Child's Dress

Datec. 1905

Credit LineGift of Mrs. W. R. Shaw, 1976

Object number1976.054.002

Label TextFour-year-old Bessie Maria Susannah Langford wore this dress. She was born on April 16, 1902, to William A. Langford, a hardware merchant, and his wife Lizzie Stanfield. Bessie was the oldest daughter in a family of seven children that included her sister, Dorothy, as well as brothers, Aleck, George, Charlie, Russell, and James. The family lived together at 446 Hamilton Rd. But on September 23, 1912 at 10am, after suffering for six days, Bessie died of cardiac failure caused by diphtheria. A dreaded disease, diphtheria was known as the “Strangling Angel.” Early symptoms, similar to those of a common cold, seem to suggest a harmless illness: sore throat, loss of appetite, and fever. However, as the disease progresses, its true wrath shows itself. The bacteria that causes this disease secretes a powerful toxin that results in severe damage to body tissues. As the disease progresses, a thick gray substance, called a pseudomembrane begins to spread over the tonsils, larynx, nasal tissues, and/or pharynx. This pseudomembrane sticks to tissues and obstructs breathing, resulting in asphyxiation, or strangulation. Diphtheria spreads fast. The sneeze or cough of an infected person releases droplets of bacteria-laden saliva into the air. If someone else breathes it in, it is quite possible that they will become infected as well. Not only is the diphtheria bacteria airborne, but it is also a “surface attacker” as well. It continues to thrive in the mucus caught in a used handkerchief, or a toy that has been in an infected individual’s mouth. Canadian medical personnel first were required to report cases of diphtheria to the government in 1924. That year, 9057 cases were reported in Canada. In 1926, the year the diphtheria vaccine was introduced to the public, there were only 77 cases per 100,000 Canadians. Since then, the routine immunization of babies and children to protect them from diphtheria has resulted in a remarkable decline in the incidence of the disease. By 1975, there were only 0.5 cases per 100,000 Canadians. Before the vaccine, however, William and Lizzie Langford’s loss was not unusual. Many parents experienced a similar tragedy.

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