Page:History of Goodhue County, Minnesota.djvu/699

 BISTORT OF GOODH1 K COUNTY 613 sudden disaster, such as wrecks along the river — events which in those days were all too frequent. The opening of the hospital met with greal favor, and several public-spirited physicians gave their services free for the first few months. Eowever, after a time interest seemed to wane, and the county commissioners found the institution an expensive one, particularly as the alms- house in Bumside was being completed. Accordingly, when the hospital had dwindled to two or three patients, the hospital was turned over to the city; the transfer consisting largely of furni- ture and minor appliances, as the building was not owned by the county, but simply rented from the Luce family. The Red Wing City Hospital had its real beginning in 1890 when the county commissioners turned over to the city authori- ties the equipment and furniture of the county hospital mentioned above. The late Mrs. S. B. Foot, a large hearted and charitable woman, originated the idea of forming an association of women to assume the business and management of a city hospital, and in this she was ably assisted by Mrs. W. C. AVilliston. The sym- pathy and co-operation of the women were enlisted and at a popu- lar meeting an organization was formed. Mrs. Foot was elected president and Mrs. AVilliston. chairman of the executive board. The city voted $1,000 and the women made a house to house canvas to secure funds for its maintenance and support. This organization was legally incorporated in 1891. and continued until 1896, when it assumed a larger form and a new constitution and by-laws were prepared. The board of officers was composed of eighteen trustees, nine men and nine women : President, E. H. Blodgett ; vice president, Mrs. S. B. Foot ; treasurer, Charles A. Betcher; secretary, H. L. Hjermstad. The executive board was elected by the association. This board, composed of women, was authorized to take the management of the hospital, finances, the nurses, etc. It was now apparent that a commodious hospital and a suit- able location must be secured at once, and in 1898 the property known as the General Jennison place was purchased by popular subscription and transformed into a modern and w-ell equipped hospital. The selection and securing of this magnificent location on a bluff overlooking the city and river is largely due to John H. Rich, who took an active interest in the matter, and labored earnestly for its success. Rooms were furnished in this original building by the Junior Aid Society of Christ church; the St. Joseph Society of St. Joseph's church; Trinity Society of Trinity church ; the W. R. C. ; the Rebekah Lodge, and the W. C. T. XL, the latter room being known as the Hobart memorial. Other rooms furnished by the association, for city and county patients, made a capacity of fifteen beds. The hospital is nonsectarian and