South Peace Historical Society

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  • Table of Contents

    • Part 1: First Nations of the Peace River Region
    • Part 2: The Fur Trade Era
    • Part 3: Transportation and Communication
    • Part 4: Old Timers and the Price of Land
    • Part 5: Dawson Creek: The Story of the Community
    • Part 6: Mysteries, Adventures and Indian Legends
    • Part 7: Arts, Crafts and Recreation
    • Part 8: Agriculture
    • Part 9: Church Histories
    • Part 10: Schools
    • Part 11: Health Care
    • Part 12: Industries and Enterprises
    • Part 13: Policing the Peace
    • Part 14: Pouce Coupe, Rolla, and Other South Peace Communities
    • Part 15: Chetwynd and the Fort St. John Area
    • Part 16: The Alberta Peace
    • Part 17: Natural History of the Peace River Region
    • Part 18: Interviews with Old Timers
    • Part 19: Remembering Our Veterans

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11-011: The Dawson Creek Hospital

Wednesday, November 30, 1932 will stand out as a red-letter day in the history of Dawson Creek. At 2:30 p.m. on this day the new hospital was opened by W. S. Bullen of Dawson Creek.

The first speaker was Mr. J.N. Bond, treasurer of the general hospital committee. He called the crowd together and in a few words explained the reason for the gathering. It was intended to hold the meeting outside and have Mr. Bullen cut the ribbon, but owing to the cold wind this part of the ceremony was dispensed with and the whole proceeding took place inside.

Mr. Bullen, after humorously referring to the competition amongst the ladies to be the first patient, drew attention to the work that had been done by various people. He referred to Bishop Guy’s efforts to get one of the Nursing Orders to take over the running and equipping of the hospital, but owing to financial conditions prevailing could find none who could see their way clear to raise sufficient money to extend their work.

Eventually the Sisters of Providence decided to accept the responsibility with the result — a splendidly equipped and staffed hospital — coming about. Without the aid of the hospital auxiliary, it would have been impossible to get much of the work on the hospital done.

The ladies auxiliary was formed soon after it was decided to go ahead with the hospital and by their efforts over $1,200 was raised during the year. Reverend Father Cunningham of Grande Prairie, on behalf of the Mother Superior of the Sisters of Providence, commended the people for the enthusiasm and cooperation they had shown.

Other speakers were Dr. H. R. Ross of Pouce Coupe and Dr. L. N. Beckwith. Miss Crook, matron of the Pouce Coupe Hospital, extended hearty wishes to the Dawson Creek Hospital from the Pouce Coupe Red Cross.

« 11-010: Providence Hospital, High Prairie, Alberta

11-012: The New St. Joseph General Hospital Open in Dawson Creek »

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