How Stephen Leacock Saved a Local Boy from Diphtheria

Stephen Leacock, the renowned humorist and McGill University professor, sheltered a 10-year-old Orillia boy suffering from diphtheria on his Lake Couchiching property during a severe 1912 outbreak, according to local historian David Town. The life-saving intervention provided a quarantined family a secure campsite after nervous neighbors forced them out of an initial isolation field.

The 1912 Diphtheria Outbreak in Orillia

During the summer of 1912, a dangerous diphtheria outbreak struck Orillia, carrying a grim 50 per cent survival rate. Ten-year-old Clifford Stewart contracted the highly contagious bacterial infection, which causes acute throat swelling and severe breathing obstructions. According to local records compiled by Town, Clifford’s older brother, 13-year-old Emand, had to practically carry him home after the boy collapsed near railway tracks while observing Mallard duck hatchlings.

The family’s living quarters above a Mississaga Street photo studio—operated by the boys’ father, photographer BF Stewart—faced immediate quarantine. BF Stewart operated the town’s x-ray machine for 15 local doctors out of his studio and frequently embarked on outdoor excursions with his wife, Florence. However, standard public health protocols required infected children to isolate away from populated areas. With no landlords willing to rent to a diphtheria-affected family, town officials secured a tent site in an outlying field.

Stephen Leacock’s Intervention at Lake Couchiching

The initial isolation plan collapsed when neighboring farm families, terrified of the contagion, released horses and cows directly into the municipal tent field to make camping impossible. Hearing of the family’s plight, Stephen Leacock stepped in with an offer of refuge, according to historical accounts. Leacock told BF Stewart to bring the sick boy to his property on Lake Couchiching, offering space on the point and daily check-ins.

Florence Stewart packed their tent and supplies, and BF Stewart transported them to Leacock’s undeveloped lakeside property. At the time, Leacock had owned the property for only three summers, and the point consisted largely of dense bush rather than the manicured estate recognized today. Flo and Cliff spent six arduous weeks living in a tent on the clearing, cooking over an open fire and enduring summer thunderstorms while Cliff fought off the deadly infection. BF Stewart also hired a nurse to live with them through the summer to provide moral support to Florence.

Lasting Impact and Family Legacy

Clifford Stewart eventually recovered from diphtheria, a fortunate outcome that shaped the trajectory of the family’s future. In later accounts of the episode, Clifford stated that he never forgot the kindness, heart, and humanitarianism displayed by the famous author during a time when public panic over contagious diseases ran high. Without Leacock’s magnanimous and risky intervention, the family’s trajectory—including Clifford’s subsequent career in radio and his operation of the family x-ray machine at the local hospital—might have ended very differently.

The detailed account of this historical rescue is documented in the local history publications of David Town, a chiropractor who has written 30 books on Orillia over the past 18 years. Town’s books remain available at Manticore Books and the Orillia Museum of Art & History gift shop.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Stephen Leacock in Orillia?

Stephen Leacock was a celebrated university professor, humorist, and author who spent his summers living in Orillia between teaching semesters at McGill University.

What disease did young Clifford Stewart contract?

Clifford Stewart contracted diphtheria during the summer of 1912, a highly contagious and potentially fatal bacterial infection that carried a 50 per cent survival rate in Orillia at that time.

Where did Stephen Leacock shelter the quarantined family?

Leacock offered a clearing on the point of his property along Lake Couchiching, allowing Florence and Clifford Stewart to camp safely away from populated areas while the boy recovered.

Where can readers find more local history about Orillia?

Local historian and author David Town has written 30 books detailing Orillia’s history, which can be purchased at Manticore Books and the Orillia Museum of Art & History gift shop.