The Parable of Winifred McGuinness
Her son Peter’s passing would not be another son’s future. Children saved from scarlet fever last year, she saved again from Cholera infantum. Most of us live ordinary lives. On August 3, 1891, Winifred’s was not extraordinary—29 people died. One-third Irish, two-thirds under age 5. In Boston neighborhoods, 29 women scrubbed with caustics.
Her son Peter’s passing would not be another son’s future. Children saved from scarlet fever last year, she saved again from Cholera infantum. Most of us live ordinary lives. On August 3, 1891, Winifred’s was not extraordinary—29 people died. One-third Irish, two-thirds under age 5. In Boston neighborhoods, 29 women scrubbed with caustics.
