The series consists of files kept by Provincial Health Officer, Dr. Henry Esson Young, from 1924 to 1939. The files relate mostly to outbreaks of disease, including smallpox, infantile paralysis (poliomyelitis), plague, trachoma, tick paralysis, psittacosis, and leprosy. The files contain correspondence of the Provincial Health Officer with Medical Health Officers in B.C. and the U.S. Public Health Service about outbreaks of infectious disease, including the 1932 smallpox epidemic in Vancouver and recurring incidents of diphtheria at the Queen Alexandra Solarium. They also include reports relating to lab services.

SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): VGH elevator man : Jack Lawrie RECORDED: [location unknown], 1973-09-10 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Jack Lawrie discusses: his background -- born in Vancouver, father's role (third class engineer), and experiences at VGH; Jack became involved with VGH in 1924 at the power plant; description of early days of VGH; wages and conditions at physical plant at VGH; elevator placement and operation; buildings at VGH when he first arrived in 1924; memories of individuals at VGH in the early years -- Miss Ellis, Dr. McLennan, Dr. Bell, Dr. Seymour; Depression at VGH. TRACK 2: Jack Lawrie: working conditions in early days at VGH -- more cooperation than today; the 1936 flood at VGH; effects of union; WW II at VGH; caring for the iron lungs; working extra hours; elevators in VGH today. (End of interview)