A “FIRM HAND” ON THE SPANISH FLU: Dr. Andrew Henderson, nurse Margaret Henderson (right) and Powell River’s entire medical team kept the 1918-19 epidemic contained. Just nine locals died. Worldwide, 50-100 million succumbed to the illness, including a deadlier second wave. Photo courtesy of the Powell River Museum & Archives
Quarantine? Worked great last time around BY THE LATE ARTHUR C. DUNN “Drs. Henderson & Marlatt performed miracles, and how they kept going is the greatest miracle of them all. Dr. Henderson was Health Officer at the time and took hold of the town with a firm hand at the height of the epidemic. Everyone was compelled to wear gauze masks over the mouth and nose when on the street or when likely to come in contact with other people. These masks were frequently sprayed with Lysol to discourage the flu germs . . . eventually the epidemic petered out and we
were left with the memories of the most tragic period in our history. I remember the deaths, I remember the trying conditions under which we laboured and the intense fear of many people. But my outstanding memory is the great service rendered to the people and the unselfish devotion to duty of Dr. Henderson and my good friend Dr. Marlatt.” - from the website, drandrewhenderson.wordpress.com by Ken McMillan, who is Dr. Henderson’s great-grandson.
months later, on March 24, I ate my words when I attended my very first virtual birthday party – my own virtual birthday party. Organized by friend Carma Sacree, we had drinks, giggled and caught up using the Zoom videoconferencing tool. I even received a handcrafted doll called Izzy made by a Lund dollmaker. Although I haven’t touched my gift yet, I witnessed it being unwrapped. It was different but I must admit, it was a lot of fun. Everyone I talk to is scared. Fear brings out the best in some and the worst in others but most are doing what they can to help. They’re shopping for elderly neighbours and friends who are vulnerable to the virus because of their already-compromised health, they’re running errands and checking in on those who are self-isolating. Our doctors, nurses, paramedics and other health care workers put themselves and their families at risk to care for us when we’re sick. Like us, they’re worried but they have a job to do and they’re doing it. We owe it to them to reduce the risk by practicing social distancing and staying at home as much as possible. Our essential service workers are still working so society can limp along during this pandemic. Pharmacies and grocery store workers, delivery drivers, pet stores, group homes, daycares, financial institutions, insurance agents, custodial staff, civil servants, local government workers, did I miss anyone? You are all heroes. Thank you. We need people to look up to. People to give us hope like BC’s provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Alberta’s chief medical officer Dr. Deena Hinshaw, who are leading us through this crisis. Dr. Henry has a fan club, and two Victoria women even recorded a tribute to her. Dr. Hinshaw’s face now graces a t-shirt that says: “We’re in this together.” And when she wore a dress
Library? Closed. Our collections?
WIDE OPEN
Your library card gives you access to free digital material! Download eBooks, eAudiobooks, and magazines using OverDrive Libby app and RB Digital app. Email us at info@prpl.ca for download instructions and tech support. See our website for more information about our online resources, and for updates about reopening.
8
• April 2020 • prliving.ca
POWELL R IVER PUBLIC LIBR ARY
info@prpl.ca • 604-485-4796 prpl.ca
