Institutional Responses to Communicable Diseases at Victoria College, University of Toronto, 1900–1940

Abstract

Between 1900 and 1940 students and staff risked their lives to attend, and teach at, Victoria College. Not only did Victoria experience three major epidemics—diphtheria in 1911, influenza from 1918 to 1920, and smallpox in 1927—but almost yearly one or two students contracted diseases such as scarlet fever, measles, and mumps. Yet at a time when there was no health insurance and few hospital facilities, how did the university cope with the problem? This paper examines the care provided to Victoria’s residential students. In the process the paper illustrates not only the upheaval endured by individual students but also the enormous financial and emotional toll paid by the institution,especially by members of its female staff.