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Peterborough
Protestant Home 1887
Jane
Gifford Hall
[Editor's
note: The following report, which appeared in the local newspaper,
was glued into the minute books of the Peterborough Protestant Home.
These records are in the Anson House fonds at the Trent Valley Archives,
fonds 35. This report has very wide interest as it comments on several
people, on funeral arrangements, on the handling of infectious disease,
and on the importance of the fairly new Nicholls Hospital. The report
was written by the secretary, Jane Gifford Hall, and covered the six
months from March to September 1887. If you have information relating to
any of the names mentioned in this report please inform the Trent Valley
Ancestral Research committee or the editor.]
In
giving you this brief resume of the doing of the last six months in this
institution little has occurred that was not anticipated, to break its
monotonous routine. The necessaries of life and clothing have been
graciously provided by our Heavenly Father, and the interest and
sympathy of friends in its welfare we hope not diminished. The only
infectious disease amongst its inmates was diphtheria, which, we have
reason to believe, was contracted outside the precincts of the Home, as
the patients (the matron and her child) had been absent for a holiday
and shortly after their return the malady showed itself. On their
removal to the Nicholl's Hospital their recovery was speedy and the
conduct of the inmates during her absence was all we could desire.
Meantime the Home was thoroughly cleansed and disinfected, but for some
weeks we held our meetings at Mrs Bruce Ferguson's (opposite). During
the months of July and August these gatherings were but sparsely
attended, partly on account of the intense heat, and also because some
of the managers sought recuperation in more bracing localities. Two of
our aged women have left, finding homes elsewhere; one aged 87, the
other 62. Three have been snatched away by the messenger of death.
Joseph Newbold, aged 88, died 23rd April [1887]; his, an
eventful life, being at one time a Major in one of Her Majesty's
infantry regiments - a striking example of the uncertainty of wealth and
social position. The Freemasons of our town tenderly administered to him
during his last illness, and, at their own expense, buried him according
to Masonic rites; nor did their kindness end here. His wife, Anne
Newbold, died 22nd June, aged 86, and most thoughtfully and
generously the Masons paid her funeral expenses. Sarah Hearne, in her 91st
year died 18th September, and her remains were taken on the
following day to Gore's Landing by her grandchildren. Peter Whittock, a
palsied old man of 84, is in an extremely helpless and feeble condition,
and is visibly passing away. Our deepest gratitude is due John Carnegie,
Esq., for the interest he manifested in the Home whilst M.P.P. thereby
inducing the Local House [Provincial legislature] to give us a small
grant; as yet we have only received $128.52. Also our warm thanks to Mrs
Nicholls for the handsome donation of $150, which she sent us 20th
September. Mr Brodie most kindly, some weeks ago, sent a large parcel of
remnants and samples of flannel, which will make most comfortable under
clothing for our aged ones this winter and dresses for our children. The
inspector visited the Home lately and was much pleased with the order,
cleanliness and thrift evinced throughout. To Mr Mason, Florist, we are
indebted for the pleasing appearance our humble parterre [flower beds
with paths between] has presented this summer. It is with sincere regret
I announce the resignation of our able treasurer, Mrs Cox. We have all
felt her good sense and generous worth; her presence amongst us has
indeed been a true pleasure, and most reluctantly do we part with her.
Donations have been acknowledged to the best of our ability, some names
being withheld, owing to their objection to appear in print -
"Content to fill a little place if God is glorified." We hope
before another year that our Home present a more commodious appearance
and that the necessary improvements which the Local Government
[Provincial Government] require may be accomplished. Kind friends still
continue to hold religious meetings, and may we not hope that it shall
be said of our unobtrusive Home in that Great Day "this man and
that woman were spiritually born there," and that the Most High at
times delighted to adjourn there?
Jane
Gifford Hall, Secretary, P.P.H.
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