2020.025.066

A history that explains the origins of Lawrence General Hospital, and explanation of how it adapted successfully to constant change in the community it serves.
The book starts with a history of the area that now includes Lawrence, Andover, North Andover, Haverhill, and Methuen. Covering the initial settlement by the native population, followed by the Englishmen who acquired the territory. Lawrence was created in the nineteenth century. While farming in these communities remained an important element of the economy, manufacturing was the focus of development after 1875. Residents of Greater Lawrence were not a healthy lot in 1875. There were communicable diseases, such as typhoid, and industrial accidents. Massachusetts state government authorized communities to establish "hospitals" for people with contagious disease. The book goes on to describe other illnesses of the time. It also describes the establishment of charitable 'City Mission'.
On Christmas Day 1874, an anonymous woman sent ten dollars to the Mayor to start a City Hospital Fund. The book goes on to describe the steps, processes, and hurdles supporters of the hospital dealt with until the building dedication of February 9, 1882. The nursing school opened in October, 1882, with one pupil. Five students were admitted during the first year. By early 1885, the hospital needed more space, so they expanded. The book describes the fundraising efforts and growth during the remainder of the nineteenth century. The growth of the nursing school is covered. The book describes the growth of the hospital, and the challenges making that growth happen. It describes the challenges of caring for the sick during the great depression. The tenure of Mrs. Andrew B. Sutherland as president of the hospital, and her accomplishments is described.
The arrival of the Grey Nuns, and their role in the evolution of hospital care is described, along with the cash donated by Archbishop Richard Cushing, along with the Bon Secours religious group to staff the institution is presented. With the establishment of a Citizens Committee, Jewish people were invited to serve on the committee. On September 1, 1950, Greater Lawrence Catholics was established in Methuen.
The book continues to describe the evolution of Lawrence General Hospital and its relationship with Bon Secours Hospital in Methuen. The book ends by mentioning that the future relationship between the Lawrence General Hospital and the Bon Secours Hospital could be headed toward a common corporate structure.

some wear on the paper cover