The Quintland Sisters(69)
The Star has learned from a reliable source that the invested fortune of the quintuplets is insufficient to meet expenses. Upwards of $600,000, carried in Dominion and Ontario bonds at an average of 3.5 per cent interest, is said to yield about $21,000 a year. With $24,000 a year for the hospital, $36,000 annually to the Dionne family, and $2,400 a year salary for Dr. Dafoe, a total of $30,000 in addition to other expenses, current revenues from endorsement contracts are being used to supply the balance of more than $9,000 a year.
“This is just another move by the father to get personal control of the quintuplets and their funds,” said Keith Munro, business manager of the Quints. “The appointment of Mr. Percy D. Wilson, guardian of Ontario, to the quintuplets’ board of guardians ensures that all expenditures from the Quints’ funds are scrutinized and made with his full knowledge and consent.”
Used with permission.
April 23, 1938
The strain on everyone this week is almost unbearable. Nurse Ulrichson will indeed be leaving us, at the Dionnes’ insistence. The girls will be inconsolable.
April 28, 1938 (Toronto Star)
* * *
ONTARIO CABINET REFUSES DIONNE’S INQUIRY DEMAND
Dr. A. R. Dafoe to Remain in Supreme Charge of Quints’ Health, Stays as Guardian
Demands of Oliva Dionne for an investigation into administration of affairs of his quintuplet daughters, and that Dr. A. R. Dafoe be required to relinquish his post as one of three active guardians, have been turned down by the Ontario government.
The government’s decision was made known by attorney general Mr. Conant, who issued a statement following the meeting summarizing the government’s conclusions. First, the education of the quintuplets will be forthwith placed under the direction of the department of education. Second, that payment for the quintuplets’ education should be paid by the girls’ fund. Third, that Dr. Dafoe’s position as supreme in authority in all matters affecting the health of the quintuplets be maintained.
“Every effort should be made to promote cooperation between the family and guardians and to break down any existing antagonisms,” Mr. Conant said. “Moreover, I do not recommend a judicial investigation.”
Used with permission.
May 19, 1938
Miss Emma Trimpany Dafoe Hospital and Nursery Callander, ON
Dear Emma,
Your letter has me very worried. Did you end up raising all this with Dr. Dafoe? I can’t see that he would ever allow a situation in which you or anyone else would come to any harm, and I do think you deserve some answers.
I’ve also been stewing over what you wrote about your privacy. Are you sure our correspondence is confidential? Doesn’t Mr. Sinclair handle all those sacks of mail coming in and going out? I’m not so sure I should respond to your many questions here, in print, if you’re unsure who might read them. I’d be happy to write to you via your parents’ address in future, if that would put you more at ease.
As for being paid for your paintings: my father would say, don’t worry your pretty little head. Too often the work of lady artists is seen as nothing but a hobby, and a frivolous one at that. You, on the other hand, are a true talent and deserve to be paid. My guess is, they’re not paying you enough as it is.
I have little in the way of news myself. I went with some of the chaps from work to the grand opening of the new Woolworth’s building downtown. It is being billed as the grandest art deco structure yet built in Canada. I think it’s quite something, but at least in the engineering department here, I’m the minority view.
My feathered Howard Hughes is courting. Or maybe he’s already tied the knot? Bette Davis arrived on the windowsill earlier this month amid much cooing, fluttering, and flapping. They are sweet together.
Yours truly, Lewis
11 Rue Saint Ida
Montreal, Quebec
May 20, 1938
Another day of meetings between the official guardians, including M. Dionne and his lawyer, plus a half dozen other men in suits traipsing in and out of the nursery looking grim, while throngs of reporters waited outside the gates. The guardians are using the quiet playroom for their meeting, which has produced no end of questions from the girls. Annette asked, “Do le docteur and Papa not get any free play today?” She’s a smart cookie, that one. The tension is thicker than porridge this week, and the girls can feel it.
I found George during the lunch break, seated on the steps of the back porch with his jacket off and his tie loose, his eyes closed and his face turned up to the sun. He has dark smudges under his eyes, but didn’t look to be asleep, just tired. I sat on another step and waited to see if he wanted to speak. He opened one eye to look at me, then smiled crookedly.
“Nosy Nurse Trimpany,” he said and winked, tilting his chin back to the sky.
“Can you tell me anything?” I asked in a hushed voice.
George was quiet. For a long moment the only sound was the trembling of the birch leaves, as if they, too, were anxious for an answer.
“Miss Rousselle believes she will be fired,” I offered.
Still nothing from George. I said: “I can’t help wondering if M. Dionne has set his sights on me too.”
George opened one eye and fixed me with it intently, then let his lid drop again. When he spoke, it was almost a murmur. “If you heard half of what’s being said, you’d likely quit of your own accord.”