“A month or two ago,
one could scarcely go anywhere without being in the midst of flowers of some
sort.”
Hamilton
Spectator. November 01, 1883.
The City of Hamilton,
in 1883, certainly was a locality where flowering gardens, of many
descriptions, were a prominent feature:
“Every front garden
had its plot of flowers, windows were full of them; almost every lady on the
streets wore some sort of bouquet , either a small one at her neck, or one of
huge dimensions at her waist; the men, too had their bouquets and everywhere
could be seen beautiful flowers, and their fragrance filled the air.”1
1 “Flowers and Fruit :
Dispensed to the Inmates of the City Hospital.”
Hamilton
Spectator. November 01, 1883.
As November arrived
in 1883, outdoor flowers were not a factor in the life of the city but indoor
flowers provided for cheering up the atmosphere in the Hamilton City Hospital
certainly were.
A Spectator reporter
had been assigned describe how the importance of flowers had changed since the
summer had been long departed:
`Now when the gardens
have been robbed of their beauty, and all that is to be seen of it is an
occasional plant in the windows of those who were prudent enough to transplant
or slip them, the value is changed and suddenly raised above par. People, who
in the summer had almost a limitless number, and now studying how they can
preserve what they have through the winter from the envious grasp of Jack
Frost.`1
As the bleak days of
November arrived, a particular organization to brightening the lives of
patients at the City Hospital was challenged:
The ladies of the
Duffield Flower mission, who, during the summer months have had an abundance of
flowers for distribution, are somewhat embarrassed to where they will get a
supply for the winter.
Èver since the
organization of the mission, the ladies have, once or twice a week, visited the
city hospital, carrying with them baskets of flowers, the handsomest and best
made up that could be got, and distributed them among the patietnts.`1
The man from the Spec
timed his visit to the hospital perfectly:
`Yesterday afternoon,
a Spectator reporter happened to be at the hospital when a deputation from the
mission made their visit. The reporter was sitting at the front window in the
board room when the fragrance of roses was borne through the open door, and,
looking up, caught sight of three or four baskets of most beautiful bouquets,
and the same number of baskets of delightful pears.
`The faces of the
ladies, Mrs. Billings and Miss Simpson, were full of smiles evidently enjoying
themselves, and believing that it is more blessed to give than to receive.
“Setting a basket of
flowers upon the table, one of the ladies remarked, `Now that is for the men`s
ward; they always like those better than these,` pointing to a basket of
flowers upon the table which was intended for the women`s ward. ‘This bouquet is for the man who had his leg
amputated; he always likes geraniums, and this bouquet was made up especially
for him.’
“Taking up a basket
of flowers and one of fruit, the ladies proceeded to the women’s ward. They
were not alone, however, in their good work, several other ladies were here
before them, distributing books and religious papers, but as soon as the
‘flower misses’ entered, all eyes were turned to them, while over the faces of
many a smile was to be seen to play which told plainer than words that the
visitors were welcomed.
“Down the side of the
long ward the ladies proceeded, talking kindly to each patient. There were one
or two new patients who seemed to wish not to be spoken to, but after a few
visits this feeling goes away, and they receive gladly the sympathy and kind
work which the ladies of the mission carry with them
“Strange to say, in
almost every instance, the flowers were received with manifest eagerness, while
the luscious grapes and pears were put upon the table as a secondary
consideration. A scriptural text, prettily got up on small cards, accompanied
each bouquet, and these were also very much admired.
“One of the patients,
who is just recovering from a severe illness, walked the whole length of the
ward to tell the ladies that there were two private patients upstairs who would
want some flowers, and also to get fresh water for the vases of the patients
“After visiting the
private patients, the ladies proceeded to the men’s ward. The effects here were
even greater than upon the women. There were not so many patients in the ward,
but cards at the heads of the beds, told which were occupied, and, on the
tables beside them were laid the fruit and flowers.
“Upon reaching the
end of the ward, in a small sitting room, were about 80 men, two of whom were
busily engaged in playing draughts, while the others watched the game with
interest. They smiled pleasantly as the ladies past, and in a few minutes were
at their tables for their flowers. On coming back, the
bed
of little Davie was passed.
“Little Davie had
hurt his head some time ago, and has made himself a favorite through his sunny
nature. The man who had his arm amputated was also seen, and, sure enough, he
was looking for a bouquet of geraniums. All the patients having been visited,
the ladies returned to the board room to dispose of the fruit that remained and
to present the doctor with his bouquet
" Could the kindhearted people who give
the flowers and the fruit see the effect their gifts have in cheering the
patients and helping them to bear their sickness, they would be sure to send an
ample supply during the coming winter.”1
Hamilton City Hospital
Image courtesy PreVIEW, Local History and Archives, Hamilton Public Library
No comments:
Post a Comment