The Dionne quintuplets - the original Jon & Kate/Octomom media sensations

[skygazer]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dionne_quintuplets

People seem to think this whole Jon and Kate thing is a new phenomenon. It's not. The Dionne quintuplets, born in Canada in 1934 were at one time the biggest tourist attraction in Ontario, even bigger than Niagara Falls. They lived in a complex called Quintland and millions of people came from all over the world to see them - there were viewing areas where you could watch them play in the yard.

The quints, as they were known, were taken from their parents by an act of the Ontario government which was supposedly worried about their health and survival growing up in the home of their parents who were poor. There was also worry that they'd be financially exploited - ironic considering the government did just that.

Interesting story and it makes you realize that nothing is really new - it's all just the same old shit in a different medium.

[oregonjen]

1. Here's a letter sent to the McCaughey family

Dear Bobbi and Kenny,

If we emerge momentarily from the privacy we have sought all our adult lives, it is only to send a message to the McCaughey family. We three would like you to know we feel a natural affinity and tenderness for your children. We hope your children receive more respect than we did. Their fate should be no different from that of other children. Multiple births should not be confused with entertainment, nor should they be an opportunity to sell products.

Our lives have been ruined by the exploitation we suffered at the hands of the government of Ontario, our place of birth. We were displayed as a curiosity three times a day for millions of tourists. To this day we receive letters from all over the world. To all those who have expressed their support in light of the abuse we have endured, we say thank you. And to those who would seek to exploit the growing fame of these children, we say beware.

We sincerely hope a lesson will be learned from examining how our lives were forever altered by our childhood experience. If this letter changes the course of events for these newborns, then perhaps our lives will have served a higher purpose.

Sincerely, Annette, Cecile and Yvonne Dionne

As published in Time Magazine, 12/01/1997