The undated photograph from the collection of the City of North Battleford Historic Archives shows Santa and his "helper" dignitaries about to distribute gifts to the patients of Notre Dame Hospital at the Christmas party.
Unfortunately, Santa is not named, but the others are from left to right as follows: Sister Theresa Amable, Mrs. LaFreniere, Reverend Heathfield (United Church), Reverend R. Willis (Anglican), Dr. J. J. Hamelin, Sister Marie de Loyela, Mrs. B. Bowden, Mrs. E. Kelly and Jo Piot.
Without doubt, all of these people made a significant contribution to the hospital and the North Battleford community, but four are of particular interest. Robert Willis moved from Saskatoon to North Battleford in 1935, and in 1942 consecrated the 12 stained glass windows in the Anglican Church, gifts to the church by members of the congregation and the women's auxiliary. In 1949, Willis accepted a call to St. Mark's Church in Victoria, B.C.
After spending two years in Montmartre, Sask. as the only doctor, Joseph Jules Hamelin MD (1882-1956) first came to North Battleford as a visitor in 1910 but stayed because he liked the area. He served as Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus twice, once in 1931-32 and again in 1937-39. The section Pioneers and Prominent Saskatchewan Knights, in the publication Saskatchewan Knights of Columbus Historical Commission, indicates: "Dr. Hamelin was instrumental in inducing the Sisters of Providence to establish a hospital in the North Battleford area," and so Notre Dame came into being, known today as the Battlefords Union Hospital..
The two Sisters also made significant contributions, serving as directors of the school of nursing at St. Paul's Hospital in Vancouver, B.C.; Sister Therese Amable in 1929-36 and Sister Marie de Loyela in 1955-58.
As you contemplate and hopefully enjoy this glimpse into the past, the archives committee hopes you will cherish your family and friends at this time, as well as think about those who are less fortunate in our community.
Happy holidays!
