Kingston General Hospital School of Nursing Alumnae Collection
Category
Nursing
Nursing Uniforms
Classification
Nursing
Nursing Uniforms
Accession Number
995002004 a-h
Description
1924-style reproduction nurse's uniform with accessories; white long-sleeved cotton dress; ankle length; red cross to right sleeve; red band around bottom; starched bib; long apron; starched collar, belt and cuffs; cap with pleated high crown and small wings brought further to back
1924-style reproduction nurse's uniform with accessories; white long-sleeved cotton dress; ankle length; red cross to right sleeve; red band around bottom; starched bib; long apron; starched collar, belt and cuffs; cap with pleated high crown and small wings brought further to back
Created by Kingston General Hospital Nurses' Alumnae Association, made to look like 1924 style nurse's uniform
Material
fabric: white; red; blue
Inscriptions
Individual pieces marked with "1924" (marker)and two yellow "X"'s (sewn)
Permanent Location
(a) Storage Room 0007, BOX 4
(b) Storage Room 0007, BOX 14
(c) Storage Room 0007, BOX 9
(d) Storage Room 0010
0010-C6-4;
(e) Storage Room 0007
0007 Closet I
(f,g) Storage Room 0007, BOX 16
(h) Storage Room 0010
0010-C6-1
Temporary Location
(b): To exhibit: "For Service to Humanity", Nursing Gallery: restored Room 1016, Museum of Health Care, 13 Nov. 2008
Condition Remarks
Overall condition good; cape slightly worn, particularly at collar
Copy Type
Replica
Reference Types
Person
Book
Photo
Websites
Reference Comments
Marilyn Boston; reference book compiled: "Information Re KGH Nursing Uniforms" to document the collection of uniforms; further references are noted within; numerous photos availableat Queen's Archives, see Museum's Index.
Canadian Museum of History, "Symbol of a Profession: One Hundred Years of Nurses' Caps," https://www.historymuseum.ca/cmc/exhibitions/hist/infirm/inint01e.html
"For Service to Humanity: Nursing Education at Kingston General Hospital," Museum of Health Care. https://www.museumofhealthcare.ca/explore/exhibitions/forservicetohumanity.html
Research Facts
Reproduction uniform made for Kingston General Hospital Nurses' Alumnae to represent uniforms that were first worn by Kingston General Hospital School of Nursing students around 1924. This uniform was in use (with modifications) until around 1939.
Throughout the twentieth century, nurses' uniforms changed, in particular with the rising of hemlines. The nurse's uniform was generally white, and Kingston General Hospital uniforms were once known for "turkey red" hemlines. Different levels of nursing education had different uniforms, in particular different caps, as graduate nurses had black bands on their caps to indicate their level of education.
Exhibit History
(b) - On exhibit at the Museum of Health Care in the East Gallery, small cases #1 and #2 - May 30, 2007-June 9, 2008; (d) on loan for exhibit, "Uni-Forming . . . Wearing the Uniform" at the Musee Beaulne, Coaticook, Quebec, Jan. 2008-30 Oct. 2008.