History of the Dionne Quintuplets On May 28, 1934, five identical girls were born to Oliva and Elzire Dionne, a Franco-Ontario family in the tiny community of Corbeil, Ontario. Their births were a miracle of its time during the difficult Depression, the only quintuplets to survive more than a few days. Midwives Douilda (Donalda) Legros and Mary-Jeanne Lebel delivered the first 3 of the quintuplets, and Dr. Allan Roy Dafoe assisted with the final 2 births. The five girls – Yvonne, Annette, Cécile, Émilie, and Marie – became a “good news” story in this challenging time, drawing worldwide attention to the area, and attracting 3 million people to “Quintland” to see and hear the girls at play. Hollywood told their story in 3 movies, while endorsements for commercial products became common place. Emilia Earhart stopped in during her Around the Word tour, just weeks before her infamous disappearance. W.K. Kellogg – inventor of Corn Flakes – called their births the “8th Wonder of the World”. The Dionne Quints were on a equal scale to Niagara Falls as a tourist attraction. They dominated 1936 Christmas toy sales, pushing Shirley Temple to 2nd place. Time Magazine reported that the Dionne tourism presence was part of the impetus for the Ivy Lea Bridge, connecting New York state to Ontario. The word “Quintuplets” became a household word for many. Their births helped put North Bay on the map and changed the area forever. The city grew with new motels and restaurants, and better highway access. It was the single greatest catalyst to the reformation of the Area. While the legacy of their difficult upbringing resonates with us today and is reason not to forget the rights of children and families, the Dionne sisters did bring some assistance to the lives of others. The Quints helped launch the “Adopt-a-Child” campaign, with 800 orphans finding a home – a record for the time. And by getting shots for diphtheria for the Quints, the follow-up of other children getting shots.
History & Anthropology Person & Artist Historic house
181 Oak Street West, North Bay
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Dionne Quints Museum has 1 rating.
The Dionne Quints Museum in North Bay, Canada, offers visitors a look into the lives of the famous Dionne quintuplets. The museum houses a collection of artifacts, photographs, and memorabilia related to the five identical sisters born in 1934. Visitors generally appreciate the historical significance of the exhibits and find the story of the quintuplets both interesting and thought-provoking.
The museum's strengths lie in its preservation of this unique piece of Canadian history. Many visitors find the displays informative and well-presented, offering insights into the quintuplets' lives and the social context of their time. The authentic furnishings and personal items on display help to create a tangible connection to the past.
However, some visitors note that the museum is relatively small and can be explored in a short amount of time. A few reviewers mention that they would have liked more in-depth information or interactive elements to enhance the experience. The location of the museum, which is not in its original setting, is occasionally pointed out as a minor drawback.
Despite these limitations, most visitors find the Dionne Quints Museum to be a worthwhile stop for those interested in this remarkable story from Canadian history. The museum serves as a reminder of the quintuplets' impact on popular culture and raises important questions about privacy, exploitation, and family dynamics.
This rating is based on the rating of this museum on several other platforms.