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Church/Catholic
Franciscans

Chapter VI

St. Mary's Hospital

HOW THE HOSPITAL AT COLUMBUS WAS ESTABLISHED

The idea of founding a hospital at Columbus, as far as the records report, dates back to the year 1877. A year after the Franciscan Fathers came to Columbus, Father Ambrose Janssen, O. F. M., the first superior and pastor at St. Bonaventure's, in a letter to the Very Rev. Commissary Provincial Mauritius Klostermann, O. F. M., under date of August 12, 1878, writes:

"When we arrived here last year, I was asked by several honorable men of this town, whether by and by we would erect a hospital, which I affirmed as very probable. Last week I received a request from two communities of Franciscan Sisters, one from Iowa City, Iowa, and the other from Lafayette, Indiana, whether the West, particularly Columbus, would be a suitable location for a hospital or an orphanage, or whether in the course of time, they might obtain charge of some schools. As far as schools are concerned, I have already scoured the Sisters from Joliet. Regarding the opportuneness of the hospital, I spoke to our house physician (Dr. D. T. Martyn, Sr.), who, as on a former occasion, so now, was in favor of the idea. He promised me also to obtain the opinions of the other physicians and of the prominent men of the town. Today he informed me that it was the unanimous opinion that several Sisters of Charity would find sufficient employment and that they would likewise meet with abundant support. Before I take further stops regarding this matter, I should like to hear the opinion of your Reverence. Our Monastery, of course, must not be burdened with additional indebtedness by building a hospital. Probably, however, it would seem necessary, or rather it would be befitting and fair, that we donate a suitable site, perhaps the one west of the church (i.e., on the site west of the present St. Bonaventure's school, where the old temporary frame church first stood, 1877-1884.--Ed.). The Franciscan Sisters of Iowa City, Iowa, would also, if possible, establish their mother house here."

Ven. Sr. M. Alphonsa, O. S. F.,
Superior at Creighton Memorial Hospital
and Provincial Superior

The preference was given to the Lafayette Sisters, presumably because they had applied first, or because the Olpe-Lafayette Sisters were already well known to the Fathers. In fact, the Very Rev. Vincent Halbfas, O. F. M., first Provincial of the Sacred Heart Province. was a fellow townsman of Mother M. Teresa Bonzel, O. S. F., the foundress of the Congregation of the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, of Olpe, Germany.

FOUNDING THE FRANCISCAN SISTERS OF PERPETUAL ADORATION.

The Community of the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration was founded in 1860 by Mother Teresa Bonzel and Sr. Clara, but divided into independent communities in 1852 by Bishop Conrad Martin, of Paderborn, Olpe becoming the Mother House. Regina Christina Wilhelmina Bonzel was a member of a well-to-do family at Olpe, Wesphalia (sic), and received her education in the parochial school and in the "Pensionat'' (Academy) of the Ursuline nuns at Cologne. Feeling a call for a higher life, she left her home and social position, to practice s life of poverty and charity with several companions and to take charge especially of orphaned and neglected children. On December 20, 1860, nine young women were invested and Regina received the name of Teresa. During the 70 years of its existence the Community has grown in numbers until the Mother General at Olpe has under her direction 1,470 nuns in Germany, who are in charge of 116 missions and 1.470 Sisters in the United States who have the core of 24 large hospitals and 56 schools including 5 number of orphanages. Only recently the Sisters took over the orphanage at Torrington, Wyoming. Mother Teresa made three visits to the United States and may properly be called the foundress of the Hospital at Columbus, since she came west from Lafayette to make the preliminary arrangements for the first mission outside of the American Motherhouse and directed the specifications for the first hospital at Columbus.

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MOTHER M. TERESA BONZEL, O. S. F., VISITS COLUMBUS, NEBRASKA

The reply of the Very Rev. Commissary Provincial, to whom the letter seems to have been addressed, must have been encouraging, for in October, 1878, Mother M. Teresa, accompanied by Sr. M. Deo Gratias, O. S. F., made the trip from Lafayette, Indiana, where she was just visiting her daughters in America, to the distant Columbus, in order to examine conditions for herself. In the middle of the night the train suddenly stopped and all passengers were ordered out. Nor was the journey resumed until the following noon. As it was Sunday and a Catholic mission church not very far off, Mother Teresa and her companion were privileged to hear Holy Mass and to receive Holy Communion. Thereupon they continued the journey to their destination, Columbus, Nebraska.

A MEETING OF THE CITIZENS IS CALLED

A number of Columbus citizens, interested in the organizing of a hospital, met in the opera house, at the call of Rev. Father Ambrose Janssen, O. F. M., on October 24, 1878, to discuss the project. Dr. Sam A. Bonesteel acted as chairman, while W. N. Hensley served as secretary of the meeting. A large number of business men were present. Mother M. Teresa was also there. As the general sentiment seemed favorable, it was decided to select a committee consisting of Messrs. J. C. Higgins, Leander Gerrard, T. C. Ryan, J. P. Becker and C. A. Speice, to aid in soliciting funds. Some sisters were to arrive about two weeks later, to begin collecting for the hospital.

VEN. SISTERS AUGUSTINE AND RAPHAELA
ARRIVE IN FEBRUARY OR MARCH, 1879

The sending of the first Sisters was somewhat delayed, possibly because Sr. M. Clare, the superior at Lafayette, Indiana, had died while Mother M. Teresa was in Nebraska, and perhaps also, because the cold winter season was deemed less suitable for collecting toward the building of a new hospital in the rigorous Nebraska climate.

The Lafayette Sisters at first made their home with the Joliet Franciscan Sisters at the school and soon began collecting at Columbus and vicinity. On March 18, 1880, they turned over $280 to the treasurer, Fr. Ambrose, O. F. M., and bought tickets to collect at Omaha, Lincoln, etc. At Omaha, Mr. John A. Creighton, the famous philanthropist, met them, took them to his house, questioned them, gave them eventually (in November) $1,000 for the hospital at Columbus and asked the Sisters to take over the Mercy Hospital at Omaha. The latter was done on April 13th, 1880. In summer, 1879, Sr. M. Jacoba and later Sr. M. Bonifacia and Alphonsa arrived and likewise took up their residence at Columbus. Sr. M. Augustine and Sr. Raphaela, on foot, per ox team or rail, as occasion warranted, collected all over Nebraska as far as Yankton, South Dakota, meeting with innumerable hardships, privations and rebuffs. The success must not have been very encouraging; for tradition has it that the Sisters were about to travel to Kansas to find a location, but were halted by the river and prevailed upon to remain at Columbus. Tradition also says that the Sisters many a time were hungry all day and had not tasted a morsel by evening, whether the people unused to seeing nuns begging failed to offer them food, or whether their constitutions forbidding them to eat and drink (under ordinary circumstances) in private homes, were too scrupulously observed, we are unable to say.

By June 9th, the Sisters had collected $524 more, including $14 sent by Father Blaschke, of Ohleyen.

AN UNPLEASANT ADVENTURE OF

SR. AUGUSTINE AND SR. RAPHAELA

One unpleasant occurrence is related by Sr. Magdalene and Sr. Edmunda and others, who often heard it from Sr. Augustine. One day, the two collectors had boarded a train without having any money. Their fond hopes for a free ride were ruthlessly shattered, when the conductor, finding they had neither ticket nor money nor pass, simply stopped the train, and put the two Sisters off in the prairie far from a station. They could not espy any human dwelling. Hence on they walked, for a long time and yet no human habitation was even in sight. Then darkness began to fall and still there was nothing visible except the endless prairie. The younger Sister began to get faint and discouraged, to weep and to express her fears. Sr. Augustine consoled her: Surely, the good Father in Heaven would not forsake them, but shield them from all harm, from wild animals as well as from bad men. They invoked aid from on high. And behold! Suddenly a gleam of light flashed from a distance and disappeared. With bated breath they watched for its reappearance. To their overwhelming joy it appeared and disappeared. Re-assured, they now wended their way to the point whence the light came. And whom did they find--but the pioneer priest, Rev. Ferdinand Lechleitner, who could not restrain his surprise at meeting the Sisters at such a time and in such a place. He questioned them what brought them hither, and, learning of their sorry plight, sympathized

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with them and asked whether they were hungry. Yes, they were famished and thirsty. The kindhearted priest, who had been reciting his breviary, in a dugout he himself had built, a lantern at his side, now prepared supper for himself and his unexpected guests: Bread, bacon and coffee. Then he turned over his dugout to the Sisters, wrapped himself in blankets and, in the open air, slept the sleep of the just. The conductor was reported and dismissed for his heartless conduct.

COLUMBUS AIDS THE SISTERS

A sum of $804 had been collected by June 1, 1879. How much Columbus contributed towards this sum we are unable to say. The paid subscriptions recorded in the Account Book of the Monastery are as follows:

THE SITE FOR THE HOSPITAL

The site for the hospital was not donated, as has been asserted, but purchased by Fr. Ambrose from Mr. Gottschalk as the following letter (translated from the German) of his to the Provincial shows:

"Columbus, Oct. 21, 1879.

"As soon as I had recovered from the accident (N.B.--near St. Bernard when he was thrown from the buggy and severely injured) that had befallen me (cost $140), I went to work at once to push the hospital. The first necessary requisite seemed to me to collect the subscriptions in town. For this purpose I called together the committee, which appointed two men to collect them. Despite divers obstacles we hope to collect $1,000-$1,500 in town. Since the season was already far advanced and we did not have any brother to superintend the building and since we did not know exactly where to erect the hospital, as there was talk of the new railroad passing the monastery and of putting up their depot west of our church (N.B.--then west of the present school), it seemed advisable to delay building until next spring. A circumstance that turned up later urged us to build before winter. Three weeks ago namely, the county commissioners intended to purchase a county farm for lodging there the county paupers and patients. Hearing of this, I handed in a petition according to which these people would be taken care of at a much lower price at the hospital. The offer met with their approval, but they wanted more time to consider it; we were told to go ahead with the erection of the hospital. There can be hardly any doubt that these poor people will be assigned to the hospital, which means an annual income of $1,000 for the hospital.

"Accordingly, I immediately had a plan made and ordered lumber which is already partly here. I hope to begin building tomorrow (Oct. 22, 1879). As the local carpenters are not able to assume the direction of such a building, it would be very desirable to have an experienced Brother take charge and he should come at once. The carpenters are hired by the day only. Because there is a surmise that the new depot, as I mentioned before, will be erected west of our church, I did not deem it advisable to erect the hospital in the block, where our church is. For this reason I purchased for the Sisters from Mr. Gottschalk, east of our garden, another half block for $150, because Mr. Gottschalk refused to donate the same. Thus our half block lying fallow, can be used by the Sisters as a garden." (NB. This seems to be what is now partly 16th Ave. given by the Sisters to the city with the expectation of closing another street, which condition, however, was not recorded).

THE FIRST HOSPITAL

Meanwhile the Sisters had rented a house across from their property in which they nursed a few Polish ladies as the first patients.

Under the direction of the Franciscan Brother, Damian Bueschgens, assisted by L. Lambert Esslinger, Frank Gores, etc., work commenced in 1879. About November 21, 1879, the carpenters had a celebration; it seems that on this day the roof was about ready for shingling. Mr. Harper laid the brick. Mr. Heintzman did the plastering. Brother Adrian, O. F. M., the architect, left January 2, 1880. Some windows arrived about February 8th.

Much of the lumber and other material was purchased at Columbus; the furniture at Omaha by Father Ambrose and Sr. Augustine, the first superior. When it arrived it was stored in the basement which was still without locks. Afraid that the furniture might be stolen, Sr. Augustine resolved to sleep alone in the basement while the other Sisters stayed at the school. Their offer to stay with Sr. Superior was re-

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fused; she was not afraid. But when, at night, a breeze stirred up the shavings still piled up there, her imagination conjured up all kind of stories heard in childhood about spooks and, finally, breathless with fright, she ran over to the school, where the panting Sister, after telling her story to her companion Sisters, was given a hearty laugh for her timidity.

On what day the hospital was opened and dedicated, and the names of the first patients, we were unable to learn, as there was no chronicle up to the present. Some time later a railroad man lost both hands in an accident and a writer calls him lucky in finding at Columbus the only Sisters' Hospital between Omaha and Salt Lake City.

Sr. M. Raphaela did not remain long in Nebraska, being unable to stand the climate. Sr. M. Jacoba had arrived in summer, 1879, and when the institution opened, Sr. M. Bonifacia, and later Sr. M. Alphonsa, were the first inmates, Sr. M. Augustine being the first superior.

The first hospital was a frame building, afterwards veneered with brick. It cost about $6,000.

ERECTION OF THE HOSPITAL

On February 14th, Mr. Delsman was paid $102.75 for groceries. This indicates that the hospital was already in operation. Still, owing to the utter lack of a chronicle, we cannot state this for certain. There is no record of the laying of the cornerstone, dedication, or opening the hospital, the name of the first patient, etc., except the laconic notice sent us from Lafayette, "the hospital was built in 1880-1881." However, Mr. J. Irvin, who had driven a delivery wagon, was asked by Rev. Father Ryan to get a plow and use his team and, with Father Ryan at the hands of the plow, the first furrow ever plowed on the hospital site was turned over. This may be for "Brechen des Bauplatzes", i.e., "breaking of the building site," mentioned in the accounts.

The Journal, Wednesday, January 28, 1880:

THE SISTERS' HOSPITAL.

"The same enterprise and push that were shown in the construction of the Monastery and the school house has been shown on the hospital. It will be remembered that the building is frame, to be veneered with brick. This latter will be done so as the weather will permit. If the weather shall permit, plastering will be begun shortly, and work hurried along, to provide for the care of patients at the earliest date possible. The inside carpenter work is nearly finished. The building fund has not all been provided, and solicitation will be made by the Sisters for money to complete the structure. Every intelligent person knows the character of these institutions, which have received the support of people of all creeds and conditions, and which make no discriminations whatever in the bestowal of their charity. Let every good man and woman, who would see human suffering alleviated, give of their means to this enterprise."

And again, l. c., June 9, 1880: "The Arion Quartette Club, assisted by the Maennerchor, will give a grand musical entertainment at the Opera House on Wednesday evening, June 16th, for the benefit of the Sisters' Hospital. There is no worthier object and there should be a large attendance."

One of the next numbers states that the Maennerchor, John Stauffer, president; E. PohI, director, will not take part, because not informed except through posters and because some of the best singers are out of town. The musicale was then postponed until both clubs were ready to take part.

"The Maennerchor and the Arion Club did splendid singing to a select audience Saturday night at the Hospital benefit. We believe Columbus contains more good singers than any other city in the state." Thus reports the Journal, soon after.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIRST ST. MARY'S HOSPITAL, A. D., 1880

The frame hospital (30x60), erected at a cost of nearly $6,000, had two stories (soon brick veneered) and a basement. The latter contained a kitchen. As the latter proved to be too damp, the first cook, Sr. Jacoba (who still, March 25, 1931, works at the hospital), had to stand, frequently, in several inches of water, to do her cooking. The local superior knew no redress, because of extreme poverty, except to lay some planks on the floor. When, however, Sr. Deogratias, the higher superior, came for a visit, probably in December, 1881, she ordered at once the erection of a frame kitchen, to safeguard the health of the Sisters.

There were four rooms in each floor--two reception rooms, two or three rooms for patients, and on the second floor a small dormitory, large enough to accommodate three Sisters, and an oratory.

The first community seems to have been composed of the following Sisters: Sr. M. Augustina, superior; Sr. M. Jacoba and Sr. M. Bonifacia. In April, 1880, Sr. M. Alphonsa took over the Mercy Hospital at Omaha, having been appointed the first superior.

THE HOSPITAL TAKES CARE OF THE PLATTE COUNTY PAUPERS

As the Sisters were bent upon doing charity and making a living for themselves and their charges, they also offered to the county

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(through P. Ambrose), to take care of the destitute and helpless at very reasonable rates. They offered to take care of three classes of paupers: First, those destitute but able-bodied, at one dollar per week; second class, those destitute but partially disabled, at two dollars each, per week; third class, those destitute but helpless, at three dollars per week. At a meeting of the County Board of Commissioners, this offer was accepted as the official minutes show:

"On motion, the clerk was instructed to send all paupers taken care of by the county at present and all those that may accrue, to said hospital until further orders. On motion, the clerk was instructed to notify all justices of the peace in the county, not to issue any more aid to paupers in the county, as the Board has made provision for the poor at the Franciscan Hospital at Columbus." July, 1880.

CHANGES AMONG SUPERIORS

Sr. M. Augustine Dierkmann did not long remain at Columbus; for, having been appointed assistant to the Provincial Superior for the United States, she left for Lafayette, Indiana, in summer, 1880. Her successors at Columbus, were: Sr. M. Bonaventure (summer, 1880-1881); Sr. M. Magdalene (1881-January, 1882). She was made the first Superior at St. Mary's School, Grand Prairie township. Sr. M. Frances was in charge of St. Mary's Hospital from January, 1882-January, 1884.

About the beginning of December, 1881, a fair was held at Columbus, for the benefit of St. Mary's Hospital. The net proceeds were $643.49. The chief attraction and money-getter was a contest, in which the most popular man in Columbus was to be selected. Mayor J. H. Meagher, for many years the Union Pacific Railroad Agent at Columbus, won the title and the chair given away. This contest alone netted $138.

Views of St. Mary's Hospital

(Note: no additional caption given)

SMALLPOX EPIDEMIC

In the beginning of 1882, a serious smallpox epidemic broke out at the hospital. The cause was not known. Perhaps, Sr. M. Gertrude, who had visited the quarantine at Omaha, where the Franciscan Sisters had nursed the city smallpox patients for three months, or possibly some patient, may have carried the infection.

In a letter, dated July 6th, 1882, Father Dominic Florian writes to his superior: "In the local hospital I am sorry to say, the smallpox has broken out. Sr. Norberta was the first one who was afflicted though in a mild form, then a single child got them pretty severe, and soon after Sr. M. Clare and that, too, very bad. Now that she begins to get up, three children went to bed today, although as yet it is not quite sure, yet it looks as if they are going to get them. The Sisters, as well as all other inmates, have not left the hospital for almost two weeks, not even to attend church, and, if the children get the pox, the Sisters will be unable to take part next Thursday in the Thirteen Hours Devotion."

At any rate, several inmates, mostly children, were attacked and the Doctor, C. D. Evans, Sr., who had just come from his eastern home, in the month of May and had experience in such cases, was called to the scene. He had intended merely to visit at Columbus, being en-route to the west to locate somewhere, but having the Rev. John Evans, his uncle, here, he was persuaded to stay and to take charge of the situation at the hospital. He did so and found the patients in a very deplorable condi-

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tion. One of the children had already died and had been buried by Father Theodore. The pastor, Father Dominic Florian, would not observe the quarantine regulations of staying away, but insisted he must say Mass. Many wild rumors were spread by the people, that two children died and that the bodies had been incinerated. Of course, the latter rumor was without any foundation. The doctor, constituting the board of health, sent one or two policemen to arrest the priest and other worshipers in church for violating the regulations of the Board of Health. The pastor was reported to the Rt. Rev. Bishop and soon removed. Fr. Dominic's successor was the Rev. Seraphin Lampe. The hospital had no window screens and the patients were in an awful shape. The doctor stayed with the patients and saw that they got the best of care. Gradually, the epidemic got under control, about July, 1882, and when the School Sisters arrived from Lafayette on July 27, 1882, to take over St. Bonaventure's School from the Joliet Sisters, the sign of quarantine had just been removed, in order not to frighten the new-corners. Even the monastery and church had been quarantined, as Sr. Edwarda and Dr. C. D. Evans, Sr., tell us.

REMINISCENCES OF EARLY DAYS BY DR. C. D. EVANS, SR.

At the golden jubilee of St. Mary's Hospital, Dr. C. D. Evans, the oldest active member of the staff, related some reminiscences of the early days of the hospital. He came to Columbus as a physician and surgeon in 1882. Though the hospital presented a nice appearance on the outside, the rooms inside were small and inadequate and the institution lacked many features that go to make a hospital--necessarily so, he said, because of the meagre means available to the Sisters, who had done the very best they could under the conditions and limitations of the times. Little stoves furnished heat in some of the rooms and larger stoves in the halls and wards. When the doctors came at night to see their patients, they would pull a rope hanging down in the vestibule and thereby sound a gong, and a Sister, lantern in hand, would open the door. There were no screens on the windows when Dr. Evans arrived, and there was no sewerage system. It was a far cry from that pioneer hospital, as Dr. Evans described it, to the modern, scientifically equipped institution that it is today. He told how the sanitary features were added one by one and mentioned Joe Smith, Steve Ryan, Chas. Speice, Jim North, (Edward Fitzpatrick) and others, who were always willing to help the doctors and the Sisters to procure improvements for the hospital. He told, too, how, with the aid of a carpenter and a plumber, he had constructed the first operating table installed there, when one of the rooms was made into an operating room. He still has the old table and he said that when the Sisters have a space for antiques, they will be welcome to the old operating table.

VEN. SR. M. HUBERTA (1883-1888)--FIRST ADDITION

During Sr. Huberta's tenure of office the first addition was erected, 1886-1887. It was a brick building, 30x90 feet, two stories high with a basement, the present north wing. It contained the chapel on the second floor near the north end and the hospital now had 75 beds, The operating room was installed at the north end of the new building. The chapel was for many years on the second floor, in the northern end of the north wing adjoining 16th Avenue.

Excellent work and considerable charity work was done, but no records are available at the institution. Luckily, an item we discovered in the files of the Columbus Journal, preserved in the Court House, gives us some idea of the good work accomplished by the few self-sacrificing Sisters of St. Francis.

ANNUAL REPORT OF ST. MARY'S HOSPITAL, COLUMBUS--JANUARY 1, 1895

Patients in Hospital, January 1, 1894, 28; patients admitted from January 1, 1894-January 1, 1895, 200; total 228. Paying patients, according to their means, 181; non-paying patients, 32; patients paid for by county, 9; patients paid for by township, 6; Roman Catholics, 91; other religious denominations, 137; Germans, 78; Irish, 43; Americans, 42; Swedes, 33; Polish, 13; English, 5; Scotch, 4; Swiss, 4; Bohemians, 3; Arabians, 1; French, 1; Welsh, 1; patients discharged during year of 1894, 185; patients deceased, 11; patients in hospital January 1, 1895, 32; attending physicians and surgeons: Drs. Evans, Martyn, Geer, Clark, Hoehen and Arnold.

Sister M. Joachima, Superioress,
February 4, 1895.

CHARITY PRACTISED BY CATHOLIC CHURCH

Charity, as practiced by the Catholic church at the present time, conducts 15,700 hospitals, with a personnel of 135,000 religious. Besides these there are 13,400 other charitable institutions of a similar nature demanding the services of 70,000 employees. The number of other organized charities is reported as 236,000, served by 350,000 Sisters and 32,000 Brothers, besides 120,000 professional employees. The number of volunteer charity workers is said to reach a total of 6,655,000. See "Catholic Action, "Central Blatt and Social Justice", January, 1930, p 320.

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INTERESTING REMINISCENCES

From the beginning St. Mary's had taken over wards of the county at a very reasonable rate. There are always a number of charity cases; hence, the building generally harbored a number of crippled, deformed or old people. Anyone, who knows about such old people, is aware that they are set in their ways, hard to please and often querulous; yes, growing senility often brings on feeble-mindedness and hallucinations, which people, not knowing their condition, are inclined to accept as facts. These old people often bring their nurses into trouble. To quote a few instances: A certain old man, one time asserted that a certain Sister had ripped open an inmate and thereby caused his death. As he stubbornly insisted that he had witnessed the crime, the chaplain came over to investigate. He was told that the rumor was without any foundation, and asked not to hurt the feelings of the innocent Sister by broaching the matter. But our old man was not satisfied. He betook himself to the court house, to see justice done. As a result, there came a committee of three, to look into the matter. The superior was questioned as to what was the cause of the demise of a certain inmate, who died there recently. The declarations of the Sisters were not believed, because contradicted by the positive assertions of the old man. The body of the deceased patient was exhumed and found intact. A humble apology was now in order and the unhappy accuser was sent to the county farm. Soon he came back, knocking at the hospital door, begging pardon and asking to be re-admitted. For love of the Savior, who considers what is done to one of the least of His brethren as done to Him, the superior readmitted the former inmate. But the troublemaker was not yet at rest. He talked to an old lady of his possessing a sum of $300 and what a fine mutual help it would be, if they would get married, she being thus taken care of by him having money and he having a wife to look after his creature comforts. Finally they were quietly married by a clergyman and began to keep house. But when the old lady insisted to get the $300, her husband meekly admitted he had none. "Where should I get the $300?" he asked. The duped old lady now vented her fury upon him by giving him a sound thrashing and ejecting him from the house. And again, the erratic fellow returned to the hospital, where he was kept under close surveillance to keep him from doing any more mischief. When sometime later, the funeral cortege of his wife passed the hospital, he looked on from his room, dared not, however, join it for fear of another beating at the hands of her sons.

Another old codger from N. N., Nebraska, used to steal the trousers of the other roommates and hide them in the gutter, until an opportunity offered to sell them as old rags, in order to buy a drink. The confusion and complaints of the robbed victims may be imagined rather than described.

IMPOSTERS AND WORTHY OLD FOLK

One day, a man looking like a pauper, applied for free admission, since he had no means of sustenance. He was taken in and given a home. Imagine the Sisters' surprise, when some time later a man called at the hospital, claiming to be an agent for the supposed pauper, for whom he had sold stock to the amount of thousands of dollars. Thus acted the miser. Many more incidents might be quoted, how the Sisters were imposed upon and their charity abused. But the old people were not all of the kind described. Many of them were God-fearing and good-hearted, pious people, giving a good example and reminding the Sisters of their good, kind parents at home and sometimes these inmates left what little was theirs to the Sisters. Such legacies often proved a veritable godsend to the Sisters in their financial needs. Thus Johanna Weiser, who had been one of the first inmates of the Hospital and died about 1912, bequeathed her house just across from the Hospital, on corner 15th Street and 16th Avenue, to the Hospital for taking care of her during life. She also was the donor of the Statue of our Lady of Sorrows (Pieta) in the little chapel at the right near the chapel entrance. Mr. James Nolan, who, with his brother John, spent many years at the institution, gave them his farm near David City, Butler county, which the Sisters sold.

DR. C. A. ALLENBURGER JOINS THE STAFF--
IMPROVEMENTS

About 1904, Dr. C. A. Allenburger was asked by the Sisters to give up his hospital at Shelby and come to Columbus. He did so, furnished the third floor for his patients and has since done many a good turn to St. Mary's Hospital, and gained an enviable reputation as a physician and surgeon.

In January, 1906, the first staff was organized with Dr. C. A. Allenburger as chief of staff, Dr. D. T. Martyn, Jr., vice-chief, and Dr. A. G. Lueschen, secretary. Other physicians becoming members at this meeting were: Dr. D. T. Martyn, Sr., Dr. W. S. Evans, Dr. B. C. Tiesing and Dr. L. C. Voss.

In June, 1906, the first high pressure dressing sterilizer, hot and cold water sterilizers, and a separate heating plant for the sterilizers were

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donated by Dr. C. A. Allenburger, thereby relieving the old time method of carrying the tea kettle of hot water from the kitchen to the operating room by the ever ready and always faithful Col. Carl Fisher, who now became the chief engineer and remained in that capacity until his death, February 9, 1919.

Efficient sterilization was now possible which called for re-building of the operating room and the sterilizing rooms, all of which served until the completion of the new addition in 1924. These sterilizers are still in service (A. D. 1930) and give excellent satisfaction. The hospital is proud of the few cases of infection due to the thoroughness of these sterilizers.

In 1910 the wall surrounding the hospital was put up.

In 1908 the old hospital erected 1879-1880 was torn down and two stories were added to the northern wing put up in 1886-1887.

In 1914, the requirements of the American College of Surgeons were adopted by the Staff. In 1917, the hospital was equipped with an efficient x-ray and laboratory, with a trained technician in charge. The operating room by this time was equal to any surgical requirement--a condition brought about by the staff and the patient, tireless and most efficient work of Venerable Sister M. Lucretia, O. S. F., who served in this capacity from 1908 to August, 1926, thereby bringing St. Mary's operating room to its present high standard. In 1912, Dr. F. H. Morrow, the well known able physician and surgeon, became a member of St. Mary's medical staff.

St. Mary's Hospital, Columbus, 1925

On January 1, 1914, the staff was re-organized, fully complying with the requirements of the American College of Surgeons and becoming a member of the American Hospital Association of North and South America, and of the American Catholic Hospital Association. In 1918, St. Mary's hospital was admitted to Class "A" by a committee of the American Society for the Standardization of Hospitals.

Dr. W. S. Evans was already with the institution since 1904. Dr. C. D. Evans, Jr.; Dr. D. T. Martyn, Jr., and Dr. A. G. Luschen followed in various years.

In 1917, an accident happened with the old hydraulic elevator. It fell to the basement while going down and the Sister Superior suffered a bad lesion of one of her limbs. Repeatedly afterwards the elevator fell with Sisters and patients and the water tank connected with the elevator, occasionally ran over and did great damage. Finally, in December, 1919, an electric elevator was installed.

SISTER AEGIDIA TAKES CHARGE
AUGUST, 1919-AUGUST, 1925 MORE BUILDINGS

In August, 1919, Sister Hilaria, in charge since 1906, was transferred from Columbus to Cleveland, Ohio, and Sister Aegidia, heretofore at the Lincoln, Nebraska, Orphanage, came hither and remained until August, 1925.

During her term of office the new chapel and the new annex on the east side were to be built. The fight to obtain the closing of Sixteenth Street on the north, preparatory to building, involved a long drawn out legal battle and no stone was left unturned by opponents

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of the Hospital, to achieve the defeat of the measure. The case was even appealed to the Supreme Court of Nebraska (The Karlin Case versus the Franciscan Sisterhood), but was referred back to the District Court at Columbus and Hon. Judge Alfred M. Post finally decided in favor of the Hospital, a charitable institution. The latter had to pay $500 to the city for the closing of East Sixteenth Street and, of course, a considerable sum for the expenses of the litigation.

As the Sisters ascribed the final favorable decision to the intercession of St. Anthony of Padua, a shrine with his statue was erected in their garden.

ERECTION OF THE MAGNIFICENT NEW WING--CHAPEL
AND SISTERS' DORMITORY, 1923-1924

Already in 1920 building operations were to commence. Some material was already on the ground. It was not, however, until 1923, after a long period of litigation, finally decided in favor of the Hospital, that building operations could begin. The designs were drawn up by Mr. Charles Wurdeman. Mr. Leo Woerth was the chief contractor. The plans called for an eastern brick addition to the main building, fronting on Fifteenth Street 40x140 feet and four stories high including a fine basement. In August, 1924, this addition as also the chapel wing (40x90 feet) and the Sisters' Dormitory were ready for dedication. The total cost must have been approximately $275,000, leaving an indebtedness of $80,000 or more.

DEDICATION OF THE NEW ADDITION TO ST. MARY'S HOSPITAL
AUGUST 20, 1924

(Adapted from the Columbus Daily Telegram).

"Wednesday was a big day at St. Mary's Hospital. It marked the opening of the new addition to the well known institution. The new St. Mary's is conceded by the local physicians and by medical authorities in Omaha to be one of the best equipped, though not the largest, hospitals west of the Atlantic seaboard. The dedication of the splendid new chapel was scheduled for ten o'clock a. m. Long before this the chapel was filled and standing room was at a premium. Mass was celebrated in the presence of the Most Rev. Archbishop Bishop Harty. Three addresses followed the August Sacrifice of the New Law. In his German sermon Very Rev. Ferdinand Schnuettgen, D. D., of the Hartington deanery, spoke of the chapel as of a place, where the angels of God linger, to carry to the Throne of Mercy the petitions of humanity and to bring down the blessings of the Almighty: 'There may come those impelled by sorrow to find comfort and consolation, for He will give you rest.' Father Schnuettgen declared that now, with its greater facilities, St. Mary's Hospital would be able to triple and quadruple its blessings.

"Rev. Fr. Charles Schlueter, pastor of St. Bonaventure's, declared that this was a gala day for Columbus and in particular, for the Ven. Sisters of St. Francis, to whom the church was indebted for this great work of Christian service. The vocation of the medical profession is the combating of disease. Hospitals exist everywhere. The Christian Hospital, however, has a still higher motive. They carry out the injunction of Christ: 'Love one another as I have loved you'. The Catholic Church has reason to be proud of its innumerable institutions of charity. Of the many Hospitals in charge of Christian denominations the Catholic Church claims about sixty per cent."

Archbishop Harty called the completion of this instiution (sic) an epoch-making event not only for Columbus, but for the diocese of Omaha as well.

He also reminded his hearers of the debt of gratitude we owe to God Almighty, Who made this work possible, to the Sisters who labor so unselfishly. He also commended the architect, who designed chapel, etc., so perfectly, and the splendid staff of physicians. The prelate concluded: "There is nothing finer in the United States than the equipment and the facilities of this hospital. You people do not realize what a great privilege it is to be permitted to give to this work, that your blessings and the blessings of this institution may redound to the honor and glory of God."

VISITING CLERGYMEN

Among the clergymen in attendance at this celebration were: Very Rev. Provincial Martin Strub, O. F. M., of St. Louis; The Very Rev. Deans J. J. Crowley, F. Schnuettgen, D. D., the Reverends B. Lordeman of Randolph; B. Teves, of Petersburg; Adam Brass of Madison; John Mueller; W. J. Borer; George A. Smiskol; and the following Franciscans: Fortunatus Hausser, Lawrence Pauly, Justinian Kugler, Josaphat Kraus, Liborius Breitenstein, Germain Heinrichs, Dennis Czech, Flavius Kraus, Canute Lobinski, Athanase Steck and Benedict Preifer.

THE OPENING OF THE INSTITUTION TO VISITORS

In the afternoon and evening the Sisters threw open the institution to Visitors." Each door was open and marked with a ribbon giving the name of the person, firm or society that had donated the modern furniture for the room. The result was a revelation even to those, who are

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more acquainted with hospitals and their methods than most laymen.

DESCRIPTION OF THE NEW ADDITION TO THE HOSPITAL

(Adapted from the Columbus Daily Telegram). To the passer-by the new addition is deceiving both in size and capacity, especially as the casual observer cannot from the street see the chapel and the Sisters' dormitory. It is larger than it seems. Like the hospital chapel, though not the largest, it is perfectly equipped.

THE CHAPEL

One of the most important parts of a Catholic Hospital is the Chapel, where the Divine Prisoner of Love and Good Shepherd and Divine Physician dwells in the tabernacle, making the chapel, as the inscription scroll of the angel above the chapel door reads: "This is the House of God". Here the Sisters and nurses find at Holy Mass, at Holy Communion and in prayer the strength to lead the life of unselfish sacrifice in the service of God and their neighbor--here the inmates, patients, old people, employees seek consolation in their temporal and spiritual needs. Without the chapel and the presence of the Eucharistic Christ, the Sisters would find it impossible to lead the life so much admired even by non-Catholics and to fulfill the injunction of our Divine Redeemer: to love our neighbor as ourselves, remembering, what we do to the least of his brethren (and sisters) we do to Himself.

Being the house of God, no expense has been deemed too great to make it worthy of the One Who dwells there. For environment and art are a mighty help in elevating mind and heart of the creature in communion with the Creator. The dimensions of the chapel, we are told, are 40x90 feet and the cost about $70,000 including the basement with kitchen and Sisters' dining room.

The chapel seen in daytime hours, when the sunbeams softened by the beautiful art stained glass windows play among the shadows inside, or in the hours of the night, when the brilliant lighting system brings out its interior lines the more sharply, is an enchanting place of quiet and serene beauty. Its Gothic architecture, its altars of hand-carved Carrara marble (imported from Italy), its solid oaken pews, the choir loft and organ at the rear, the fourteen relief stations of the Cross portraying scenes from the passion of Christ, the statues of the saints and the paintings combine to give this edifice an air of sacredness that says to the one who enters, no matter what his creed may be: This is the house of God.

THE FURNISHINGS OF THE CHAPEL AND DONORS

The High Altar is a gift of Mrs. Mary (Phillip) Greisen ($6,000); the side altars are memorials of Mrs. Frances Klimek and of or west) St. Joseph's altar (on the right), of Mr. and Mrs. Kasper Forthaus, of Raeville. These side altars must have cost $3,000 each. The marble communion railing is the gift of the late Mr. and Mrs. John Swierzynski. The figures of Angels decorate the ceiling of the Sanctuary; the statue of St. Francis was given by Mrs. Victoria Scott.

The windows represent (beginning on the east or right side nearest the St. Joseph altar): the death of St. Joseph, the gift of Michael Brachmann; St. Francis receiving the Stigmata (by Peter Ruffing in memory of John Ruffing, of St. Bernard); St. Pasehall Baylon, humble Franciscan lay brother, patron of the Priests' Eucharistic League, to whom two angels show the Sacred Host--a gift of the Jan Jaworski family; St. Colette and St. Clare, a donation of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Ottis, who gave two daughters to the Franciscan Sisterhood. The windows on the West or left side, beginning at the Altar of the Blessed Virgin Mary, represent: The Coronation of the Blessed Virgin and Mother of Christ, as the Queen of Heaven and Earth, a gift of the Emanuel family, in memory of Mary Emanuel. The next, Christ Healing the Sick, was donated by Dr. C. A. Allenburger. The next St. Elizabeth of Thuringia and the youthful St. Agnes, Virgin and Martyr, with the lamb and the palm of martyrdom, were given by James Nolan of Bellwood; St. Teresa of Avila, by John Maslonka. The organ loft, too, contains several smaller stained glass windows, the donation of Jacob Weidner; the St. Agatha window by John and Margaret Dischner. Against the southwest wall is the altar of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, a copy of the original at Rome, Italy. There are, besides, the statues of St. Camillus de Lellis, patron of the sick, in his black habit and with red cross; St. Teresa of Lisieux, "The Little Flower", the favorite Saint of our day, and of St. Rita of Cascia. When leaving the Chapel, after saying a short prayer, we pass on our left a little Shrine with the statue of the Mother of Sorrows (Pieta) and the image of St. Roch, patron against contagious diseases.

In the vestibule of the eastern (unused) entrance to the institution is a fine painting of Hoffmann's "Christ Among the Doctors" and a glass panel representing the Good Shepherd disentangling the Lost Sheep and bearing the Latin caption: "I know my sheep and mine know me" John X:14).

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THE NEW HOSPITAL

If the chapel is an object of admiration, the rest of the building has not been neglected in the effort to make things as modern and convenient as possible.

ROOMS FOR PATIENTS

The rooms for patients are, with few exceptions, on the south side, all cheerfully located, decorated in white, most of them furnished simply but neatly by local people, firms and organizations. These rooms occupy the first three floors. In the new addition there is a toilet and bathroom between every two rooms. All rooms are provided with electric signal system and every floor is equipped with telephone service. A regular switchboard operator is the feature in the office which is located on the first floor to the right of the entrance. There are forty-three rooms in the new section and a total of two hundred eight for the accommodation of patients. The elevator installed recently is the output of the Kimball Elevator Company of Council Bluffs, Iowa, and the largest then on the market. Two or more patients and attendants can be carried at one time. The elevator is on the north and so located that, when an ambulance drives to the rear, the patient is taken directly from the outside into the elevator.

OTHER IMPROVEMENTS

On each floor refuse is dropped into wall receptacles containing an incinerator, where it is burned without being further touched by man's hands. There are also laundry chutes and a third kind of chute, into which dust mops are shaken.

A special building, 40x63 feet, houses the heating plant. The coal bin has a capacity of two carloads. One thousand five hundred (1500) pounds of ice can be manufactured by the ice

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plant in a day. The engineer in charge and the care-taker of the Sisters' farm (north of town) reside in a house in the northwest part of the hospital yard.

The morgue is in the basement, in the rear, where an undertaker can perform his work.

There is also a sound-proof room, to take care temporarily of insane patients, until they can be transferred to other institutions. On the three floors, harboring patients, are serving rooms, where the food is prepared that is brought up by dumwaiters (sic) from the basement kitchen which is spacious and modern equipment of the hotel kitchens of today.

There are also separate canning kitchens and a fruit cellar and vegetable kitchen.

STAFF ROOM--MEDICAL SUPPLY ROOM

Linen and supply rooms are found on every floor. The fourth floor contains all the modern equipment such as the staff room, medical supply room, X-ray department, laboratory, operating rooms, etc. The staff room is in the southeast corner of the fourth floor. Nearby are medical supply rooms of all kinds. One room is full of white glass cases with all kinds of surgical instruments. The physicians have a room with shower baths, clothes-lockers, etc.

THE X-RAY DEPARTMENT

The X-ray department is divided into three sections, has several rooms and is equipped with the most costly apparatus for speed and precision. The main room is used for the table; another for developing; comparing favorably with a photographer's dark room; a third room has special apparatus with exceptionally good lighting facilities for physicians and nurses to study the pictures.

THE LABORATORY

A large chemical and pathological laboratory that for its size and material compares favorably with those in the leading medical schools and colleges, occupies another portion of the fourth floor. The institution also has a Physical Therapy Department consisting of Diatherapy, Ultra Violet and Infra Red Lights.

A special Maternity Operating Room has been equipped by Dr. W. R. Neumaerker. There are, besides, two operating rooms with elaborate equipment for eye, ear, nose and throat trouble on the same floor.

The two general operating rooms are most modern in equipment.

THE NEW MATERNITY DEPARTMENT, 1930-1931

After the death of Sr. M. Hermana in December, 1928, Sr. M. Alfreda was appointed superior, first temporarily, then in February, 1929, permanently. Despite the large indebtedness the people clamored for a new and modernly equipped maternity department and its advocates were so insistent as to appeal to higher ecclesiastical superiors anent this matter. Accordingly it was resolved to put a fourth story on the western section of the main south wing, to be used exclusively for a Maternity Department before celebrating the Golden Jubilee of the Hospital. The plans were drawn by Mr. Jacob M. Nachtigall, Architect of Omaha; Mr. Leo Woerth had the contract for the construction, while Dussell & Son were awarded the plumbing contract including the remodelling (sic) of a large part of plumbing in the older building below. The plastering and terazzo (sic) work was done by outside firms. The whole improvement cost about $50,000. Owing to many delays, the new department was not quite ready, when the day set for the celebration of the Golden Jubilee was at hand. It was a three days' celebration.

The Rt. Rev. Bishop's Confraternity of the Laity gave a snug donation and loan of another considerable sum to make possible this fine addition to the Hospital.

THE FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF THE OPENING OF ST. MARY'S HOSPITAL

On Wednesday, November 19th, the feast of St. Elizabeth of Thuringia, patroness of charitable work, a Pontificial (sic) High Mass was sung by His Excellency Bishop J. F. Rummel, D. D., in the presence of many priests and Sisters. Rev. Salvator Wegemer, O. F. M., served as archpriest, Rev. Leo Mainzer and Rev. Geo. Smiskol, as deacons of honor; Rev. Athanase Steck and Ludger Wegemer as deacon and subdeacon; Rev. Nicholas Wegener, as master of ceremonies. St. Bonaventure's choir, under the direction of Ven. Sr. Scholastica, sang Gruber's Jubilee Mass.

The Rt. Rev. Ordinary himself delivered the sermon praising the Sisters for their work during the last fifty years of gradual enlargement until at the present day the hospital is one of the best equipped and managed institutions of the state. He expressed appreciation of the sacrificing service of the Sisters in ministering not only to the body, but even to the soul. He also commended the excellent work of the medical and surgical staff; for it is they, especially, who make a hospital. He ended by expressing the hope that in future the institution would continue to grow and serve humanity in an even greater way than it has done in the past. Sacramental Benediction followed.

A banquet was thereafter served to about forty priests. Fr. George Smiskol, of North Bend, served as toastmaster. Brief addresses were

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made by Rev. Hildebrand Fuchs, O. F. M., of Minnesota, as representative of the Provincial; by Rt. Rev. Msgr. J. Aherne, of St. Cecelia's cathedral; and by His Excellency Bishop Rummel, who requested those present to stand by the Hospital, since the modern requirements make it rather profitless to manage a hospital. During the dinner St. Bonaventure's ten-piece school orchestra rendered several vocal and instrumental selections. Open house was kept for the public from 2:00-5:00 p. m. and 6:30-8:00 p. m., with musical program and refreshments.

On Thursday a solemn high Mass was celebrated for the living benefactors, friends, patients, Sisters and other inmates of the hospital, by Fr. Maximilian Klotzbucher, O. F. M., the present chaplain, assisted by the Franciscan Fathers Ludger and Edmond. Open house was again kept in the afternoon. In the evening a banquet was tendered to the medical and surgical staff and to visiting physicians and their wives and to the county and city officials, a total of 170 persons. Mr. Otto F. Walter acted as toastmaster. Speeches were made by Dr. C. A. Allenburger, for 24 years chief of staff, who reviewed the history of hospitals in general and enumerated the superiors of St. Mary's, mentioning as the secret of success achieved by the Ven. Sisters', service "well done". Dr. F. H. Morrow, present chief of staff, was the next speaker. He paid a tribute to whole-souled service the Sisters render and a tribute also to the staff, who by cooperation and by faithfully attending to the patients have in a large measure made the institution so successful. Dr. E. H. Nauman spoke in behalf of the Dental Society; Mayor D. A. Becher extended to the Sisters the congratulations of the city upon the splendid service rendered during the past fifty years. As the hour was getting late, Hon. Judge Louis Lightner, of the district court, merely emphasized the material advantage to Columbus of the institution in bringing to the city, thousands of people annually and the fine corps of doctors Columbus possessed, which would not be the case but for having such a "wonderful institution" in their midst, with 223 beds and more than half a million dollars invested.

On Friday a Requiem was sung for the deceased benefactors, friends, patients, nurses and Sisters of the institution. This concluded the memorable Jubilee celebration.

REPORT FOR 1930

A total of 1,113 medical and surgical cases were handled in St. Mary's Hospital during 1930. The figures do not include the regular boarders of the hospital. These 1,113 cases were classified as follows: Major surgical operations, 446; minor surgical, 218; traumatic, 38; fractures, 12; medical, 300; obstetrical, 63; auto accident cases (including two persons injured in holdups), 16.

Deaths numbered 46 during 1930, eight of which deaths occurred within 48 hours of admission to the hospital of patients, whose condition was critical at the time they were taken there. The other 38 deaths were classified as follows: Infants in Caesarean sections, 3; post operative, 9; newborn, 4; medical, 17; injuries, 5.

The total number of days spent by patients in the hospital was 18,002. The average stay of patients was 12 days. The percentage of bed occupancy was about 67 per cent.

X-ray cases, including the "out-cases", which means persons having only x-ray examinations and not remaining there for treatment, numbered 317. Physiotherapy, diathermy, ultra violet ray and infra-red ray treatments given in the hospital during the year numbered 945. There were 68 patients in the hospital at the end of the year.

The large new maternity ward, costing nearly $50,000, has just been opened for use.

The x-ray equipment has just been augmented by the installation of a mobile bedside x-ray unit for use where the condition of patients will not permit them being moved to the x-ray room, and also an automatic tilting table. These two units represent an investment of approximately $3.000.

Dr. T. R. Ponton, of Chicago, inspector for the American College of Surgeons, made his annual inspection of St. Mary's on February 19, 1931.

The number of charity patients is about the same every year. From January 1, 1930-November 1, 1930, this is the record: City patients, part pay, 30; transients, part pay, 149; non-paying, 75; full pay, 864. Among the patients of 1928 there were 739 Catholics and 477 non-Catholics.

In the early years the following counties are represented among the patients: Antelope, Boone, Butler, Cedar, Colfax, Dodge, Gosper, Greely (sic), Hall, Hamilton, Holt, Knox, Lancaster, Madison, Merrick, Nance, Saline, Saunders and Valley, Nebraska. Some of the states represented in early days are: Colorado, California, Illinois, etc. The nationalities represented are: Americans, Germans, Irish, Poles, Swedes, and others.

BENEFACTORS

Among the benefactors the following deserve special mention:

Mrs. Mary (Phillip) Greisen, donated, besides the high altar, the statue of St. Teresa of Lisieux and a fine vestment; Robert and Angelica Swierczynski, who also gave four daughters to the Community: Ven. Sisters M. Angelina, M.

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Ruperta, M. Martha and Dorothea. Dr. C. A. Allenburger donated the statue of St. Camillus de Lellis, patron of Hospitals. Mr. Godfrey Frischolz always proved himself a good friend in word and deed. Patrick Murray also was a generous donor. Miss Johanna Wiser made her home with the Sisters for many years and gave her house across the street to the Sisters. No doubt there are many more, whose names we did not learn. May the good Lord reward them a thousand fold.

St. Mary's Hospital, Columbus, Nebraska, 1931

Yes, modern science has in many respects even increased the burden and responsibility of the Sisters, alas, too few in number for the amount of work! May the blessing of Almighty God, which despite many trials, intrigues and opposition, has evidently rested upon St. Mary's Hospital these fifty years, abide on it also in the future to accomplish even greater work for the honor of God, for suffering humanity and the salvation of souls. May the venerable Sisters always find the needed cooperation on the part of citizens and benefactors, not only to enable them to liquidate the enormous debt and to keep abreast with modern science-an expensive matter-but also to extend a helping hand to many destitute for charity's sake. May He who considers what is done to the least of His brethren as done to Himself, and who will reward even a cup of water given for His sake, be the final reward of the devoted Sisters.

Names of donors, who furnished rooms in the "New Maternity Department":

Cherwonka Brothers, Columbus, Nebr.

Mr. and Mrs. James H. McKown, Columbus, Nebr.

Miss Mary Kyle, Columbus, Nebr.

Emanuel families, North Bend, Nebr.

Louis C. Hurford, Columbus, Nebr.

Mrs. Christine Greisen, St. Mary's Hospital, Columbus, Nebr.

Mrs. Anna Greisen, Columbus, Nebr.

Catholic Daughters of America, (Branch 988), Columbus, Nebraska.

Duesmsn Brothers, Humphrey, Nebraska.

NB.: The rooms of the first floor are numbered 101, etc., beginning on the west end of the south side and ending on the west end of the north side, 131. On the second floor the rooms are number 201-231; on the third floor 301-331, etc, and were furnished as follows:

101 by Hibernian Society; 102 by Mr. Leander Gerrard; 103 by Mr. and Mrs. Peter Dischner; 104 by Henry Ragatz and Co.; 109 by Greisen

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Brothers; 110 by Dr. W. S. Evans; 111 by Rev. John Mueller; 112 by Rev. John Mueller; 115 by Dr. David T. Martyn, Jr.; 116 by Drs. James and Meyer; 117 by W. B. Woerth and Family; 118 by Mr. and Mrs. C. L. Lund; 119 by Mr. and Mrs. M. S. Wagner; 120 in honor of St. Herman Joseph; 121 in honor of St. Nicholaus; 125 by Mr. and Mrs. W. A. Curry; 127 by Mr. and Mrs. Sam Gass, Jr.; 131 by Mr. Frank Dischner.

201 by Mr. H. W. Abts and Family; 202 by Mr. C. E. Pollock; 203 by Frischolz Bros.; 204 by Theodore Friedhoff; 205 by Dr. Frank H. Morrow; 206 by Mr. David T. Martyn, Jr.; 207 by Mr. and Mrs. T. P. Hart; 208 by Hulst and Adams; 209 by Mr. J. E. North; 210 by Dr. Carrol D. Evans; 211 by Theodore Friedhoff; 212 by Paxson and Davis; 214 by Glur Cement Works; 215 by Catholic Women's Club; 216 by Dr. and Mrs. F. H. Morrow; 217 by Knights of Columbus, Council No. 938; 218 by A. Dussell and Son; 219 by Mrs. Frances Mayberger; 220 by Henry F. Woerth and Family; 221 by Dr. W. S. Evans and Family; 224 by The Evans Clinic; 225 by The Northwestern Public Service Co.; 227 by Platte Acne, No. 1834, F. O. E.; 228 by St. Stanislaus Parish, Duncan, Nebraska; 229 by Homer A. Hansen, M. D.; 231 by Young Ladies Sodality.

301 by S. C. C. Gray; 302 in memory of Josepho Becher; 303 by Abts and Calto; 304 in memory of Helen Marguerite Chambers; 305 by Dr. C. A. Allenburger; 306 in memory of Mrs. Katherine Becher Speice; 307 by Mrs. Victoria Scott; 308 by Mr. John Malone, Madison, Nebraska; 309 by Mr. and Mrs. H. Swietzyniski; 310 in memory of Jennie Fitzpatrick; 311 in memory of Mr. and Mrs. Anton Wass by the Wass Family; 312 by Byrnes and Gietzen; 314 in memory of Julia Florence Draper by her mother, Mrs. Carrie T. Draper; 315 by Dr. and Mrs. Campbell; 316 by C. A. Allenburger, Jr.; 317 by Mr. and Mrs. Henry Gass, Jr.; 318 by Mr. and Mrs. Arthur M. Gray; 319 by Pollock and Co.; 320 by C. J. Carrig and Family; 321 by Mrs. C. A. Allenburger; 322 by Mr. J. H. Langan, in memory of his wife and sons, William, Edward and David; 323 in honor of St. Bonaventure; 324 by John J. Smith; 325 by Dr. F. T. Stires--in memoriam; 327 by Dr. C. A. Allenburger; 327A by Dr. C. A. Allenburger; 328 by Speice, Echols, Boettcher Co.; 329 in memory of the Frederick Sueper Family; 330 by C. K. and A. Branch 267; 331 by Mr. and Mrs. E. P. Duesell.

The fourth floor staff room was furnished by the staff: Doctors C. A. Allenburger, F. H. Morrow, C. H. Campbell; the fourth floor eastern operating room was furnished by Doctor C. A. Allenburger.

LIST OF SUPERIORS AT ST. MARY'S HOSPITAL, COLUMBUS, NEBRASKA

Sisters M. Augustina Dierkmann, O. S. F., 1879-1880; M. Bonaventura, 1880-1881; M. Magdalene, 1881-1882; M. Bonifacia, 1882-1883; M. Xaveria, 1883-1884; M. Francisca, 1884-1886; M. Huberta, 1886-1894; M. Joachima, 1894-1895; M. Henrica, 1895-Jan., 1900; M. Huberta, 1900-1901; M. Aegidia, 1901-1904; M. Augustina Dierkmann, 19041906; M. Hilaria, July 1, 1906-Aug., 1919; M. Aegidia, Aug., 1919-Aug., 1925; M. Hubertina, Aug., 1925-Dec., 1927; M. Hermana Meschede, Dec. 22, 1927-Dec. 12, 1928; M. Alfreda, Dec. 18, 1928-present time.

LIST OF SISTERS INTERRED IN ST. BONAVENTURE CEMETERY, COLUMBUS

Nor must we forget in our history those Sisters, who have already gone to receive the eternal reward at the hands of their Heavenly Bridegroom, to whom they dedicated their lives in the service of His suffering brethren or in the service of the Little Ones, the favored portion of Christ's flock. A few of these devoted Sisters died elsewhere, but their remains were interred here at the request of their relatives:

M. Clara Bauer, April 14, 1888; M. Carolina Tiepel, June 7, 1889; M. Martina Wisser, Sept. 19, 1889; M. Aquilina High, May 25, 1890; M. Petra Grunert, May 25, 1890; M. Matilda Kieffman, Aug. 26, 1892; M. Martha Haberstroh, March 8, 1893; M. Olivia Duster, Sept. 18, 1893; M. Mathaea Klaus, Jan. 25, 1894; M. Clarentia, April 23, 1895; M. Victoria Kramer, Dec. 15, 1895; M. Eleutheria Kassel, March 16, 1896; M. Liberia, Feb. 13. 1903: M. Crescentia Dischner, Sept. 16, 1896; M. Epiphania Schilz, March 31, 1905; M. Remberta Koteatek, April 10, 1916; M. Otholia Brekiewich, July 28, 1916; M. Michelina English, buried at Omaha, Nov. 18, 1901; M. Notburga Gdowski, December 1, 1918; M. Agnes Heffner, Dec. 9, 1918; M. Amantia Dietrich, Dec. 13, 1918; M. Urbana Vogt, Nov. 5, 1922; M. Erwina Huttenmeister, Dec. 7, 1921; M. Hugolina Wilde, May 29, 1922; M. Flavia Walker, Dec. 10, 1925; M. Hermana Meschede, Dec. 12, 1928.

CHAPLAINS OF ST. MARY'S HOSPITAL

At first there seems to have been no regularly appointed chaplain. Any Franciscan Father, mostly the assistant, came to say Mass and look after the sick. Father Theodore Arentz, O. F. M., and Theobald Kalamaja, were of those who seem to have been quasi-chaplains. Others were: Rev. Frs. Marian Glahn; Ladislaus Czech; Salvator Wegemer; Paschalis Foerster; Victorin Hoffman; Athanasius Steck (twice); Sigismund Masalski, (Dennis Czech, Casimir Wisniewski assisting); Narcissus Tarkowski; Benedict Pfeifer; Basil Vogt; Ludger Wegemer, January 3,

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1929; Eugene Hagedorn, Jan. 4, 1929-Aug. 3, 1930; Maximilian Klotzbucher, Aug., 1930-present time.

REGULAR STAFF

The regular staff at this time, December 1, 1929, is: Dr. C. A. Allenburger, Chief of Staff: Dr. F. H. Morrow, Vice Chief; Dr. W. R. Neumarker, Secretary-Treasurer; Dr. W. S. Evans; Dr. C. H. Campbell; Dr. D. T. Martyn, Jr.; Dr. C. D. Evans, Sr.; Dr. C. D. Evans, Jr.: Dr. J. North Evans; Dr. D. T. Martyn, Sr., honorary member of staff.

On January 1, 1930, the annual meeting for the election of officers of St. Mary's Hospital was called by me as chief of staff, asking to be relieved of the pleasant task as chief of staff and permit the cloak of duty and honor to fall upon companion members of this staff, who for many years have served with me. I wish to thank all of the members, old and new. I am greatly indebted to our several Sister Superiors: Ven. Sr. M. Augustina, Ven. Sr. M. Hilaria, who served from July 1, 1906, to September 30, 1918; Ven. Sr. M. Hubertina; Ven. Sr. M. Hermana, who died December 12, 1928, and our present Superior, Ven. Sr. M. Alfreda. I wish to thank all of the Sisters in the various departments and positions on the various floors, also our various chaplains, the present chaplain.

"I am grateful to all of the help for their generous support, including the several engineers, our present faithful engineer for many years, Arthur Bartholomew. I am,

Gratefully yours,

Dr. C. A. Allenburger,     
Chief of Staff,        
Jan. 1, 1906, to Jan. 1, 1930.

THE PRESENT MEDICAL STAFF,

New officers for 1930 are: Dr. F. H. Morrow, Chief of Staff; Dr. C. H. Campbell, Vice Chief; Dr. W. S. Evans, Secretary-Treasurer.

In November, 1930, Dr. E. E. Koebbe and Dr. A. H. Callaghan were admitted to the staff.

The staff meetings are held regularly every month on the first Monday evening.

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF DOCTORS

EDWARD HOEHEN, M. D.

Doctor Edward Hoehen, one of the first doctors attending patients at St. Mary's Hospital, was a native of Switzerland, where he first saw the light in the year 1830. After studying, 1846 to 1853, he graduated with his M. D. certificate and practised (sic) medicine in his native country. In 1857 he came to the United States and settled at Milwaukee, Wisconsin. In 1861 he was married to Miss Eliza Kemstedt, who passed away in 1864. In July,1871, he was joined in wedlock to Miss Jennie Brandt. To this union several children were born. Dr. Hoehen came to Columbus about 1869. He was also a member of the Maennerchor.

D. T. Martyn, Sr., M. D., Columbus, Nebraska

DR. DAVID THOMAS MARTYN

Dr. David Thomas Martyn, of Columbus, is one of the distinguished physicians in this section of the state. Long actively engaged in practice, he has maintained a position among the foremost representatives of his profession, always keeping in touch with advanced thought and methods and actuated at all times by a desire to be of service to his fellow men. Dr. Martyn retired from active practice in 1920. Kindliness, sympathy and helpfulness were features in his practice which have ever overshadowed his desire for pecuniary reward. Dr. Martyn was born at Granville, Vermont, July 26, 1845, and was 18 years of age when he became a resident of Illinois, and after teaching a year, he enlisted in the one Hundred and Forty-sixth Volunteer Infantry for service in the Civil War, remaining at the front until the close of hostilities in 1865. He then entered the Chicago Medical College, from which he was graduated in 1869, and is now the oldest living alumnus of the medical department of Northwestern University. Following his graduation, he served his interne-ship in the Mercy Hospital, Chicago. It was during these years of his college life and hospital service that he formed the personal acquaintance of such medical celebrities as Professor Nicholas Senn, John B. Murphy, Drs. N. S. Davis, Byford, Deming, Henroten and others. This acquaintance formed during college days was carried on through life.

Dr. Martyn then came to Nebraska in 1870, and practiced medicine at Clarks, later returning to Chicago for 3 years, after which, on account of his health, he came west, locating at Columbus in 1876, where he still resides. His

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connection with St. Mary's Hospital was formed during the Hospital's early existence and continued through his active professional career, he being a member of the first organized staff of the hospital.

Dr. Martyn belongs to the Knights of Pythias Fraternity. His political allegience (sic) is given to the Republican party, but while firmly believing in its principles, he has never had time nor inclination for public office. He has always preferred to concentrate his energies upon his professional duties, which have ever been discharged with the utmost sense of conscientious obligation.

We here subjoin a beautiful eulogy which with a few changes applies more or less to most members of the medical profession.

A TRIBUTE BY HON. EDGAR HOWARD, M. C.

An indication of the general feeling entertained for Dr. D. T. Martyn, Sr., in the city, where he has so long resided, was expressed in an article written by Congressman Edgar Howard, editor and proprietor of the "Columbus Telegram", for the issue of that paper of December 5, 1913. The article reads as follows:

"One of the most beautiful pictures in the average person's parlor of memory is the one which portrays the kindly features of the old family physician, and the gaze never turns to the picture without recall of the gracious and helpful ministrations of the one, whose mission to the home was the banishment of pain. Despite all the present-day denunciations of the awful disclosures of mixing money with medicine, and the proved crime of fee-splitting between physicians and surgeons, let us not forget that the profession of medicine still holds within its ranks some real noblemen, many of whom minister to Nebraskans, and several of them to the people of Columbus.

"I know of a type of the old-time conscientious and kindly family physician of our boyhood dreams. He came to Columbus thirty-eight years ago last Saturday--came here in a day when the telephone was an undreamed dream--in a day when the motive power of the physician was his saddle horse. For nearly forty years this prince of a noble calling has administered to the people of Columbus and for fifty miles around, and with a fidelity so instant and so lasting that today the very presence of the old practitioner, now entertaining the years of gray but still wearing the smile and the charm of a fadeless youth, is a real tonic to thousands of men and women who through four decades have been helped by the health influence of his personality, or healed by the applications of his medical skill. Last Saturday, when I saw that magnificent man and minister celebrating the thirty-eighth anniversary of his professional advent in Columbus by a programme of devotion to his patients, the thought came to me that if on that day there might have been assembled in one place all the men and women who have appreciated the professional services and admired the honorable personal life of Dr. David T. Martyn, no amphitheatre in all the world had been large enough to receive the throng, and no earthly choir had been able to sound sweeter paeans of praise than would there have been loosed in honor of a man who sweetly served the Master by living a life of service to Humanity."

FREDERICK J. SCHUG, M. D.

Frederick J. Schug, M. D., was a native of Canal Dover, Tuscarawas county, Ohio, in 1854. When the father moved to Sandusky. he attended school there; the next winter he studied at New Orleans, Louisiana; then at the Columbus Medical College at the capital of Ohio, where he received his diploma as doctor on February 29, 1876. After some experience in hospital practice and extensive traveling in this country and Europe, Dr. Schug, in 1880, located at Columbus, Nebraska. In 1882 he was first surgeon of the Nebraska National Guards. His practice was an extensive one. He later on left Columbus and died.

CARROLL DANDOLA EVANS, SR., M. D.

One of the oldest and most prominent members of the medical profession at Columbus, Nebraska, is Dr. Carrol D. Evans, Sr. He was born at Tarentum in Pennsylvania May 26, 1856, of a prominent family, whose ancestors lived in America for generations. His parents were William Valentine and Rachel (Hammel) Evans. C. D. Evans supplemented his common school education by academic instruction in his native town, pursued a business course in Duffy's College at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and a university course at the college of Physicians and Surgeons at Baltimore, Maryland, where he graduated in the beginning of the eighties. He then took a post graduate course in gynecology and surgery in the Chicago and New York Polyclinics. After practising (sic) his profession for about a year at Bradford, Pennsylvania, he came to Columbus May 16, 1882. Dr. Evans was soon called upon to attend the small pox patients at St. Mary's Hospital and remained at Columbus, where he became one of the most experienced physicians and surgeons.

Doctor C. D. Carroll was joined in wedlock to Miss Lorena Rose North, the oldest daughter of the Hon. James E. North, May 27, 1886. Mr. and Mrs. C. D. Carroll have five children; Ra-

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chel Nellie, James North, Carroll Dandola Jr., both prominent physicians and surgeons of Columbus, and Lorena Rose. From 1874-1878 C. D. Carroll served in the Pennsylvania National Guards during the strike in the coal region. He also held high rank in the Nebraska State Guard. Since 1878 he is connected with the Masonic fraternity and is a member of the Knights Templar and other organizations.

CHRISTIAN ALEXANDER ALLENBURGER, M. D. AND F. A. C. S.

Dr. C. A. Allenburger, the prominent surgeon of Columbus, Nebraska, who enjoys an enviable reputation as a skilled and successful representative of his profession, is a native of Saratov, Russia. His parents were Henry and Katherine Marguerite (Webber) Allenburger, likewise natives of Russia. After the father's demise, mother and son came to Friend, Saline county, Nebraska, in 1883.

After Christian had finished a high school education, he graduated as a pharmacist. He next acquired a more advanced education in Lake Forest University, at Lake Forest, Illinois. He subsequently entered Rush Medical College in Chicago, and graduated there in 1895 as M. D. After a year of interneship in some hospital, he settled at Shelby, Nebraska, where he also opened a hospital. At the request of the Franciscan Sisters at Columbus, he took up his residence at that place in 1904. He has since confined his attention chiefly to surgery, in which branch of the profession he is recognized for special skill. Dr. Allenburger is on St. Mary's staff of physicians and has been chief of staff for about 24 years. He is a member of the Platte County Medical Society, the Nebraska State Medical Association, a Fellow of the American Medical Association and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.

Dr. Allenburger is a Knight Templar, a thirty-second degree mason in the Scottish Rite. He is also a Shriner and a member of the Elks. He is recognized as a man of well balanced character and abilities, who has won innumerable friends and eminence in his chosen profession.

On June 6th, 1906, Dr. C. A. Allenburger plighted his troth to Miss Emma Wake, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles H. Wake. To them has been born one son, Christian Alexander, who is studying at Tulare University, New Orleans, Louisiana.

WILLIAM S. EVANS, M. D.

William S. Evans, M. D., is a prominent physician and surgeon who has practiced at Columbus since 1905. He is a native of Tarentum, Alleghany county, Pennsylvania, and was born October 17, 1863. His parents were the Rev. John C. Evans and Nancy A. Gilliford Evans. The family settled at Columbus, Nebraska, in October, 1879.

W. S. Evans completed his high school course at Columbus, then graduated from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Baltimore, Maryland, in 1903. During 1903-1904, he was resident surgeon of the Baltimore City Hospital and next practiced in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, for one year. Since 1905 he has been practicing at Columbus, Nebraska, and has been a member of the Staff of St. Mary's Hospital, largely specializing in surgery. He is a member of the Columbus Medical Society, the Platte County Medical Society, the Nebraska State Medical Association and the American Medical Association.

Dr. W. S. Evans in 1890 was married at Salt Lake City to Miss Imogene Williams, who gave birth to four children, namely: Robert G., Leland H., Imogene W. and Ira Kenneth. In 1907 his first wife passed away. In 1908, at Los Angeles, California, he entered a second union with Miss Florence Whitmoyer, daughter of Colonel Michael Whitmoyer, of Columbus, Nebraska.

In politics, Dr. W. S. Evans is a progressive and in religion he is a member of the Federated Church. He is a member of the Masonic Fraternity of the York Rite and of the Mystic Shrine. He is past commander of the commandery of Salt Lake City, Utah. Dr. Evans is likewise a member of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks.

DR. CHARLES H. CAMPBELL

Dr. Charles H. Campbell was born at Osceola on October 22, 1876, attended high school at Osceola and the Medical State University in Iowa, graduating in 1898. He first located at Clarks, Nebraska, for five years, then taking up specialty work in eye, ear, nose and throat troubles, at Beatrice in 1903. Coming to Columbus in 1908, he formed a partnership with Dr. F. H. Morrow till 1917 and since with Dr. C. A. Allenburger. He made a trip to Europe (Vienna, Berlin, etc.), in 1929. Dr. Chas. H. Campbell has acquired a very extensive practice owing to his ability.

FRANK H. MORROW, B. S., M. D.

Dr. Frank H. Morrow, one of the most prominent physicians and surgeons of Columbus, Nebraska, is a native of Turin, New York, where his birth occurred on February 5, 1880. His parents were Thomas and Mary (McDonald) Morrow. In 1881 the family removed to Holt county, Nebraska, and in 1905 took up their abode in Scottsbluff.

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Frank Morrow acquired his early education in the country schools of Holt county, his high school education in Atkinson and graduated from the University of Nebraska in 1906 as a Bachelor of Science. In 1908 he received his diploma of M. D. in the same institution. He has since practiced in Columbus, specializing in surgery and has been accorded an extensive and gratifying practice in recognition of his superior skill. Dr. Morrow is a member of the Columbus City Medical Society, the Platte County Medical Society, the Nebraska State Medical Association and of the American Medical Association.

On November 4, 1914, Dr. Morrow plighted his troth to Miss Marie Catherine Rusche, a daughter of F. H. Rusche. Politically, the doctor is a Democrat; fraternally, a Royal Highlander, a member of the A. O. H., the Knights of Columbus and the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. Dr. Morrow is a trustee of St. Bonaventure's church. He and his wife are also prominent in social circles.

W. R. NEUMAERKER, M. D.

W. R. Neumaerker, M. D., the son of the late Rev. Richard and Elizabeth Neumaerker, who lived fifteen years in Richland county and since 1899 at Columbus, was born in the city of Luxemburg, Europe, May 18, 1878. He attended the public schools of St. Joseph, Missouri, pursued his higher studies at Midland College, at Atchison, Kansas, and graduated in 1900 from the Ensworth Central Medical College at St. Joseph, Missouri. After conducting an office for nine years at Edgemont, South Dakota, and gaining a reputation as an able and conscientious physician, he located at Columbus, Nebraska. Besides keeping abreast of the times by private study, he also spent a year at Berlin, taking a post-graduate course at the University there. Dr., W. H. Neumaerker married Miss Meta H. Hensley of Columbus on February 26, 1908. The doctor is affiliated with the York Rite Masons, the Mystic Shrine, the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks; politically he is a democrat and religiously, he belongs to the German Reformed Church. From 1911-1913 he was the county physician. He is the obstetrics specialist at St. Mary's hospital.

DAVID T. MARTYN, JR., M. D.

David T. Martyn, Jr., M. D., has practiced general medicine since 1902 and stands in the front rank among the medical fraternity in Platte county. He is a native of Columbus, Nebraska, where he first saw the light on January 13, 1878. His parents were David Thomas and Susan P. George Martyn. The boy graduated from the Columbus high school in 1897 and four years later he received his M. D. diploma from the medical department of Creighton University at Omaha. After doing post-graduate work at Chicago in 1901 and 1902, he opened an office at Columbus and has since won merited recognition as a prominent and able physician and a liberal and gratifying practice. He is a man of high ideals, scrupulous conscientiousness and superior professional attainments.

Dr. Martyn was united in marriage at Mount Sterling, Illinois, to Miss Wilifred P. Rottger. Three children were born to them: Eugenia Susan, Lucy Petiete and Winifred. In politics the doctor is independent; fraternally he is a Master Mason and an Elk.

STATISTICS

The first patients admitted, probably in 1880, were three Poles in a rented house across from the present hospital. According to Fr. B. Hammer, O. F. M., the number of patients admitted the first year was 24. In 1910 the institution numbered 314 patients, 143 of these being Catholics and 171 non-Catholics. The number of patients gradually rose till in 1929 there were 1,216. The number of births, since 1923 (for 1919-1922 we could not find any statistics) was, up to November 6th, 410 children born at St. Mary's. The first birth in the new maternity ward was a girl baby of Mrs. Joseps Pensick, 6th Street and 22 Avenue, Columbus, born in February, 1931.

ST. MARY'S HOSPITAL, COLUMBUS

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In 1925-57 obstetrical cases; in 1928-48 maternity cases; in 1929-47 maternity cases.

ACQUIRE MORE LAND.

In March, 1931, the Hospital Sisters bought additional land to enable them to meet the heavy expense the conducting of a Hospital entails. They paid $33,750 for a 150-acre farm belonging to Frank Wurdeman on the Lincoln Highway, a half mile east of Columbus. The Sisters paid $225 an acre. In the deal Mr. Wurdeman became the owner of two tracts of land of forty acres each, which he purchased from the Sisters at $200 an acre. The Sisters own another eighty acre farm adjoining the Wurdeman farm, so they have 230 acres altogether.

IN CONCLUSION

In conclusion we quote the words of Miss Kathleen Curry in the Daily Telegram: "Much of the real history that has taken place within the wall of St. Mary's Hospital will ever remain unwritten. The heroic courage of the Sisters in the face of early privations, the charity meted out to the destitute and hungry; the long nightly vigils by the bedside of the sick and dying and the zealous care of the disabled, feeble and aged entrusted to their care, attest to their devotion and self-sacrifice. Those who have been associated with the hospital as patients, residents, patrons or benefactors know well that the undaunted efforts extended by the pioneer Sisters through incredible hardships in this field of endeavor, have been faithfully carried on by their equally worthy successors."

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