14
Myra completed courses in operative midwifery and anaesthesia at Clapham School of Midwifery directed by Dr. Anne McCall. While studying there Myra read an article stating that a mother and child had died of child birth while the husband went in aid of a doctor in Sadkatchewan, Canada. After reading the article she wrote a letter to the Overseas Nursing Association for a placement in Saskatchewan.15
Lady Harris, wife of Sir Alexander Harris, Governor of Newfoundland1920
Newfoundland
16
In response to her letter, Lady Harris (wife of the Governor of Newfoundland Sir Alexander Harris) informed her that there was a need for nurses in Saskatchewan; however, there was a greater demand for nurses in Newfoundland.17
Employment Agreement between Lady Harris and Nurse Bennett1920
England
18
Nurse Myra Grimsley Bennett accepted the position of nursing in Newfoundland as was one of the first outport nurses to be employed by the Outport Nursing Committee. Myra signed a two year contract (1921 - 1923).19
Nurse Bennett with other nurses on the voyage from EnglandApril, 1921
Newfoundland
20
Myra set sail for Newfoundland on April 13, 1921. It was a ten day journey to cross from Liverpool, England to St. John's, Newfoundland. Myra had a brief stop over in St. John's, then boarded a train for Western Newfoundland to Curling, a community nearby Corner Brook. There she was met by Dr. Fisher, who had just established a local clinic. Myra stayed in Curling for three weeks while waiting for the arrival of the Steamer, the S.S. Home.21
Coastal Boat entering harbour1920
Daniel's Harbour, Newfoundland
22
Myra arrived on May 27th, 1921 at Daniel's Harbour and little did she know this is where she would spend the rest of her life. In the contract, Myra was given the responsibility of 200 miles of coast line which included Norris Point to Port Saunders. She was given this responsibility becasue she was well educated and trained to work without the aid of a doctor. Her closes doctors were Dr. Grenfell in St. Anthony and Dr. Fisher in Curling (Corner Brook).23
Nurse Myra Grimsley Bennett1915
Newfoundland
24
From the day Nurse Myra Grimsley Bennett arrived she was known as "Nurse". She first boarded with the Moss family of Daniel's Harbour. She was called on to perform a variety of tasks while living in Daniel's Harbour. She delivered babies, treated complications of pregnancy, sutured wounds, set bones, treated communicable diseases, extracted teeth, and educated people in good health practices. Traveling was by foot, horse, by boat and by road.25
Marriage Certificate, Angus Bennett and Myra Maude Grimsley26 January 1922
Daniel's Harbour, Newfoundland
26
In January 1922, the Nurse married Angus Bennett of Daniel's Harbour, a merchant and fisherman. Angus and Myra built their house and it served as a home and a clinic for over half a century.27
Angus Bennett and Family1935
Daniel's Harbour, Newfoundland
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