The birth of the Dionne quintuplets in the midst of the Great Depression captured the world's attention
NORTH BAY, ON, Aug. 5, 2018 /CNW/ - Born two months premature, the Dionne quintuplets may be the only set of identical quintuplets ever recorded and are the first quintuplets known to have survived their infancy. Born in 1934, in the midst of the Great Depression, without access to any medical equipment or facilities, their birth captured the world's attention, and the sisters quickly became an international sensation.
Today, Mr. Anthony Rota, Assistant Deputy Speaker and Assistant Deputy Chair of Committees of the Whole and Member of Parliament for Nipissing — Timiskaming, commemorated the national historic significance of the birth of the Dionne quintuplets and unveiled a commemorative plaque at the Dionne Quintuplets birth home museum. The announcement was made on behalf of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, the Honourable Catherine McKenna.
Soon after their birth, citing concerns for their well-being, the Ontario government placed the quintuplets under the control of a board of guardians and the girls spent their first nine years at "Quintland," a specially-built facility where they were featured as a tourist attraction. Millions of tourists travelled from around the world to see them and witness firsthand the survival of the world's most famous babies. Eventually, they were returned to their family in 1943.
The Dionne family home, originally located in Corbeil, Ontario, was moved to North Bay in the 1980s in order to become a museum dedicated to telling the story of the quintuplets.
Today's designation of the birth of the Dionne quintuplets as an event of national historic significance offers an opportunity for Canadians to not only learn about their remarkable birth, but also reflect on the challenges and difficulties they faced in their lives.
National historic designations commemorate all aspects of Canada's history, both positive and negative. Designations can recall moments of greatness and triumph or cause us to contemplate the complex and challenging moments that helped define Canada today. By sharing these stories with Canadians, we hope to foster better understanding and open discussions on Canada's history.
"On behalf of the Government of Canada, I am pleased to commemorate the national historic significance of the Dionne Quintuplets. Separated from their parents Elzire and Oliva for most of their childhood and displayed as tourist attraction, the birth and survival of the quints astounded the medical world and brought intense attention to their lives and their small Northern Ontario town. Historic designations provide an opportunity to connect with our past and I encourage Canadians to learn more about the Dionne Quintuplets' place in Canadian history."
Member of Parliament for Nipissing — Timiskaming
- The odds of naturally occurring quintuplets are estimated to be about one in 55,000,000. However, the odds of identical quintuplets are considered incalculable because of the random nature of twinning.
- Created in 1919, the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada advises the Minister of the Environment and Climate Change regarding the national historic significance of places, people, and events that have marked Canada's history. To date, more than 2,150 designations have been made, with the majority driven by public nominations.
Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada
The Birth of the Dionne Quintuplets
On 28th May 1934, Yvonne, Annette, Cécile, Émilie, and Marie Dionne were born to a Franco-Ontarian family in Corbeil, Ontario. The birth and survival of these five identical sisters became an international sensation that brought intense attention to the "Quints" and their small Ontario town. The infants' delivery was handled by experienced local midwives Douilda (Donalda) Legros and Mary-Jeanne Lebel, and local physician Dr. Allan Roy Dafoe.
Born in the village of Corbeil in Northern Ontario to Elzire and Oliva Dionne, the quintuplets arrived almost two months early at about 31 weeks. Together, they weighed just 13 pounds, 6 ounces. The largest baby weighed 2-and-a-half pounds, and the smallest weighed 1 pound, 8-and-a-half ounces. None of the infants measured longer than 9 inches. The odds of naturally occurring quintuplets are estimated to be about one in 55,000,000. However, the odds of identical quintuplets are considered incalculable because of the random nature of twinning. It appears that the Dionnes are the only identical quintuplets ever recorded, and the first ever quintuplets known to have survived infancy.
Experienced local midwives, Douilda Legros and Mary-Jeanne Lebel, worked together to deliver the first two babies. Local country physician Dr. Allan Roy Dafoe arrived in time to assist with the third birth, and tended to the fourth and fifth births. The quintuplets' birth and after care took place under difficult circumstances, and without access to any medical equipment or facilities. The babies were not expected to live, and their survival astounded the medical world. Their early care was based on common sense and making do with what was available. Before supplies of breast milk could be organized, Dafoe ordered that the babies be fed a mix of cow's milk, sterilized water, and corn syrup. When they had difficulty breathing, the infants were given a water and rum solution that revitalised them. The quintuplets were kept warm by oven heat, hot water bottles, or heated bricks until incubators were obtained. Legros, Lebel, and Dafoe attained considerable fame for their roles in helping to bring the Dionnes' safely into the world.
The birth of the Dionnes in the midst of the Great Depression captured the world's attention, and the sisters became a sensation. Soon after their birth, citing concerns for their well-being, the Ontario government placed the quintuplets under the control of a board of guardians that included Dafoe. Separated from their family, the girls spent their first nine years at "Quintland," a specially-built facility where they were put on daily public display. Many parties subsequently exploited the sisters and capitalized on their celebrity. The quintuplets became a major attraction, exhibited to millions of tourists who travelled from around the globe to see them and witness firsthand the survival of the world's best-known babies. They returned to their family in 1943. The Dionne family home was later moved to North Bay in order to become a museum dedicated to telling the story of the quintuplets.
The Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada
Created in 1919, the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada, in close collaboration with Parks Canada, advises the Minister of the Environment and Climate Change regarding the national historic significance of places, people, and events that have marked Canada's history. The placement of a commemorative plaque represents an official recognition of historic value. It is one means of informing the public about the richness of our cultural heritage, which must be preserved for present and future generations.
SOURCE Parks Canada
For further information: Caroline Thériault, Office of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, 819-938-3813, firstname.lastname@example.org; Media Relations, Parks Canada Agency, 855-862-1812, email@example.com