Fonds MS-13-5 - Arthur Charles Hawkins fonds

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Arthur Charles Hawkins fonds

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  • Textual record

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Fonds

Reference code

MS-13-5

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Physical description

1 cm of textual records

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Name of creator

(1861-1926)

Biographical history

Arthur Charles Hawkins was a physician and mayor of Halifax during the 1918 influenza pandemic, and is credited with being a key influence in keeping Nova Scotia's death rate comparably low. The son of Charles A. Hawkins and Charlotte (Simpson) Hawkins, he was born at Avondale (Newport Landing), Nova Scotia, in 1861. He attended Halifax Medical College and Dalhousie, completing his studies at McGill University, where he obtained his MD in 1885. He settled in Halifax and was appointed house surgeon at the Provincial and City Hospital by the Commission of Public Charities from 1885-1886. He later served as coroner for Halifax County and held positions as medical officer with the Immigration Branch of the Department of the Interior and attending surgeon at Victoria General Hospital. Hawkins was a Halifax City alderman for ward six from 1897-1908. He lost the election for mayor in 1908, but was returned to Council as alderman for ward five from 1911-1913. In 1918-1919 he was mayor of Halifax, but was defeated in the 1919 election and again in the mayoralty election of 1920. A former Liberal Party supporter, he ran unsuccessfully for the Labour Party in the 1921 federal election in Halifax. Hawkins was active in public health, as well as community organizations aimed at helping the poor. He opened his home to assist victims of the Halifax Explosion in 1917. He was married to Caroline (Cassie) McLelan Spike, with whom he had six children: Gertrude (Dolly), Rupert, Dorothy, Arthur, Mary Caroline (Carol), and James ("Pete"). Hawkins died on 19 March 1926.

Custodial history

Records were donated to the Dalhousie University Archives by Dr. Henry Roper in accessions (1976-042) and (1984-113) in 1976 and 1984.

Scope and content

Fonds consists of tickets confirming Hawkins' admission to and attendance in classes and wards at Halifax Medical College, Dalhousie College and University, Montreal General Hospital, and the Provincial and City Hospital.

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Language of material

  • English

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Restrictions on access

There are no access restrictions on these materials. All materials are open for research.

Terms governing use, reproduction, and publication

Materials do not circulate and must be used in the Archives and Special Collections Reading Room. Materials may be under copyright. Contact departmental staff for guidance on reproduction.

Finding aids

Generated finding aid

Associated materials

A.C. Hawkins fonds (Accession 1982-450) in Nova Scotia Archives contains personal correspondence and records related to Hawkins' medical and political careers.

Accruals

Further accruals are not expected.

General note

Preferred citation: [Identification of item], Arthur Charles Hawkins fonds, MS-13-5, Box [box number], Folder [folder number], Dalhousie University Archives, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.

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