USA > Massachusetts > Suffolk County > Winthrop > The history of Winthrop, Massachusetts ; 1630-1952 > Part 30
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444 persons favored Plan A, and of them
107 persons would contribute.
171 persons favored Plan B, and of them
53 persons would contribute.
58 persons did not favor either plan.
After the report had been read it was voted that the report be accepted, that six members be added to the committee, that the committee be authorized to solicit funds and have full power to put into effect Plan A.
The committee included Elmer E. Dawson (chairman), William H. Gardner (secretary), Harriet D. Ahern, Sidvin Frank Tucker, Leon C. Guptill, Frank G. Dewes, Mabel Davison, Matthew C. Walsh, Lloyd A. Patrick, Dr. Bernard W. Carey, Judge Charles J. Brown, Preston B. Churchill, Albert S. Smith, William N. Jenkins, Harry Sperber, Thomas W. Berridge, Eugene P. Whittier.
On February 22, 1922, Elmer E. Dawson resigned as chair- man due to pressure of other duties. The following officers were elected: Preston B. Churchill (chairman), Albert B. Smith (secretary), William H. Gardner (treasurer). A campaign com- mittee to put into effect Plan A was appointed as follows : Sidvin Frank Tucker, Harriet D. Ahern, Mabel Davison, Eugene P. Whittier, Thomas W. Berridge, Harry Sperber, and Preston B. Churchill.
March 11, 1922-Committee commences a campaign for funds to put into effect Plan A. Object-$60,000 to include cost of Nurses' Home. Dates April 5-April 15.
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April 15-Committee reports slow progress. Total sum subscribed in cash and pledges-$10,000.
April 25-Board of Trade, under the leadership of Charles R. Bennison, announces a Hospital Benefit Dinner to be held at the Cliff House. Several of the fraternal and civic organiza- tions pledge support.
May 17-Maypole Dance at Cliff House under auspices of Board of Trade. Entire proceeds to go to Hospital Fund. Cost of use of hotel and orchestra donated by Cliff House Ass'n and Board of Trade.
June 1-In spite of hard work on the part of more than 100 persons and the assistance of churches, clubs, fraternal bodies, etc., only slow progress was being made in raising amount of money needed to purchase Metcalf property. Total receipts (cash and pledges)-$20,000. The formation of the Hospital Committee and its efforts to raise money for the taking over of the property influenced Dr. Metcalf to postpone the closing of the hospital until July 1.
July 15-A new start is announced by the Hospital Com- mittee under the chairmanship of G. Wallace Tibbetts to raise a more modest objective ($35,000) under the professional direc- tion of Frederic Courtney Barbour of New York.
August -At a Victory Dinner held at the Cliff House a seven-day campaign showed additional subscriptions received in the sum of $16,950.25.
September 23-Public Farewell Reception to Dr Metcalf. Prior thereto agreement of sale executed by Dr. Metcalf and the Hospital Committee.
September 29-Hospital received its charter.
October 10-Organizational Meeting of Corporation. Trus- tees elected for 3 years : Allen E. Newton, G. Wallace Tibbetts, Bernard W. Carey, M.D., Frederic G. Dews, Israel Sisson, Elmer E. Dawson, Harriet D. Ahern, William H. Gardner. Trus- tees elected for 2 years: Nelson Floyd, Alphonso W. Belcher, J. Stewart Carr, Sidney E. Blandford, Maude R. McClintock, Eugene P. Whittier, Albert S. Smith, Leslie E. Griffin. Trustees elected for 1 year: Alice S. Farquhar, Bernard F. McElligott, Artemus B. Reade, Thomas Davidson, Thomas W. Berridge, George W. Goldsmith, Charles H. Whitney, William N. Jenkins. Secretary : Sidvin Frank Tucker.
Treasurer : Preston B. Churchill :
Approximately $19,000 was paid in on this date.
October 11-Trustees elect for President-Eugene P. Whittier; 1st Vice-President-Harriet D. Ahern; and 2nd Vice- President-Allen E. Newton. Committee named to organize a
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Ladies' Hospital Guild; Harriet D. Ahern, Alice S. Farquhar, Maude R. McClintock.
October 19-Title passed from Dr. Metcalf to Winthrop Community Hospital. Purchase price $25,000-$15,000 cash and balance on mortgage.
October 23-First Executive Committee appointed : Frederic G. Dews, William H. Gardner, Dr. Bernard W. Carey, G. Wallace Tibbetts, Preston B. Churchill, Sidvin Frank Tucker, Eugene P. Whittier. Mary J. Jahnle, in charge of Maternity Unit at Malden Hospital, appointed Superintendent. Work of alterations, reno- vations, and general improvement of hospital having been started a month previously, plans for reopening the hospital shortly after New Year's were announced.
January 1-2, 1923-Open House in renovated hospital build- ing.
January 3-First day of operation. Mrs. Nina Kempton was first patient. Charles E. Holmes was first male patient. A son to Mr. and Mrs. Lewis B. Pierce, was first child born in new hospital.
February 9, 1923-Hospital statistics for first 29 days show 28 admissions with a daily average of 10 patients. The need of segregation of maternity cases and babies is evident from begin- ning. Plans are made to equip 170 Winthrop Street, now used as Nurses' Home (formerly Metcalf residence) as Maternity Unit with delivery room and creche. Cost estimated at $1,277.25.
March 3-Appeal to subscribers to remit as promptly as pos- sible in order to utilize 170 Winthrop Street as a Maternity Unit, provision must be made to house nurses.
March 30-Deed conveying 68 Fremont Street (rear of 174 Winthrop Street) to Hospital Corporation, purchase made pos- sible by the generosity of several good friends of the hospital who appreciate the very great advantage that will accrue to the hospital.
May 7-First Linen Ball under the auspices of the recently incorporated Winthrop Community Hospital Aid Ass'n-a great social and financial success under the chairmanship of Mrs. Ahern. Officers: President, Maude R. McClintock; Vice-Presi- dent, Harriet D. Ahern; Secretary, Alice S. Farquhar ; Treasurer, Mrs. Louis A. Radell.
October 10-Annual Meeting of Corporation (10 months in operation) 395 patients were admitted. Three buildings were renovated and equipped and put in operation. Total assets- $55,197.03; Liabilities-$16,970.06 (including balance due on mortgage $15,790) net worth-$38,226.97. Profit and loss ac- count showed total operating income of $17,648.04 and expense
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of $18,701.11 with a net loss including interest paid of $1,412.42, a record of real accomplishment against great odds. Quoting from the annual report: "While on every hand we have re- ceived the highest praise for the care accorded our patients, we realize our present plant is inadequate; we have neither the available room nor the facilities to care properly for a large number of patients. The buildings are lacking in means of con- venience to provide the quiet, the comfort, and the service to more than our present capacity. Much of the time during the past three months the hospital has been crowded."
In spite of the difficulties experienced in the accomplish- ments so far attained, the Hospital Trustees realized, much sooner than was expected, that the hospital would have to be enlarged or a new site and new building would become necessary in a not too far distant future. During the fall, a desirable hos- pital site became available on Lincoln Street. Large and suitable areas even then being extremely scarce, and no prospect of funds becoming available, the Trustees approved the signing of an agreement of sale for the purchase of the Tocker Farm (so called) lot of 76,000 square feet.
April 8, 1924-Title passed from Matilda Tocker to Trustees of Winthrop Community Hospital.
October 10-In anticipation of a campaign to raise funds for a new hospital and realizing the handicap of the present type of corporation (stock corporation) steps were taken to reorgnize the hospital into a corporation of members. To G. Wallace Tibbetts and Leon P. Guptill was assigned the responsibility of effecting the change.
January 21, 1925-Annual Meeting, first under the new charter. A stock corporation for a charitable non-profit in- stitution is contradictory. Many subscribers objected; a few even took their stock. With the hospital constantly requiring additional funds, issuance of stock is cumbersome and expensive. Tax officials are confused and question the non-profit character of the institution so long as it continues as a stock corporation entitled to tax exemption. The hospital requires a renewing means of membership to provide an annual income and to give new life to the institution. Consequently, with the same of- ficers and membership being divided into four groups; Annual ($5), contributing ($10), sustaining ($25), all annual member- ships; and life ($250). Each member has one vote in the cor- poration meetings.
The report of 27 months' operation of the hospital shows 1,325 admissions, 228 births, 182 accident cases; in 11 months 169 cases in X-Ray Department. Daily average has been as high as 41 patients. In May of 1923 the Metcalf Home was
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opened, providing 10 more beds. Experience shows 75% of patients request private rooms.
Not only has the need for a hospital in Winthrop been proven beyond any question of doubt; it is evident now that the demand for beds cannot be met without a new plant. The site having been secured, the next step was to decide upon the type of building to be erected, the cost of it, and equipment. To that end the Executive Committee was authorized by the Trustees to consult an architect and submit a tentative design and estimate of costs.
May 12, 1925-The Trustees decide to start a campaign in the fall to raise $150,000.
August 29, 1925-The well known firm of Stevens and Lee of Boston and Toronto is selected as architects of the proposed new hospital. A bulletin is being sent to every resident in town, giving the citizens much interesting information. The active support and cooperation of David W. Armstrong, Superintendent of the Worcester Boys' Club and manager of the fund raising campaign of the Worcester Welfare Federation is enlisted by the Hospital. Campaign Headquarters are opened in Odd Fellows Hall.
September 27-New hospital campaign opens with a mass meeting in Winthrop Theatre. All churches give up evening services so that all may attend. 9th Coast Artillery Band pro- vides music. Speakers are Congressman Charles L. Underhill, Somerville; David W. Armstrong, author of plan; and Eugene P. Whittier. It was decided to hold a 10-day campaign with report meetings daily. Campaign closed with a mammoth cele- bration. Church bells rang. The Army Band and Boy Scouts led a parade of nearly 200 cars ablaze with red lights. This was generally conceded to be the greatest event in Winthrop since the World War One Armistice Day. Final figures for the cam- paign were $154,784.50 in contributions and pledges payable in or within three years. The Campaign Committee: Eugene P. Whittier, Chairman ; Preston B. Churchill, Treasurer ; G. Wallace Tibbetts, Sidvin Frank Tucker, Thomas F. Burke, Leslie E. Griffin, George W. Goldsmith, and Matthew C. Walsh.
December 11, 1926-Up to this time the Trustees carried on the hospital, patiently waiting for payments or pledges for construction of new building. Construction was not to be started until at least $100,000 was in hand.
November 25, 1927-Announcement by Trusteees that they hope to break ground in the spring is expected to arouse people to pay pledges more promptly. Collections to date total $72,000.
January 23, 1929-Annual Meeting. Though the statistics for the past year show an increasing need of a new hospital, pay-
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ment of pledges has slowed down. The total now available is $75,000. At least $50,000 more is needed before it would be safe to commence building.
Earlier action undoubtedly would have been taken to get construction started had it not been for the very definite ob- jection on the part of several Trustees to borrowing money ; secondly, advancing costs indicated that the ultimate cost of building and equipment would exceed the amount of money avail- able by a very large sum.
December 13, 1929-Public announcement from Hospital Building Committee (Leslie E. Griffin, Arthur W. Gibby, Albert S. Smith, Preston B. Churchill, Winfield S. Kendrick, Jr., and Eugene P. Whittier) that final revised plans have had unanimous approval, that bids will be asked for within a month, that it is expected to begin construction on May 12, 1930, National Hospi- tal Day.
January 22, 1930-At 7th Annual Meeting, after nearly four and a half years, Trustees announce that construction of new hospital will be started in the spring.
April 7-A campaign begins for hospital membership, under chairmanship of Frederick H. Clark, Commander of Win- throp American Legion Post, bringing in $3,349.06 from ap- proximately 600 people. Announcement is made that bid of $133,265 by Drisko and Sons of Boston has been accepted by Trustees; also, that $52,000 is overdue and payable on Building Fund subscriptions.
May 12-Simple but impressive exercises marked the turn- ing of the first shovelful of earth for the begining of construction work. After prayer was offered by Rev. W. J. Wharton, pastor of the Union Congregational Church, Miss Olivia F. Whittier, daughter of Eugene P. Whittier, President of the Hospital, had the privilege, mid the cheers of the large audience, of operating the levers of the huge steam shovel to scoop out the first shoveful of earth. Mr. Whittier introduced Mr. Stevens (the architect) and in order Mr. Drisko (the contractor), Mr. Clancy (Select- man), Mrs. Kinney, (President of the Community Hospital Aid Association), Dr. Mahoney, Dr. Abrams, Mr. McCutchean (Superintendent of Construction). Rev. Ralph M. Harper pronounced the benediction.
June 6, 1930-Announcement is made that an appeal for additional funds will be made from June 21 to July 4 under the direction of William H. Clark. G. Wallace Tibbetts is chairman of the campaign. It is pointed out that only 3,000 persons have already contributed to this project ; that of the sum so far raised, 25% of the total, has been contributed by 25 men and women members of the Board of Trustees.
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June 15-The cornerstone of the new hospital is laid. Money needed to complete building still has to be collected. Progress, however, was slow. Although by the middle of October ap- proximately $30,000 was pledged, collections, due to the Great Depression, were slow and inadequate.
January 27, 1931-Announcement is made at Annual Meet- ing that, after a protracted illness, it becomes necessary for Eugene P. Whittier to relinquish leadership. Leslie E. Griffin, First Vice-President, takes over in his place. The continued severity of the Depression requires further postponement of com- pletion of hospital building. Meanwhile, conditions are so bad and collections of bills for service rendered to patients so slow, the accumulated operating deficit makes necessary an appeal sponsored by staff Doctors for $10,000 to keep hospital in opera- tion.
March, 1931-Trustees report a total investment in new hospital plant of $108,855.95. Balance due on pledges of $56,000 would be ample to complete and equip the building. Some people have not paid anything on their pledges and it is feared that due to the continuing depression other partially paid pledges may show considerable shrinkage. Under these circumstances, no progress can be made until more money is available.
April-Responses to Doctors' appeal to meet operating deficit bring in a meagre $1,926.
August-It is evident if hospital is to be finished, a mort- gage is the only present means by which it can be accomplished. Consequently, Trustees arrange a bank loan of $35,000 with Charlestown Five-Cent Savings Bank.
September-American Legion Post holds huge carnival at Ingleside Park for benefit of hospital. This nets $4,753.
February 20-21-22, 1932-Between 4,000 and 5,000 people inspect the completed hospital.
March 14-Transfer of patients from Winthrop Street building begins and is completed during the balance of the month.
July-Mrs. Mary Jane Jahnle, the capable superintendent of the Hospital for nearly ten years, resigns. During her term of service, she witnessed the continued growth of the institution and played a large and important role in establishing the fine reputation the hospital enjoys.
Miss Marion P. Fussell, R.N., is appointed Superintendent. A graduate of the New England Hospital, she served it as Assistant Superintendent for six years. Then she was Superin- tendent for two years of the hospital in Ayer, Massachusetts.
Now that the hospital is completed in compliance with the laws, rules and regulations of the various State and Professional bodies governing the conduct of hospitals, steps are taken to
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receive the long desired approval of the American College of Surgeons. The hospital having met the conditions of the pro- bationary period, approval is granted in 1935.
The property on the corner of Lincoln Street and Lincoln Terrace, a two-apartment house provides a nurses' home.
March-The Winthrop Community Hospital League is organized and immediately becomes a most effective auxiliary with the Winthrop Community Hospital Aid Association in sup- port of the hospital.
During the next five years the hospital carries on its work without any phenomenal change. An increasing number of physicians from surrounding communities seek the privilege of admitting patients.
The hospital finds its facilities frequently overtaxed, and the increasing shortage of nurses requires planning for providing adequate nursing service. During 1941 a class of twenty-two ladies is organized under direction of Mrs. Alice Carlz, R.N., to act as Hospital Aids. Another group, Volunteer Nurses Aid Corps, is organized under Winthrop Chapter of American Red Cross under direction of Mrs. Eileen Gore, R.N.
The property at 52 Lincoln Street is acquired to furnish greatly needed quarters for personnel.
During 1942 the urgent necessity of additional beds and the possible prospect of still greater need prompt the Trustees to take steps to build an Annex, which will provide 34 additional beds. The anticipated cost of the addition will approximate $75,000, of which $16,197 will be met by a Government grant, $10,000 will be furnished by the hospital, and $49,000 (the balance) will be secured by a loan from the Government at 3% with payments on account of principal of $2,000 annually. Ad- ditional equipment will cost at least $3,000.
February 1944-Wing completed and opened for reception of patients.
The nursing shortage becoming more acute each year, some practical steps had to be taken, so a School for Attendant Nurses was opened under the direction of Mrs. Mildred H. Goodale, R.N., Principal. Due to lack of housing facilities, it is necessary to give over first floor of Annex as a dormitory for students.
August 1945-Debt Clearance Fund Committee is appointed by the Trustees under the chairmanship of Eugene P. Whittier. A vigorous campaign was initiated in November. At its close $52,657.86 was received in cash and pledges.
January 23, 1946-More than 250 subscribers who donated $100 or more to the Debt Clearance Fund watched the burning of three hospital mortgages at a dinner held at the Copley Plaza Hotel.
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June 1946-After 14 years of devoted service, Miss Marion C. Fussell resigned as Superintendent because of ill health and died September 17, 1946. Under her expert guidance the hospital grew and early received the Full Approval of the American Col- lege of Surgeons. She met the difficult problems of the War Years with courage and patience.
September 1, 1946-Miss Dorcas P. Clark, R.N., is ap- pointed Superintendent of the Hospital.
December 1946-Title to house at 29 Ingleside Avenue is passed to hospital. Purchase is made possible in part by money from the Debt Clearance Fund. As soon as alterations and re- pairs are completed, the property will become the Marion C. Fussell Memorial Nurses' Home to which the attendant nurses now housed in the first floor of the Annex will be transferred.
January 1947-Because of ill health, Leslie E. Griffin is not a candidate for re-election as President of the Corporation. He became interested in the hospital shortly after it was established and was always among its most generous supporters. Winfield S. Kendrick, Jr., for 16 years Secretary of the Corporation, is elected President.
In April, 1942, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, after much study and consultation with the most respon- sible authorities prescribed and established new License Rules and Regulations for Maternity Units. In March, 1950, these regulations were made mandatory.
The Trustees had already begun investigation of the changes in techniques and replanning of the obstetrical unit. Early in 1947, Eugene P. Whittier, as Chairman of the Building and Debt Clearance Fund Committees, was authorized to begin consulta- tion with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and to attempt to formulate plans acceptable to them.
In anticipation of the need of funds to pay for changes in plant and equipment, to provide for Sinking Fund payments and reduction of deficit, the time appeared propitious for an ap- peal for funds.
January 3, 1948-The hospital completed 25 years of con- tinuous service. In spite of seemingly insurmountable difficul- ties, the plant had steadily grown in size and the facilities for care of the sick had improved and increased each year. The objective of the 25th Anniversary Year was $25,000.
January 4, 1948-The Silver Anniversary is celebrated at Hospital Building. During the year the Silver Anniversary Fund totaled $27,728.58.
June 1, 1949-Dorcas P. Clark, R.N., tendered her resigna- tion as Superintendent of the hospital and on October 1 follow- ing, Mrs. Chilla K. Merrill, R.N., assumed her duties as Superin- tendent.
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In the fall of 1949, the Trustees appointed Lloyd A. Patrick, architect, to draw plans and specifications for alterations, en- largement, and improvement of the Maternity Operating Suite. Eugene P. Whittier, as Chairman of the Building Committee, had numerous meetings with the members of the Hospital Divi- sion of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. Early in 1950 the completed plans were approved by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.
In September the general contract was awarded to Piper Bros. Inc., of Cambridge, Massachusetts. Successively the other contracts were let and orders for additional equipment given. Reconstruction began the first week in October. The work proceeded without interruption to practical completion in mid- April, 1951.
The total cost including equipment reached the sum of $34,- 473.85. On National Hospital Day the reconstructed Maternity Unit was opened for public inspection. The Winthrop Com- munity Hospital League in a two-year period raised $3,000 for new equipment in this unit.
During 1950, after twenty-five years of devoted service to the Hospital, the few members now comprising the Winthrop Community Hospital Aid Association, decided to disband. Over the years the Association raised thousands of dollars not only for the purchase of linen but for many other urgent needs of the institution. They made and repaired every conceivable type of garment used in the various departments. Diminishing mem- bership through death, advancing years and removals to resi- dence elsewhere, caused their decision. Their contributions in money alone would run into thousands of dollars to say nothing of the thousands of hours contributed freely. The Hospital and the community is heavily indebted to this group of fine women for a magnificent contribution.
January 1, 1951-Winfield S. Kendrick, Jr., having served the Hospital during the past twenty six years as Trustee, Secre- tary and President declined re-election as President of the cor- poration. Having ceased to be a resident of Winthrop, increas- ing business demands upon his time, frequently requiring long trips to very distant points, has rendered it difficult for him to carry the heavy responsibility as President of the Hospital. With sincere appreciation for the long term of service rendered faith- fully and ably performed by him, the members of the Board of Trustees regretfully accepted his resignation at the annual meet- ing. At the same meeting Ernest Bentley was elected President. Under his leadership and guidance, the Hospital faces the future with new strength, confident that the institution will continue and extend its beneficient service to a beloved community.
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APPENDIX A-ANNALS OF THE TOWN
ANNALS OF THE TOWN OF WINTHROP, MASSACHUSETTS
By CHANNING HOWARD
1614 Capt. John Smith viewed our shores and mapped us and noted us as the "paradise of all those parts."
1621 Capt. Myles Standish with 10 Plymouth men and 5 Indian guides visited our harbor and our peninsula.
1624 Our peninsula permanently settled by Samuel Maverick, he building a house and "pallizado" on the south slope of the first Chelsea hill at the confluence of the Mystic and Chelsea Rivers-the first permanent settlement in the Massachusetts Bay territory. Our lands have been recorded as "covered with forest trees" and "a very sweet place for situation". The soil was always good.
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