Muhlenberg Hospital History Timeline

The orginal Muhlenberg Hospital was located on West Third Street near Muhlenberg Place. After unexpected and annoying delays in the construction of the Hospital building, the building was completed and paid for, and on Thanksgiving Day, November 24, 1881, it was open for inspection. There was a large contingent of residents and addresses by many dignataries at the opening, and Job Male presented the deed that conveyed the property to the Hospital. On November 28, 1881, Muhlenberg formally opened to receive patients.

Notable Dates and Events of the 19th and Early 20th Centuries

• The first surgical operation in the Hospital was performed by Dr. Endicott, M.D., of the Hospital's staff.

• Dr. Charles A. Hart who was instrumental in the founding of the Hospital was not able to serve it long because serious illness led to his severance of his Hospital service in 1883.

• Dr. Harvey D. Burlingham. the first physician, appointed to the staff dies in 1886.

• By 1887, Muhlenberg needed more room, and on July 5, 1887, the Board of Governors resolved to purchase more property extending the boundary from Muhlenberg Place to South Second Street. On February 25, 1889, plans were adopted, prepared by Mr. Charles Smith, architect, for an addition to the main Hospital building designed for private patients and isolation. By October 28, 1889, this addition was open for patients.

• All the Hospital buildings were lighted at night by oil lamps, and water had to be pumped. By the summer of 1891, electric lights were introduced in all the buildings, and about the same time when the Plainfield Water Supply Company laid water mains in South Seconde Street pure and wholesome water was supplied.

• 1892 - first step taken in the training of nurses, one pupil appointed as an experiment.

• June 26, 1893, Eye and Ear Department, directed by Frank C. Ard, M.D., was established for the treament of diseases of the eye, ear, nose, and throat.

• May 28, 1894, decision made to build an operating room, and in 1895, it was completed at a cost of $2,800.

• October 29, 1894, Department of Pathology and Bacteriology, headed by Benjamin van D. Hedges, M.D., was created.

• December 10, 1894, the Board of Governors established a Training School for Nurses. The first graduates of the school were Miss Annie Wolfe and Miss L. Grace Clark in 1896, and graduation exercises were held at Crescent Avenue Presbyterian Church on May 21, 1896. By 1897, the decision was made to extend the training to three years.

• December 30, 1895, first ambulance was furnished by the Women's Auxiliary Board.

• 1896, the Board of Governors determined the need for a detached Nurses' Home. Evarts Tracy, architect, designed a two story and attic framed buildings, and Mr. Charles Westphal, the builder, completed it in 1897.

• On November 27, 1899, the Board of Governors recognized the need for a more commodious and quiet site. The current location was in a populated neighborhood near the railroad, which was noisy, and near extensive manufacturing plants. There was oppostion.

• November 26, 1900, a special committee was appointed to solicit subscriptions.

• February 25, 1901, the Board of Governors by formal vote resolved to build a new hospital.

• March 7, 1904, arrangements made with the Plainfield Board of Health for the bacteriologist to make cultures at no expense to the Hospital.


Nancy Piwowar