Influenca 1918 on PBS January 2

‘Influenza 1918’ on PBS
Gail Dever, Genealogy à la carte
 
As part of its American Experience series, PBS will air the documentary, Influenza 1918, on January 2^nd, likely to mark the 100th anniversary. A bit of Googling indicated this 60-minute program was first broadcast in 1998.

In September of 1918, soldiers at an army base near Boston suddenly began to die. The cause of death was identified as influenza, but it was unlike any strain ever seen. As the killer virus spread across the country, hospitals overfilled, death carts roamed the streets and helpless city officials dug mass graves. It was the worst epidemic in American history, killing over 600,000 — until it disappeared as mysteriously as it had begun.

The Spanish influenza of 1918 has been cited as the most devastating epidemic in recorded world history.  The first outbreaks of the Spanish influenza occurred in the spring of 1918. The infection travelled back and forth between Europe and North America on the ships carrying troops fighting in World War I. These troops then introduced the disease into Asia and Africa.

Caused by a viral infection that attacked young, healthy bodies, the influenza killed more people than the First World War. An estimated 20 to 50 million people died from the flu worldwide. In Canada, more than 50,000 people died, and all parts of the country were affected.

A 2001 issue of Legion Magazine noted, “In Toronto, 1,682 people died between Oct. 9 and Nov. 2, 1918. Montreal was hit so hard that it had to adapt a trolley car to carry bodies because the city’s hearses could not meet the demand. By October 1918, influenza was claiming 1,000 Canadian lives a day. During the same period, the country’s battlefield losses averaged about 100 deaths a day.”

From the OGS newsletter December 30, 2017  

World War 2 British Child Evacuees to Canada

From the recent OGS e-news.

World War 2 British Child Evacuees to Canada
John D. Reid, Canada’s Anglo-Celtic Connnections
 
Those who didn't get to John’s talk at OGS Ottawa Branch last Saturday may be interested to view the National Film Board (Canada) video shown at the end of the presentation.

It is Second World War propaganda, everything wasn't as rosy in Canada as portrayed, but allowing for that tells the story from the perspective of 1940. You will likely recognize the narrator.  To view it, click here.

Family History Resources

This week I thought I would share some online resources that I subscribe to for tips and tricks when researching genealogy.  

First you should become a member of your local branch of the Ontario Genealogical Society.  The OGS sends an email to their members each Saturday filled with lots of articles, upcoming workshops and more.  Local branches usually have a monthly email and a meeting, usually with a speaker.  I suggest joining your local branch and maybe the one or two where you are currently researching.  Most branches have members only resources you can access to assist with your family tree.  Here's the link to the Elgin County Branch.     

You may have an ancestor who was a British Home Child, sent to Canada between 1869-1948.  Join the British Home Child Group International which is free.  Here's a link to their latest newsletter.  Find out how the BHC system worked (or didn't in some cases) and view the database and see if one of your ancestors is there or should be there.

  Are you a user of Ancestry.ca (or .com)?  I highly recommend watching their YouTube videos especially for the monthly What's New at Ancestry.  They add new features on a regular basis and it's important to know what those are because it could help you break through a brick wall.  My favourite YouTuber in this area is Crista Cowan, the Barefoot Genealogist.  Just search "Barefoot Genealogist" and watch whatever videos come up.  You will learn so much, but don't get caught up in binge watching.  Watch one or two and put that knowledge into action, then come back for a couple more.  I believe she works for or with Ancestry so she is a great resource.

Hope these three ideas assist you in your research.  Don't forget that we have an archives here at Backus-Page House Museum, along with a small library and the holdings of the West Elgin Genealogical & Historical Society.  All these are available during regular operating hours or by appointment.
- Angela Bobier, Cultural Manager

Family History Friday with the Elgin Branch of the O.G.S.

We believe in supporting and promoting other local organizations, one of which, is the Elgin County Branch of the Ontario Genealogical Society.  Our Cultural Manager, Angela Bobier, is a member.  Why not attend the next meeting and see what they are all about?  Everyone welcome and the meeting is free.

Wednesday, November 25

7:00 pm – 9:00 pm

St. Thomas Public Library, Carnegie Room

Topic: Who is in your Family? Members can talk about their ancestors and their family trees.

Election of Officers for 2016 - All positions available. Help is needed to run the branch!

Silent Book Auction - Treasures from the Archives and other places.