The Ladies’ Aid of the General Hospital – Thunder Bay’s Vanished Vanguards

There are many things which truly disappoint me with our city and the people who make final decisions. One of them being, the complete disregard for our history and the lack of acknowledgment to those people/organizations/buildings and their historical significance.

The Ladies’ Aid of the General Hospital has sparked my curiosity greatly, and is a fine example of this typical disrespect. Their hard work, stamina and ability to build not one, but two hospitals in Port Arthur have been completely dissolved through bad decisions.

Here is the story of our nearly forgotten heroines, our leaders and patrons who changed medical history in Port Arthur forever.

This is the story of our Vanished Vanguards – The Ladies’ Aid of the General Hospital.

The Ladies’ Aid of the General Hospital was organized in November 1904, composed of a small group of 24 women. Their title at the time was “The Ladies’ Aid Society of the Railway, Marine and General Hospital of Port Arthur”.

Their first annual meeting was held November 6th, 1905.  Meeting minutes detail their reasoning behind the creation of the organization. In summary, the organization was created to fill a need to bring a General Hospital to Port Arthur.

Many years before, a public gathering was held to discuss such venture. Although this gathering was large and boisterous – resulting in a sum of money being collected, the momentum died. Later on, a meeting was called and on May 9th with Reverend S.C. Murray at the helm, he announced the businessmen of Port Arthur had deliberated the idea of building a hospital. The ladies present at this meeting sprang at the opportunity and officially formed the Ladies’ Aid Society of the Railway Marine and General Hospital later that afternoon.

Throughout their first year, they held 31 meetings and carried out 8 major fundraising events, (one of which was the very first rummage sale held in Port Arthur) they held multiple teas and collected donations from city residents. Particular mention was made in the secretary’s report praising Mr. Sandoe, who collected money for the Aid in the lumber camps, where he worked.

By 1905 the Aid grew from a mere 24 members to 270 paid memberships. Their funds secured a portion of land at the price of $3.000 on the corner of Dawson and Algoma Street. The remaining balance of their account was $963.46; this was used to begin planning the next stage and development of their new hospital. During the first four years, they raised $11.200, which was handed to the Board of Governors for a building fund. By September 1906 a sum of $3000.00 and an extra $500.00 was presented to the board.

October 5th, 1906 brought celebration upon the laying of the cornerstone of the new hospital, with a charity ball and festivities later that evening.

The following years (1907 and 1908) brought upon many more events, concerts, plays and various fundraising activities to furnishing the hospital. The Young Ladies’ Auxiliary was created and assisted in fundraising to furnish the matron’s room in the new hospital.

In 1908, the economy took a turn. The construction of the hospital was delayed; in turn the Aid questioned why construction could not begin, even with the funds readily available.

The President of the Board, Mr. Wideman commented:

“Delay was caused by the financial depression of the country, which made it impossible for the Board to complete the work”.

In response, the Ladies passed a motion, giving the Board (let’s remember the board was completely composed of men) an ultimatum.

“… A resolution was passed asking the Men’s Board when the hospital would open, and saying until a definite answer was given, the Ladies Aid refused to do anything further in a financial way.”

HA.
Cue Beyoncé.

Boy you know you love it how
we’re smart enough to make these millions
Strong enough to bear the children
then get back to business
– Beyonce Knowles – Girls Who Run The World

The hospital opened on Victoria Day, 1909.