From their school days, many people recognize Doctors Frederick Banting and Charles Best as leaders in the medical field, but the name of FitzGerald does not appear in many, if any, of the history books.
Some people hope that will soon change.
The grandson of Dr. Gerald FitzGerald, Toronto based author James FitzGerald, delved into the secrecy of his family and unearthed amazing facts that have been hidden from public knowledge for over 70 years.
Dr. Gerald FitzGerald was born in Drayton, but spent his early years in Harriston. He graduated from University of Toronto Medical School, did post-graduate Bacteriology at Harvard, and worked at the Pasteur Institute in France. Coming back to Toronto in 1913, he used borrowed money to found the University of Toronto Anti-Toxin Labs later renamed the Connaught Laboratories.
Dr. FitzGerald’s ambition was disease prevention, and to initiate a public health program whereby everyone could be protected from many deadly diseases – and, he wanted immunizations to be free. By 1920, all provinces were distributing a full range of Connaught Laboratory preventive medicines to the public.
As an associate professor at University of Toronto, he prepared Canada’s first locally made rabies vaccine, and diphtheria antitoxin.
He also worked with determination alongside Fredrick Banting. Although Dr. Banting gets the credit for an effective treatment for diabetes he had been quoted as saying “without Fitzgerald there would be no insulin.”
On Oct. 23, after many years of research which led back to Harriston, a heritage plaque was unveiled at 88 John Street to formally recognize the work of the forgotten biologist. The Harriston site was chosen as it was one of the childhood homes of the doctor.
Grandson James was the driving force behind the commemoration and received support from the County of Wellington, the Town of Minto council, the Harriston Historical Society, and Sanofi (the former Louis Pasteur Institute
Wellington County councillor Mark MacKenzie, unveiled the plaque. In thanking everyone, James FitzGerald said he has a feeling of contentment that there is now permanent recognition of his grandfather.
Following the unveiling attendees enjoyed a social time at the Anglican Church Parish Hall where there were historical displays, books and pictures of ye olden days, plus a chance to meet and speak with Mr. FitzGerald, and the Brown’s, current owners of the historic house.
James FitzGerald has recently written a novel about his family and its accomplishments. He was chided for not having copies of his book with him for distribution – so he referred folks to the Wellington County Archives in Aboyne the following day where he was having a talk and slide presentation.
The presentation was attended by representatives from several area Historical Societies including Harriston and Clifford, and outlined all the medical advances that Dr. Gerald FitzGerald and his son, Dr. John FitzGerald (an allergist), had made. The novel What Disturbs Our Blood details the lives of three generations and explains why the medical achievements of the doctors have not been revealed until recently.
