The 1910s were a memorable decade for the Morningstar family. In 1911, Nora married David Robson, and in February 1913, Jessie left home to attend nursing school in the United States. That Christmas, she had the joy of bringing Lorna, her newborn niece and Wilson and Emma’s first grandchild, home from the St. Catharines hospital. Jessie graduated in 1916, married Randolph Tobias in 1918, and settled in Savannah, Georgia, where she welcomed her first child—and her parents’ second grandchild—in 1919.

Nursing School:
Jessie applied for nursing school at the Clifton Springs Sanitarium in New York and was thrilled to be accepted. She began her training on February 3, 1913, shortly after her 17^th birthday. Reflecting on this milestone, she dramatically wrote, ‘I bade farewell to all my friends and left home on a cold winter’s day, never to return.’

At the time, the farthest Jessie had ever traveled was Buffalo. Her father accompanied her there, where she boarded a New York Central train to Rochester before transferring to another train bound for Clifton.

Clifton Springs Sanitarium primarily treated patients referred by specialists; and at the time, did not have traditional hospital wards. Jessie’s training took her to Rochester, New York City, and Boston.  In her senior year, she assisted heart and orthopedic doctors. After completing her program in February 1916, she became head nurse at the Annex, overseeing nurses and patient schedules for $40 per month, plus room and board.

Following her graduation in June 1916, she worked as a private duty nurse until the spring of 1918—when she married!

Significant Others:
During her studies, Jessie had numerous suitors, including a fellow student, and several marriage proposals. One notable admirer was George Griffiths, a neighbour of the Morningstars, who proposed to her before leaving for World War I. Despite being fond of him, Jessie was unwilling to commit. Other proposals came from a man from Pittsburgh, a colonel from New York, and a Canadian minister – but she couldn’t picture herself as a minister’s wife.

In late summer 1916, Jessie met Randolph Tobias, who had arrived in Clifton Springs with his ailing brother, Abram. She first noticed him in the library, where he caught her attention by pretending to read his newspaper upside down. Soon after, a patient of Jessie’s classmate, formally introduced them. Jessie later writes that she ‘liked him at once.’ They shared many interests; and she was drawn to his Southern charm, attentiveness and thoughtful gestures like often bringing or sending her flowers or candy. 

Jessie was planning a two-month visit home in the fall, and before she left, Randolph proposed on bended knee. Even though she believed herself to be in love, she did not give him a definite answer.

While they were apart, Randolph wrote to Jessie everyday, while Jessie responded less frequently. He also made a long-distance telephone call from Savannah, an event that caused great excitement. Since the only available telephone was at the Griffiths’ home, their immediate neighbours at about 100 meters away at Decew and Cataract Roads, it took some time for Jessie to get to the phone. The Morningstars did have a telephone, but it was only connected to the power plant where her brother-in-law, David, worked.

When Jessie returned to Clifton Springs in January 1917, Randolph resumed his courtship with extravagant gifts, including a gold bar pin set with pearls and sapphires from Tiffany, as well as candy, books, and a box of tangerines from Savannah!  Jessie’s roommate, Bess Cheney, patiently endured the ongoing romantic long-distance saga. In the spring, when Randolph visited Clifton Springs again, they officially became engaged.

That summer, when Jessie returned home, Randolph joined her to meet her family. He stayed at a hotel in St. Catharines and visited her daily. Back in the States, their romance continued with dinners, theater outings, and Randolph’s unwavering generosity. Then, in December, he presented her with an engagement ring from Tiffany’s.

A Quiet Wedding:
Surround by her immediate family, Emma, Wilson, Nora, David and two-year-old niece, Lorna, Jessie married Randolph Tobias in St. James Cathedral in Toronto on June 8, 1918, at 3pm. She later wrote that since it was still wartime, their wedding was simple. She wore a dress adorned with petals of georgette and a huge hat decorated with white tulle and gardenias around the crown.  Their wedding dinner was held at the old Queen’s Hotel on Front Street, the site of the present-day Royal York.

After honeymooning in Montreal for two weeks, they returned to Decew Falls before heading to the United States. On their way to Georgia, they stopped in New York City to purchase furniture with their wedding checks. Their journey continued with visits to friends in Staten Island, family visits in Henderson, North Carolina, and then onto Charleston, and finally Savannah.

On July 13, they arrived in Savannah on a sweltering day. Jessie later wrote, “It was a sizzling day. The cinders [from the steam train’s smokestack] came in the open windows, and each mile grew hotter—I had never felt anything like it!” Randolph’s brother, M.C., met them at Union Station and took them to 18 West Harris Street, their home until 1950.

First Child:
Jessie and Randolph welcomed their first child, Eleanor Elizabeth, in June 1919.

“As it was almost time for my baby to arrive, Mother came from Canada to be with me. Just three weeks later, my dear baby was born after 12 hours of labor. High forceps were used, so I was completely exhausted. Poor child—she had a mark on her face and a clot on top of her head, but she was beautiful nevertheless.”

Emma stayed for about a month, as was customary at the time. Jessie also had the help of a nurse for a full month—two weeks in the hospital and two more at home—before taking over her baby’s care.

Jessie’s recollections from the late 1960s and early 1970s capture not only her personal experiences but also the changes in traditions, expectations, communication, transportation, and health care during her lifetime. Reflecting on childbirth, she noted with some dismay, “Now, you have to tend to yourself and go home on the third day.”

Reference:

F2019-1-2: Jessie Memoir – Nursing School: 4, 5, 6, 7; Courting/Wedding: 13, 14; First Child – pg 19

F1998-442-1539:  Decew Falls – A quiet wedding took place Saturday, June 8^th at St. James cathedral, Toronto, when Miss Jessie Morningstar, daughter or Wilson and Mrs. Morningstar was married to John Randolph Tobias of Savannah (Ga.) The ceremony was performed by Rev. Canon Plumptree.

Carla Mackie is Historical Services Coordinator with the City of St. Catharines. Historical Services includes the Morningstar Mill, the Lakeside Park Carousel, and the St. Catharines Museum and Welland Canals Centre.