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St Anthonys Hospital

Post Card Submitted by Marsha Schulz

ST. ANTHONY HOSPITAL.

Although but six years old, St. Anthony hospital has become one of the substantial institutions of our progressive city.

Some seven or eight years ago about a half dozen physicians associated themselves together with the object in view of establishing a hospital for East Rockford—"A hospital," said one of the staff, "whose advantages might be enjoyed by any physician or surgeon entitled to practice his art in the state of Illinois." The maintenance of this liberal policy in the conduct of its affairs has been one of the most potent features in the success of the hospital. Early in its histor y the late William Crotty became interested in the project, and gave of his time, money and strength to raise means to purchase a site.

The Sisters of St. Francis, whose headquarters are at Peoria, were invited to visit Rockford and select a location. They accepted the invitation and selected the present site at 1401 East State street. The purchasing price of this property was $12,000, one-half of which was furnished by the Sisters. Three thousand dollars was the personal contribution of physicians who are members of the staff. The remaining three thousand dollars necessary for the purchasing price was given by friends of Rockford and Winnebago county.

The property, title and entire management of the hospital is vested in the Sisters' society—a plan desired even by those most intimately associated in its origin, as it made it possible for all physicians to pursue their work there upon an even footing.

The large brick residence which stood upon the property was fitted up by the Sisters, and in August, 1899, the hospital was opened for the reception of patients. The patronage given was so liberal that within two years accommodations could not be afforded all the patients seeking admission. To provide for this, an addition was erected at the cost of $6o,000. The cornerstone was laid May 22, 1902, and in March, 1903, the new building was formally opened. This improvement enables the hospital to accommodate sixt y patients.

This order of Sisters maintains seven other hospitals in various cities of Illinois, Iowa and Michigan, and they must be accorded great praise for their tact, thrift and industry, which have made the success of these enterprises possible. On the other hand, the Sisters are keenly appreciative of the help and sympathy given their work from the city and county and from the many kind friends everywhere.

St. Anthony hospital is thoroughly equipped for scientific work, and with its new building and beautiful, spacious grounds, is one of the most attractive spots in Rockford.

The following physicians are members of the hospital staff :

Attending surgeons. Drs. J. E. Allaben, P. L. Markley, Frank Hill.

Consulting surgeons, Drs. J. Murphy, Weller Van Hook, T. T. Watkins, all of Chicago.

Attending physicians, Drs. S. C. Andrus, A. J. Markley, Belvidere.

Oculists, Drs. L. Tibbets. Grant Hatch.

History of Winnebago County

Illinois Ancestors