The Great Stork Derby

Charles Millar, a lifelong bachelor with no immediate heirs, passed away in 1926. His will, meticulously crafted and laden with humor and mischief, contained a peculiar clause that would set the stage for one of the strangest competitions in history.

Millar's will stipulated that the bulk of his fortune would be awarded to the woman in Toronto who gave birth to the most children within ten years of his death. This bequest, born of Millar's whimsical nature, was designed to provoke chaos and amusement. He couldn't have imagined the impact it would have on the lives of many women and their families.

News of the bizarre contest spread quickly, and the media dubbed it the "Great Stork Derby." Toronto, already a vibrant and growing city, was now abuzz with talk of Millar's strange legacy. The contest began in earnest, with numerous women deciding to participate, seeing it as a chance to secure a better future for their families.

As the decade progressed, the race to motherhood intensified. Among the contestants were Annie Smith, a determined mother who saw the contest as a means to lift her family out of poverty, and Lilian Kenny, a woman of modest means who hoped to provide a brighter future for her children. Each birth was meticulously documented, with the local newspapers frequently updating the standings and turning the women's lives into a public spectacle.

The contest was not without controversy. Critics argued that the Derby encouraged reckless childbearing and placed undue stress on women and families. However, supporters countered that it provided a unique opportunity for financial stability in a time of economic uncertainty, especially as the Great Depression took hold.

As the ten-year deadline approached, the competition became even more intense. Doctors, midwives, and even the local government found themselves involved, ensuring that every birth was properly recorded. The city of Toronto watched with bated breath as the final months of the contest ticked away.

In 1936, the Derby officially came to an end. Annie Smith and Lilian Kenny, along with two other women, tied for first place, each having given birth to nine children within the stipulated period. However, the resolution of the contest was far from straightforward. Legal battles ensued, as the courts grappled with the interpretation of Millar's will and the eligibility of certain births.

Finally, after years of legal wrangling, the courts awarded the bulk of Millar's estate, valued at $568,106 (around $12 million today), to the four women. For the winners, the money provided much-needed financial relief and security, validating their decade-long struggle.

Charles Vance Millar's will was a testament to his eccentricity and his love for practical jokes. The Great Stork Derby, was just one of many unusual bequests. His will was filled with similar bizarre conditions, each designed to provoke amusement and chaos among the beneficiaries.

Millar bequeathed a vacation home in Jamaica to three men who openly detested each other. The condition was that they live in the estate together indefinitely. He left brewery stocks to a group of prominent teetotal Protestant ministers, but only if they participated in the brewery's operations and collected its dividends. This stipulation was a direct challenge to their staunch opposition to alcohol, putting their principles to the test. Jockey club stocks were gifted to a group of anti-horse-racing advocates, forcing them into a morally compromising position if they chose to accept the shares and partake in the club’s activities.

Litigation over the validity of Millar's unconventional bequests, particularly the Great Stork Derby, reached the highest levels of the Canadian legal system. The Supreme Court of Canada ultimately upheld the clause's validity, ruling that it did not encompass children born out of wedlock or stillborn. This decision affirmed the legality of Millar's eccentric contest, cementing its place in history as one of the most unusual and impactful bequests ever made. The court's ruling allowed the contest to proceed, resulting in financial relief for the winning families and leaving a legacy of curiosity and intrigue surrounding Charles Vance Millar's whimsical last wishes.

While Millar’s whimsical bequests provided amusement and legal challenges, they also highlight the complexities that can arise when estate planning is left to chance or designed to provoke rather than provide.

Proper estate planning is essential to ensure that your assets are distributed according to your wishes and that your heirs receive their inheritance efficiently and without unnecessary legal complications. By clearly outlining your intentions in legally binding documents, you can prevent disputes among your beneficiaries and avoid lengthy and costly litigation. This is particularly important if you have specific wishes for how your assets should be handled, whether it’s the distribution of property, investments, or personal items of sentimental value.

Millar’s will, while entertaining, created significant challenges for those involved. His bequests forced beneficiaries into uncomfortable situations and led to protracted legal battles. For most people, the goal of estate planning is to provide for their loved ones and ensure a smooth transition of assets. This requires careful consideration and the assistance of legal professionals who can help draft clear and enforceable documents.

Having a comprehensive estate plan not only protects your legacy but also provides peace of mind. It ensures that your loved ones are taken care of and that your assets are managed in the way you intend. Whether through a will, trusts, or other estate planning tools, taking the time to plan properly can save your heirs from the confusion and hardship that can arise from ambiguous or contested directives.

Unless you share Millar’s penchant for mischief and the desire to create a posthumous stir, it is wise to ensure your estate documents are in order, clear, and designed to fulfill your true intentions. This will help your heirs navigate the future with the security and support you intend to provide.