Ethel Dickenson facts for kids
Ethel Gertrude Dickenson (born July 6, 1880 – died October 26, 1918) was a dedicated teacher and nurse from St. John's, Newfoundland. She is known as one of the "Remarkable Women of Newfoundland and Labrador" because she worked so hard and gave her life helping patients during the Spanish influenza outbreak in St. John's in 1918.
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Ethel Dickenson: A Life of Service
Ethel Dickenson received her education at Methodist College in St. John's. She also studied at MacDonald Institute in Guelph, Ontario.
Volunteering During Wartime
During World War I, Ethel became a volunteer nurse. She helped care for soldiers and others at Wandsworth Hospital in London, England. She also worked at the Ascot Hospital.
Return to Newfoundland and the Flu Outbreak
In 1918, Ethel returned to St. John's because of her health. That same year, the Spanish flu spread rapidly. Emergency hospitals were quickly set up to help the many sick people.
Ethel volunteered her nursing skills again at the King George the Fifth Institute. She worked tirelessly to care for those suffering from the flu.
A Heroic Sacrifice
Sadly, Ethel Dickenson was the only nurse in St. John's who caught the disease and died from it. She passed away on October 26, 1918.
To honor her bravery and sacrifice, a special monument stands in Cavendish Square. It is a tall, eight-sided stone pillar with a Celtic cross at the very top. The monument is made from grey granite.
Lady and Governor Sir Charles Harris officially revealed the monument on October 26, 1920. Inscriptions on the monument remember Ethel's dedication. One side says that the monument was put up by a grateful public. It honors Ethel Dickenson, a volunteer nurse who gave her life while helping patients during the 1918 flu epidemic. It also honors all the other nurses who worked with her, even when facing great danger.
Other parts of the monument have inspiring words: "Be Thou Faithful Unto Death and I Will Give Thee A Crown of Life."
See also
- List of people of Newfoundland and Labrador
- List of communities in Newfoundland and Labrador
