St. Anthony's Hospital, c.1910s
St. Anthony’s opened in 1890 under the direction of the Sisters of the Poor of St. Francis. The hospital was located at Hawthorne Street and Taylor Avenue (site of present day Ohio State University Hospital East). There were accommodations for over 200 long-term critically-ill patients, with no inside rooms. In 1904 an additional floor was added. In 1939 a 3-story wing increased bed capacity to 270.
Children's Hospital, 1924
Hospitals for children began to appear in the United States in the late 1800s. Members of the King’s Daughters of St. Paul Episcopal Church initiated the movement to secure a children’s hospital in Columbus in 1891.
The first Children’s Hospital building opened February 1, 1891. The prevailing color scheme was blue and white, carried out in staff uniforms, chinaware, linens, bedding, etc. Originally Children’s Hospital included four beds. Six more were added almost immediately. The hospital was open to patients between the ages of one and sixteen; no patient could stay longer than three months; and no cases of infectious disease were accepted.
Eventually, the hospital outgrew its original building and moved to new facilities in 1924 at 17th and Stone Streets, fronting Livingston Park. The hospital still exists although as a much larger facility and is now Nationwide Children’s Hospital. It is home to the Department of Pediatrics of The Ohio State University College of Medicine.
St. Clair Hospital building, c. 1990s
Built in 1911, St. Clair Hospital focused on serving Pennsylvania Railroad workers and their families. It was constructed by the St. Clair Company and incorporated under the laws of Ohio. The hospital also maintained a nursing school with a 2.5 years training program.
Located on St. Clair Avenue north of Mt. Vernon Avenue, the five-story building housed 30 beds and 2 operating rooms. Due to industrial changes in Columbus, the hospital was not needed and closed in 1940.
Doctors Hospital became the first osteopathic hospital in Columbus in 1939. It was started by three osteopathic physicians. Through the efforts of the Women’s Auxiliary in 1941, steam food conveyors were installed, soundproofing was added to the first and second floors and the old iron beds were replaced. Several buildings were added to the original house from 1944 through the 1960s.
Columbus Radium Hospital, c. 1920s
Columbus Radium Hospital began in 1920 on the site previously occupied by Protestant Hospital. Bed capacity was 25 with approximately 6 beds for emergency. Its goal was to be the only free clinic of its kind between New York and Chicago. Drs. Edward Reinhert, U. K. Essington, E. H. Chapen and R. R. Kahle made up the staff. They treated patients with radium and provided x-ray observations. In 1938 this hospital became Doctors Hospital.
McKinley Hospital opened in March 1921 in the former Neil-Dennison home, located along North Park Street. The typical room had brown mahogany furniture, which replaced the traditional white hospital furniture. The hospital had 50 single patient rooms. The six-story building was designed after the “ward-less” concept, which was intended to make patients and visitors feel like they had entered a well-conducted home.
Lawrence Hospital, c.1915
In 1899 Lawrence Hospital opened its doors for the treatment of diseases peculiar to women especially cases requiring recourse to surgery. Three years after opening, the hospital began treating men and children as well to offset costs. The hospital was located on East Town Street, in close proximity to St. Francis Hospital, in an old home purchased by Dr. Lawrence. Supported by several businessmen, the hospital provided charity service to about 50 percent of their clients. The original Lawrence Hospital closed its doors in 1921 and moved its services to McKinley Hospital located on East Broad Street between Grant and Cleveland Avenues. Over 7,000 patients were seen and 5,000 major operations were performed during its 21 years of service with only 41 mortalities.
Hawkes Hospital, 1886-1889
Hawkes Hospital of Mt. Carmel was founded by Dr. W. B. Hawkes in 1885. He donated the lot, 150 feet square, and gave $10,000 in United States Government bonds. Before the building was completed Dr. Hawkes died, and Dr. John W. Hamilton (1823-1898) completed the work. The hospital was located on West Street and Davis Avenue.
Dr. Hamilton secured the services of the Sisters of the Holy Cross and Mother Angela, and formally opened the Hospital on July 5, 1856.
The first addition to the hospital was made in 1891. At that time the building was enlarged to make room for more patients.
The corner-stone for this building was blessed by Bishop Watterson on May 31, 1891.
In 1906 a second building adjoining the old one was started. It contained a chapel and 120 additional private rooms for patients. It was on the 20th anniversary of the founding of the hospital that Bishop Hartley broke ground for this wing.
Another building, consisting of 120 rooms, with recreation halls, library and three classrooms, was erected, and opened on February 2, 1921. This was the home for the student nurses. In 1934, on a lot to the west of the hospital, and connected with the hospital, a building for convenience of the Sisters was erected. It was a gift of Mrs. Neill Darrow.
The Training School for Nurses was opened on September 15, 1903. The first graduates received their diplomas in 1906. Eight Sisters were included in the class. The Training School was affiliated with the New York Board of Regents in 1922, and with Western Reserve in Cleveland in 1928. In 1934, there were 114 nurses and 26 Sisters on the service roll of the hospital.
The hospital was one of the first to meet the requirements of the American College of Surgeons in 1919 and was recognized as a Class A hospital. In 1934, it was equipped to take care of 239 patients, including 25 bassinets. The hospital was operated in connection with the Columbus Medical College (1876-1892).
Alpha Hospital and Professional Building, c. 1920s
Alpha Hospital and Professional Building was built in 1920. Located on the corner of 17th and Long Street, this hospital was established by Dr. William Method and Dr. R. M. Tribbitt for the African-American community. It cost $23,000 to erect and functioned as a private institution.
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