with an elected executive. The Centralized lecture course was the product of Miss Gunn's brilliant mind in 1918. The instruction was given in a classroom at the University of Toronto. Do you remember the quick change into mufti and then the change back into uniform for a meal and back to the ward to finish of the day's work. With an educational background such as ours and a sense of dedication which had been transmitted to the graduates it was no wonder that 135 graduates enlisted for military service in England, France, Greece, Italy, Belgium and Canada during the First World War. 39 T.G.H. graduates accompanied No. 4 General Hospital under Matron Annie Hartley - Class of 1901. The Board of Trustees published "In Our Time", a tribute to the nurses in 1919. And now in our time comes GEORGIA (SOMMERVILLE) HART '60 wearing the Army Uniform of that day. We mention May Bastedo - Class of 1900 who was awarded the Royal Red Cross bringing honour to our School. Her niece Ruth Scott Miller '37 is with us tonight. The war had given tremendous impetus to the seeking of professional training by women. Every year saw increase in the applications to Toronto General. Many of us have our memories:- Who was the probie, who when asked to take a wheel chair to the X-ray, took it down the stairs bumpety, bump, bump? or the student on ward E who baked a cake in a K. Basin? Do you remember the demise of the bath baskets? From one was taken two clean pillow cases, one towel, one washcloth, a soiled gown, a man's sock, extra toothbrushes, combs, soap, a couple of apples, a leaky hot water bottle and an air ring (not needed any more) A trite little blue can of powder and an alcohol bottle was the replacement. Was the bath list always honestly marked? Who can forget the chocolates? Were you the probie who nibbled freely on the mixture of [senna] and ground fruit from a Laura Secord box? You were busy the next day, [werent] you? Here it should be recorded that the Private Patients Pavilion was constructed and opened in 1930. The existing private pavilion was [remodelled] into a Residence for Nurses. The Reference Library, large and small classrooms, study, demonstration rooms, offices and Infirmary were located on the fifth floor. The opening of new areas led to new policies of staffing graduate nurses staffed the Pavilion; Ward Helpers were employed as beds were added to the hospital. They assisted in the non-nursing duties, and fuller time of the student nurses was arranged in actual nursing duties. Miss Jean Yuill, graduate from Glasgow Training School for Nurses was Night Superintendent of Nurses from 1915-1935. Can you hear her jingling the large bunch of keys when making rounds? Thousands of patients, nurses and doctors remember Miss B.C. Woolford with affection. "Woolfie" filled the position of Assistant Director of Night Nursing from 1935 to 1960. Her record of working continually on night duty was outstanding. She had a heart of gold and could always be seen carrying or wearing a flower. Where did the posey come from? Did anyone dare challenge her? The Second World War recruited 227 graduates in the three services - Army, Navy and Air Force. Matron Agnes C. Neill, Class of 1925 was in charge of No. 15 Canadian General Hospital and later became Matron in Chief of Canadian Army Nurses. Here come our lovely models wearing the uniforms of the three services in which they were privileged to serve:- Army - JANET WALLACE '35 resplendent with cape, right Navy - GRACE WALKER '39 centre Worthy of note was Fay Butledge Class 1928 who became Matron in Chief of Navy. Air Force - JESSIE YOUNG '37 left Notice the Winged Air Force Crest which decorated the veil. Later the 3 forces united and Muriel McArthur Class of 1937 was the 1st Matron-in-Chief with the rank of Wing Commander. The Honour Roll on Plaques in the Alumnae Room is a tribute to the nurses who served in the two wars. Capable Assistant and devoted colleague of Miss Gunn for 28 years, Miss Helen G.R. Locke acted as Superintendent of Nurses for one year. Over 1000 friends came to her retirement party showing the esteem in which she was held. Mary E. Macfarland of South Mountain, Ontario became the first graduate of our School to hold the office of Superintendent of Nurses. is an honour to have you here tonight, Miss Macfarland. Miss Macfarland was to pilot many progressive changes in the Nursing department. One of the War shortages which she inherited was the scarcity of the English textile material [fo] which the uniforms were made. This was 1943 and to conserve the change was made to short sleeves. MARY (WOOD) MclSAAC '46 wears this uniform. Notice the piping on the sleeves 2" above the cuff. The lining was removed from the waist. We are seeing her as she reported for duty as a probie - bib pinned at shoulder, apron fully gathered, black shoes and stockings. Do you [recoall] the walk down Yonge St. to Blatchford's to buy the shoes? End of 6 months - we got our caps on our heads and forever after the delicate job of folding a T.G.H. cap a la Miss Macfarland became a challenge. Hairstyles came under great scrutiny - all hair had to be off the collar. End of 1 year - straps crossed at the back were added. Do you remember the large pockets? Sometimes it was difficult to get a pineapple or a chicken in your pocket without some tell tale sign. Third Year - white shoes and stockings were substituted. Here comes JANE (GOOD-ERHAM) WADMAN '46 ready to graduate. How we loved that uniform! Did anything thrill you more than being a part of that long line of graduates making that walk across College Street to Convocation Hall for graduation. It seemed like the culmination of a dream. The unavailability of the striped material led to our next big change in uniform. In 1946 a committee was formed from the Staff, Alumnae, students, uniform companies and laundry. The white one piece uniform with coverall and cap was approved. Our Model is BARBARA (LEAR) SKINNER '53. Barbara is wearing white shoes and stockings. The cap became part of the uniform in 1952. The year Pin was worn in the 3rd year. Three changes occurred between 1954 and 1961. The coverall was omitted and the one piece dress became the uniform. The buttoned collar posed a problem and the starch didn't make for comfort. In 1961 the soft collar was substituted. BARBARA (TOMPKINS) FLEMING 1970S is [modelling] the one piece dress. She is wearing the cape which not only served to add elegance but provided warmth in so many ways. CATHY HAWN 1970B is wearing the Graduation Uniform of this time. A replica of the one piece dress with long sleeves and French cuffs, complete with corsage of red roses. The greatest changes in the educational programme occurred in 1956 during Miss Macfarland's regime. The two year academic course followed by one year of [interneship] was adopted. All students received twelve weeks of Obstetrics, Paediatrics and psychiatric experience as well as the general subjects. The fee of $50.00 for each of the first two years was charged. The course was arranged according to a thoughtfully worked out master plan. The experience in the third year carried an allowance of $130.00 a month. This programme captured the imagination of students and their parents and provided superlative quality of personal and professional growth. I keep getting the urge to be nostalgic again;- Who can forget Burnside? -Bathing 26 babies -the smell of burning nipples - "What smell, Miss Kelsey? I don't smell anything". I only learned recently that it was Mary E. who saved them many a time by phoning over. -Do you remember Miss Kelly's demonstration of a breast binder? -those births in the open cage elevator. Late leaves - curfew 10 p.m. nightly, 11.30 once weekly, 12.30 once a month, 2 a.m. 4 times yearly, Days off - 1/2 day weekly, Sunday Hours [10 - 3 or 3 off], one week-end in 3 years. Do you remember 3 tours of duty which was introduced first at Burnside the 48; 44; 40; and now 35 hr. week Do [your] remember shaking in [you] shoes at prayers when the moves were announced? Wearing a slip every Monday morning in case you were sent to the Operating Room. Stringing the wards before professor's rounds and so we could go on.... The 1960s ushered in a new era and a new Director of Nursing. Miss M. Jean Dodds of Toronto and one of our own graduates assumed the position. Jean it is a delight to have you with us tonight. The core curriculum was introduced and teaching of all subjects was undertaken by the nursing instructors. This was followed by the adoption of the two year course in 1968. The ground breaking for the New School and Residence was held on May 12,1967 and anyone who took part in that move in 1970 will never forget the trek across Elizabeth Street. 1969 saw the separation of Nursing School and Nursing Service. Mrs. Mary (Smith) Horton of Owen Sound, Ontario and a Toronto General graduate was chosen to direct the school. Mary, we are pleased you could be with us on this historic occasion. Here comes our latest uniform adopted in 1972 Our model is MOIRA McDONALD 1973. The style was changed to an empire line and tucked bodice. We are indebted to Barbara Dowler of the Class of 1974 and President of Student Council who has donated her student uniform to the Archives. NANCY LEPPINGTON 1973, daughter of Pauline Downing Leppington '45 is wearing the present graduation uniform. Hospital schools in Ontario were transferred to the Community Colleges in Sept. 1973. Henceforth our school is George Brown College, T.G.H. campus. ("Historical Review." The Quarterly (Summer 1974): 4-8 © Canadian Museum of Civilization, Canadian Nursing History Collection, 2004-H0037.56, H316)