Consumption at Kentville

Kentville Sanatorium

"Consumption" got its name from the way the disease attacked the body - consuming it, causing the patient to drastically drop in weight.  Around 1882, Dr Robert Koch, who won a Nobel Prize in 1905, coined the term tuberculosis – from the latin word tuberculum – a result of discovering the tubercle bacillus, a small, swelling bump or pimple.

To slow the spread of infection, it was treated by isolating the ill and making life as comfortable as possible.

The Kentville Sanatorium, in Kentville, NS or the 'San', was built in 1904 for the treatment of consumption patients.  Originally treating only 18 patients, it was later expanded to accommodate about 400 patients and living quarters for about 200.  The San was so well recognized that it accepted infected men who were returned home from Europe during the First World War.

Unfortunately for John 'Robert' Vincent and Elizabeth 'Bessie' Johnstone, their daughter Elva 'Marguerite' "Marge" Vincent contracted and died of the disease which found its cure in the early 1940s in antibiotics

Unknown Paper, Jan 1932 Marguerite Vincent - West New Annan - After a long illness extending over a period of twelve years, Marguerite Vincent passed away Sunday evening Jan 10 at her home, West New Annan.  Deceased was the youngest daughter of Mrs. J.R. and the late J.R. Vincent of this place. 

During her long illness which she bore bravely, and uncomplainingly she spent some time, in the Kentville Sanitarium, also a year in the Canadian West where she hoped to regain her health. "Marge" as she was better known to her many friends, was highly respected and was always willing to do for others when her strength permitted her, she passed away at the age of thirty one years. 

She is survived by her lonely mother who so patiently cared for her during her long illness, two sisters, Mrs. M.D. MacKenzie in Pugwash, Mrs. Rev. William MacKenzie in British Columbia, two brothers, Earl of New Glasgow and Delmar at home, her father and eldest brother predeceased her a few years. 

The funeral was held on Tuesday afternoon at 2 o'clock and although a very stormy day, a large number of friends and neighbours came to pay their last tribute of respect. The service was conducted by her pastor, Rev. Mr. Murray of the United Church, whose message was most comforting "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course." The choir sang "Does Jesus Care", "No Night in Heaven", and a duet "Beautiful Isle of Somewhere" was sung by friends of the deceased. Deepest sympathy is extended to the bereaved family and the floral tributes bore evidence of the love and esteem in which this young lady was held.