Material Type

Recording

Date Range

15 March 1985

Physical Description

1 audio cassette

Physical Condition

Excellent

Acquisition Source

Short, Agnes C. deceased

Scope and Content

Interview with Miss Agnes Short about her life and career. Tape 1, Side 1 Mr. Williaro came to Canada in 1910, from England. Bertha Layng, came here from Ontario. They married in 1914 and raised a son 3 and a daughter. William made his career in the fire department. The family lived above the fire hall. Living quarters. Life in the neighborhood west of 5th. St. Agnes' school days, first at the Pemmican Club House, which was the f irst kindergarten in Alberta, Central Side 2 Nurses' Training at Calgary General Hospital. Advent of antibiotics, Agnes nurses at Gait Hospital after graduation, from 1939 to 1945. An exciting tale of a birth in the old car. War work, rolling bandages. Her work in the Quoto Club & blood donor clinics, Agnes received the gold service medal, she was governor of Quoto Club & travelled over the continent. She began work in the School Health Services. Tape 2, Side 1 Details of work, school caretakers, pollio epedemic 1952, '53, '54.' Lethbridge public health unit, est. in 1958 - a general preventive program, school health phased out into public health unit. First quarters were in Masonic Bldg. after one year moved to the city hall annex. 19-7 moved into Galt Bldg. 1979 moved into Lacidem Bldg. The services were greatly expanded through the years. Negotiating for the unused C.P.Ft. station at present. Agnes updated her qualifications at U. of Alberta, by studying for one year & receiving a public health diploma. She became supervisor in 1964 until she retired in 1982. One summer holiday she worked as relief night supervisor at St. Michael's. Her interest in social issues in the community, helped form the mental health association of Lethbridge, board member of Lethbridge Family Services, Chairman of the local chapter of the Alberta Assoc. of Reg. Nurses, director of public health nursing, vice chairman of the Leth. Housing Authority, housing for Seniors and low cost housing. On board of Horticulture Society, loves masses of flowers, Work in Southminster Church — Sunday School teacher for 3 year olds for 22 years, evening services couldn't compete with Ed. Sullivan & T.V. Father William & daughter Agnes on the session together. Promoted the idea of a chaplain for the hospital. 1981, woman of the year elected by Y.W.C.A. We then talked about camping in the early years, travelling all over the continent with her parents.

Access Restrictions

Public Access

Accession No.

19921060000

Collection

Archive

Less detail