4th March

1869

Press cuttings: entertainments 1869-1875 NHNN/PC/2

From the Lancet 15th March 1869

On Thursday evening, the 4th instant, we were invited to witness a novel and most interesting feature in the treatment of epilepsy and paralysis at the Hospital in Queen Square. Early in the evening a musical and literary entertainment was given in the out-patients’ waiting room to the patients and a few select friends of this well-managed institution. The proceedings were opened by a performance on the organ. A very amusing account of “Our Village” was given by the superintendent medical officer. Several songs were excellently sung by some ladies present and the risible faculties of the company were greatly excited by one of the honorary physicians, who described how it was that a certain Prince was compelled to live a year on strawberries and take a powder. Without disparagement, however, to the other performers, we must give precedence in interest to the performance of the patients, who took part in several choruses with great effect, and who appeared to enjoy themselves most thoroughly. When we think of the monotony of hospital life, and the depression it occasionally produces, we cannot but congratulate the managers on their successful attempt to introduce a healthy counteracting influence.

Thumb

On This Day is a diary of day to day life in the Hospital covering 1859 to the 1940’s.

Extracts are taken from the staff records, letters, the reports of the Matron and the Lady Superintendent, and the minutes of the Board of Management and the Medical Committee. They were compiled with the help of Janet Townsend, Frankie Alves, Louise Shepherd, Michael Clark and Liz Yamada

The item of the month also contains items highlighted by archive staff.