Percy and Annie emigrated to Canada, settling around the Lashburn district in 1910. Percy was diagnosed with asthma and required a drier climate to live in, which brought the family to Saskatchewan. He studied and obtained a second-class stationary steam engineers certificate once he arrived in Canada. Prior to travelling to a new country, Percy and Annie gave birth to a daughter, Ida May in May of 1908 and she died of meningitis on February 6, 1910 and is buried in Derbyshire, England. Six more children were born in Canada.
Percy and Annie moved their family to the Saskatchewan Hospital grounds to accommodate Pery’s new position as a stationary steam engineer in the Pump House. Twins Gwen and Phyllis were born in 1911, Evelyn in 1915, twins Kathleen and Reginald in 1917, and Cyril in 1920.
The Hospital grounds were extensive, the lawns and gardens were cared for by the patients and staff and their families that lived on the grounds also had space for gardens. Some, like Percy and Annie raised chickens and geese, along with their vegetables and flowers. A golf course was also located on the grounds for patients and staff to enjoy. A golf club and an old golf bag that Percy and Annie used remain a cherished possession of the family.
An elementary school was located on the Hospital grounds. When the children were old enough, they walked to the High School in the town of Battleford. This was a very long journey – approximately 3 miles. The winter was the favoured time to attend because the students were able to cross the frozen river, shortening the time it took to get to school and back. Pat Winkel, Evelyn’s daughter, remembers Auntie Eve telling her a story about a teacher she had whose name was Evelyn Duke. Ms. Duke came to the Hospital grounds everyday from Battleford by way of horseback to teach. She crossed the two bridges and Finlayson Island twice daily. On one return trip home, Ms. Duke was stopped and given a ticket for speeding while on horseback.
Kathleen noted tat she and other grounds residents recognized an increase in patient emotional upsets and agitation during full moons.
As the children reach adulthood, a few chose to work at the Hospital. Gwen Gosling graduated from Psychiatric Nursing in the first graduating class of Psych Nursers in 1932. Gwen met and married Kenneth Burns in 1936. He too graduated from Psychiatric Nursing in 1934. When they married Gwen was required to resign her post as married couples were not allowed to work at the Hospital. Gwen’s daughter Bev remembers her mother telling her about a female patient that she became quite close to while nursing at the Hospital. The woman was eventually released from care and moved to another community within the province. Gwen and the former patient kept up their correspondence and maintaining a close friendship.
Ken assisted with autopsies that were ordered. The work was long and arduous as the shift was 7:00am to 7:00pm day or night, as assigned by the Chief Attendant. During evening shifts when a movie or dance was being held, the staff were required to stay past their 12-hour shift. The salary at the time was $50./month, room and board plus the benefit of laundering uniforms was included. Uniforms were supplied to the men and included 4 white coats and 2 pairs of trousers. Staff were given one day off every two weeks. Ken left his job at the Hospital in 1940 to join the army.
In the latter 1950’s and early 1960’s Phyllis was employed at the Hospital, first as a house/den mother for the student nurses in training, and later in the kitchen and the cafeteria.
All of the Gosling children of that generation are now deceased. Cyril was a Spitfire pilot in World War II and killed in action at 23 years of age on July 9, 1943 over Sicily and is buried in the Sicily war cemetery. Cyril’s war memorabilia can be viewed at the Fred Light Museum in Battleford.
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