The Great Stork Derby
While in the grips of the Great Depression, Toronto families went baby crazy, competing in a bizarre contest that became known as the "Great Stork Derby".
The contest was sparked by the death of eccentric Toronto lawyer Charles Vance Millar, who left a portion of his estate to the Toronto woman who produced the most children in the decade following his death.
Carter family
Photographer unknown
October 26, 1936
The Carters had nine children during the 10-year period, but were not among the four winning families.
Kenny family
Photographer unknown
ca. 1936
Lilly Kenny, pictured with her family, gave birth to twelve children, but was disqualified from winning because two of her eligible children were stillborn.
In the end, she received a consolation prize of $12,500.
Nagle family
W.H. James/Toronto Star
August 29, 1936
Families entered in the "Great Stork Derby" found themselves in the public spotlight.
John Nagle is filmed with nine of his ten eligible children.
His wife, Kathleen Nagle, was one of four winners who received $125,000 each, an incredible sum in 1930s Toronto.