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The Exeter Times-Advocate, 1953-01-29, Page 14Paqgfe 4 THE TIMES-ADVOCATE, EXETER. ONTARIO, THURSDAY MORNING, JANUARY 29, 1953 Enthusiasm, Loyalty, Spirit Reasons For Success-Snell Hospital Ready To Serve, Great Monument - Bell J On, behalf of the Building Committee for South Huron Hos­ pital, I would like to make men­ tion of some very important reasons for the success in the progress of completing this pro­ ject. First, we were fortunate in having a modern plan of a hos­ pital drawn and engineered by our architect, Mr, G. H. Dolphin, Toronto, along with the support of a staff o£ local employees that really backed him up with their good workmanship. It seemed to the last man on the job that a Spirit of enthusiasm and loyalty t.o the community and project prevailed. The merchants of the district became part of the project by Generation Saw Necessity Of Hospital-MacNaughton I appreciate very much the opportunity of saying that the completion of the South Huron Hospital is an event which pro­ vides a very full measure of satisfaction to me personally, to all those who have been actively associated with the project from -its inception and I hope to all those in South Huron who will benefit so greatly from the ex­ cellent facilities which will now ■be available to them, : The entire project has been ^accomplished successfully des­ pite difficulties which at the time seemed almost insurmount­ able, and because of the sincere determination on the part of a .few people who felt an obliga­ tion to contribute something in tangible form to the community which had been good to them. As a-result this generation will be remembered in years to come Conquers Setbacks, Delays —Continued From Page 1 jmark, the Association called a .-general meeting of subscribers. 'They unanimously agreed to 'build the hospital and chose •Riverview Park as the most de- ■sireable site, Exeter council in- •timated it -would consent to the ‘use of the park. . At the meeting, too, a board of trustees was elected, includ- Jing Elmer D. Bell, chairman; W. 1G-. Cochrane, secretary; R. N. 'Creech, treasurer; and C. S. IMacNaughton, William Ellering- *ton, H. C. Rivers, Henry Beaver, 'Eric McIlroy and Ulric Snell. * Early in 1951, a movement 'began which eventually changed •the plan and site of the South ;]Huron Hosital. 1 Citizens petitioned Exeter .council to save Riverview Park jfor a recreation ar$a. i Although the town council had previously voted to grant the park to the association, the actual deed had not been trans­ ferred. The objection to the use of Riverview Park had been ex­ pressed at the public meeting sponsored by the Hospital As­ sociation in 1950. However, at that time, only a few expressed opposition and they received little support. Plan On Park The majority of the citizens at the meeting approved the use of the park for the hospital and the Association had made its plans to build there. While the preparations were being made and finalized, the idea of losing Riverview Park as a picnic site began to disturb some citizens. The feeling mount- ■ed until a movement was organ­ ized and, finally, petitions began circulating. The drive was made quickly and before the hospital association realized it, hundreds of names supported the petition. Stunned, the association took no action, waited for the final out­ come. The petitioners went to coun­ cil, presented their case and the motion to deed the park to the ’ association was rescinded. Petitioners Meet At the end of January, the petitioners met the association in the office of E. D. Bell. Both side's presented their case but there was never any doubt about the outcome. The petition had too much strength and the as­ sociation, now without authority to get its deed, had. its hands tied. The latter decided not to press for the park, and the petitioners agreed to assist actively in a new campaign canvas from the town. allowing the building committee to purchase at cost from them or use their names to go to wholesale houses or manufac­ turers and make purchasing of material at prices at a consider­ able saving to the district- i The building committee whose members are: William Ellering- ton, Harper Rivers, Benson Tur­ key, Albert Traquair, Charles MacNaughton and Luther Pen- hale, would like at this time to sincerely thank the merchants, wholesale houses, manufacturers, construction staff, and any per­ son or association making it possible to complete this pro­ ject,Ulric Snell, Chairman of Building Committee | as one which recognized the present need for hospital facili­ ties in the South Huron Com­ munity and at the same time had the foresight to realize what «those facilities would mean to future generations. It is to this sense of obligation and de­ votion to a worthy cause that the Hospital and all it will mean might ■well be dedicated. In closing I would like to say how proud I am and how honored I feel to have been per­ mitted to be associated with the splendid undertaking. Anything I may personally have contribut­ ed to its success can be measured I in small terms when contrasted with the importance of what has been accomplished and what it will mean to Exeter and South Huron. Yours faithfully, Chas. S. MacNaughton In March, the town council, upon which now rested some onus since, acting on the wishes of the people, it had first granted the park and then refused it, offered to buy the McKerral property, on the north side of the river and construct a road into the site. Meanwhile the Association was again considering sites available for the hospital- Each of these, it seemed, presented difficulties. A call for tenders for the con­ struction of the hospital was issued and when these were sub­ mitted in the spring, the second and almost final blow fell on the hospital association. Contractor’s prices soared over the $300,000 mark, far above the hospital’s financial resources. Project At Standstill In August, 1951, the Associa­ tion publicly admitted the pro­ ject was at a standstill. They planned a meeting of subscribers in September and presented four alternative pro­ posals for them to consider; 1. Abandon the hospital pro­ ject. 2. Postpone building in the hope costs -would lower. 3. Finance the building through increased subscriptions and municipal grants. 4. Provide accomodation for the sick in some lesser form than a hospital. The now four-year-old project was in its darkest days. Enthus­ iasm was nil, the solution seem­ ed intangible. Silver Linings However, amid the gloom, two small rings of silver began edging their way around the clouds. One was the availability of the Carling Estate, which was offered for sale after the death of Ida M. Carling. The other was the appearance of Helge Jensen and a scheme to cut costs to the bone. This combination prompted a resurge of enthusiasm and the final decision to go ahead and build. The solution was by no means instantaneous. It had many ap­ parent drawbacks which had to be surmounted. The plans had to be changed to fit the estate and the Carling house. These plans had to be approved by the Ontario Department of Health whose regulations were strict and whose annroval had to he obtained before grants could be received. Not. convinced The architect and the depart­ ment were far from convinced that the hospital could be built in such a bizarre way as the hos- Health Ministers, Representatives Congratulate District On Hospital Hon. Paul Martin Commends Area I am taking this opportunity of writing to congratulate the people of Exeter and the sur­ rounding area on the splendid results they have achieved with their hospital. In the history of health pro­ gress in Canada, the last four years have been memorable. The federal grants made avail­ able under the National Health Program have given encourage­ ment to hospital authorities all across the country to go ahead with new construction to provide more adequate health care for our people. While these federal grants and similar assistance provided out of provincial and municipal funds have played a large part in the building of more than 400 hospitals or hos­ pital additions with more than 36,000 beds, this progress could never have been -without the generous support of private citi­ zens in communities like Exeter. A community that keeps pace with its hospital needs looks to the future. The action of the South Huron Hospital Associa­ tion in so significantly expand­ ing its hospital facilities is a symbol of the concern shown by Canadians for the cause of health. I hope that every citizen of Exeter and the neighbouring townships will give this import­ ant project the generous support it so richly deserves. Yours Sincerely, Paul Martin pital association proposed to do. Thejr strongly advised against the scheme, maintaining the construction should be done by contract. They doubted if the association had men who had the ability t0 oversee the building and purchase the materials re­ quired in the hospital and they doubted the ability of Helge Jensen to construct the building using 1 ocal labor and without extensive equipment. Meanwhile, the association was convinced this was the only way the hospital could be built and in their discussions with Helge Jensen, who pinpointed the savings which could be made, they found confidence in his ability and were prepared to back him against all odds. Purchase Property On November 8, the associa­ tion announced it had purchased the Carling property for $16,500 and plans were being made to start construction as soon as possible. The Department of Health had been persuaded to relax its regulations making use of the house possible. Delega­ tions went to Toronto and per­ suaded the Department to give its support to the building pro­ ject. During January, the associa­ tion finalize^ plans of the hos­ pital and officially appointed Helge Jensen construction super­ visor, i Began W orking In February, workmen began preparing grounds at the Carling estate for excavation and the association launched its $50,000 hospital campaign. Door-to-door canvasses were made in Exeter, Stephen, Us- borne, Hay, Bosanquet, McGilli­ vray, Bosanquet, Hibbert, Tuc­ kersmith and Hensail. The association continued to meet and discuss its problems and progress. The building com­ mittee reported each month on the construction. This progress was compared with the success of the financial campaign. Appoint Manager As the hospital neared com­ pletion, arrangements were made to hire personnel to operate the building. A member of the as­ sociation, H, C, Rivers, was appointed full-time manager. Although the hospital is now completed and will be operating shortly, the association's job is far from completed. The final cost of the building has not been calculated and the association may have to raise funds to meet the defecit. Then it must watch the operation to make certain the hospital operates in the black or as close to meeting expenses as possible. But the biggest part of the task is completed, the hospital is built, ready to serve the com­ munity. Grants, Donations i •I Make Hospital Possible I The opening of the South • Huron Hospital marks the con- ‘ elusion of a campaign initiated • by the citizens of Exeter and the | Townships of Stephen, Usborne tand Hay, extending over many months and indicates the suc­ cess which can be attained when the citizens of a community ap­ proach the matter of providing facilities which they lack, in a concerted manner. While during the preliminary organizational period and during the period of construction, I have no doubt i there have been many occasions • when it appeared that the As­ sociation was faced with insur­ mountable difficulties, the will of the people to provide them­ selves with hospital accomoda­ tion was such that these difficul­ ties were overcome. That the whole programme was carried out in a carefully conceived manner to a successful conclu­ sion is indicated today by the splendid hospital building which shortly will begin to provide a most necessary service to the Citizens of the Town of Exeter and of the rural municipalities surrounding it. At the same time, the com­ pletion of the hospital indicates too, how the various levels of government cooperate to im­ prove the facilities and the standards of living enjoyed by their citizens. In this case the initiative a nd 1 abours of the citizens themselves have been complemented by the technical assistance and grants of the ' province and by a grant of $41,800 by the Federal Govern­ ment. These grants coupled with the generous donations of the citizens of the district have made possible the financing of the project. May I congratulate all those who, through their untiring efforts in the planning and or­ ganization of the hospital pro­ gramme and those who by their contributions, have contributed to the successful outcome as we see it today. Their reward will be the knowledge of the service Women Form Auxiliary To Assist In Operation Over 100 South Huron women have joined the newly-organized Ladies Auxiliary to the South Huron Hospital, as charter mem­ bers. Sensing the need for a hospital in this area, the aim of the Auxiliary is to assist the Board and staff of the hospital in every way possible. The particu­ lar project undertaken will he providing linens, bedding for cribs and bassinets as well as hospital beds, baby garments, operating room linens and towels and tea towels. The initial supply of sheets was ordered ready­ made, but further supplies will be made by the Auxiliary. Acting as a committee to pre­ pare the slate of officers for the Auxiliary were: Mrs. C- S. Mac- Naughton, Mrs. E. D. Bell, Mrs. H. H. Cowen, Mrs. Ralph Hicks, Mrs, J. G. Dunlop, Mrs. W. H. Pollen, Mrs. E, R. Hopper, Mrs. F. A. May, Mrs. R. C. Dinuey. Mrs. C. E. Shaw and Mrs, H. L. Sturgis. At the organization meeting in James Street Church, the-fol­ lowing were elected and were installed by Mrs. H. L. Sturgis: President, Mrs, Kenneth Johns, Usborne; vice-presidents, Mrs. Emery Desjardine, Grand Bend, Mrs. Gerald Zwicker, Crediton, and Mrs. Lettie Taylor, Dash­ wood; recording secretary, Mrs. C. S. MacNaughton, assistant, Mrs, J. H. Jones;” corresponding secretary, Mrs. James D. Smith, assistant, Mrs, Larry Snider; treasurer, Mrs. Gordon Koch, assistant, Mrs. Norm Walper, Convenors of committees: Buying, Mrs. J. G. Dunlop; sewing. Mrs. William Middleton; cutting, Mrs. C. E. Shaw; social. Mrs. H. H. Cowen; ways and means, Mrs. F, J. Milner, Each community in the dis­ trict will have representatives Who will act on the executive. Appointed to date are: Kirkton, Mrs. Arnold Wiseman: Usborne, Mrs. Ward Hern, Mrs. Archie Morgan; Stephen, Mrs. Mervin Tieman. Mrs. R. L. Motz; Grand Serve As Example To Other Communities : ‘ ...” ".......'......... '■ ” ■’ ' ;"l I have hoped for a long time, that we would eventually have a hospital in Exeter and I re­ joice that that day is now here. Many of our people know the worry and inconvenience of hav­ ing their loved ones ill in a hospital 30 miles distant. We should all be extremely grateful to the public spirited citizens who comprise the Hospital Com­ mittee for giving us this fine building for the care of the sick, right here at home. The cost of building such an institution by local funds only is almost prohibitive, but thanks to the help now available from the various levels of government that difficulty has been over­ come. It is a source of much gratifi­ cation to me that the policy of the Provincial Government has enabled it to make grants total­ ling over $53,000 towards the cost of the hospital. Generous grants will also be forthcoming for maintenance from year to year which it is hoped will en­ able the management to operate the hospital without incurring annual losses. I have regarded it as my-duty to bring to the attention of the Prime Minister and the Minister of Health for Ontario, the low "per bed" cost of the building this hospital compared to other similar institutions. This is en­ tirely due to the good manage­ ment and business ability of those in ‘charge and will, I hope, serve as an example to other smaller communities who may contemplate a project of this kind. To all who have shared this great effort, as a citizen of Exe­ ter, I extend my sincere con­ gratulations. Sincerely, Thomas Pryde, M.P.P, Huron which South Huron Hospital will render to the citizens of this district in the years that lie ahead. Yours very sincerely, Andrew Y. McLean Bend, Mrs. Alex Hamilton, Miss Marjorie Desjardine; Elimville, Mrs. William Johns; Hensail, Mrs. George Armstrong, Mrs. Middleton; Zurich, Mrs. David Myers; Biddulph, Mrs. F. Dobbs, Mrs. Jack Dickins; Hurondale Institute, Mrs. Alvin Moir; Exe­ ter, Miss Margaret Brown, Mrs. M. C. Fletcher; R.C.A.F. Cen­ tralia, Mrs. Lenard Scorrar and Mrs.' H. D. Mooney. At the installation meeting, two women, active in Auxiliary work, addressed the members. Mrs. H. G. Horning, Woodstock, president of the Ontario Wo­ men’s Auxiliary Association, spoke on the work of that or­ ganization and expressed the .hope that the South Huron Auxiliary would associate with it. Mrs. P. M. ’Dewan, past presi­ dent of the Ingersoll Hospital Auxiliary, gave a most helpful talk on ways in which an Aux­ iliary can assist the hospital board. She gave suggestions for fund-raising but stressed the fact there are many other ways to assist. By reading- to patients, writing letters for them and planning little surprises and entertainment for them, Auxil­ iary members can assist the hos­ pital staff. At the December meeting, Miss Alice Claypole, Superinten­ dent of Nurses, was introduced to the Auxiliary by Mrs. J. A. Traquair. Miss Claypole express­ ed her willingness to cooperate With the Auxiliary in keeping up the high ideals which have been set for South Huron Hospital. The first fund-raising event, a tag day, organized by Mrs. F. J. Milner, was held on Decem­ ber 20. Each district carried on the project in their community and the total rdbeiDts exceeded $530. The January meeting was held in the Board room of the hos­ pital. Business manager, H. C. Rivers, spoke to the members on how they could assist the Board on inspection days, Janu­ Hospital Fitting Reward - Phillips It is indeed gratifying to know that the people of Exeter, no doubt after careful considera­ tion, reached the decision to participate in the public hospital program which gained such im­ petus in this province following the announcement of the govern­ ment in 1947 that Capital Grants would be made available to assist any community in pro­ viding this necessary type of public service where it was de­ monstrated that the people them­ selves were prepared to provide their share of the cost. You will be interested to know that since the inaugura­ tion of such policy by the government commitments includ­ ing mental hospitals, sanitoria and public hospitals, amounting to $56,500,000, have been under­ taken of which $32,000,000 is related to mental hospital pro­ prams presently under construc­ tion. The total of $24,500,000 which represents grants and commit­ ments to public hospitals and sanatoria will be further aug­ mented by the Federal Govern­ ment which also recognizes the need for assistance to voluntary agencies. Up to date the total •commitment of the Federal Government in relation to our building programs, has now reached a total of $12,700,000 and it is anticipated that pro­ grams which have not yet been dealt with by the Federal Authorities will increase this by a further estimated $3,500,000. I should like to extend my personal congratulations and those of the Officials of this Department to the members of your Hospital Association and to everyone connected with this undertaking for your progress toward achievement of a worth­ while objective. You have a fine modern hos­ pital with • excellent facilities of sufficient size to meet your own needs and this is a fitting re­ ward for the tireless work and unflagging faith which all of you displayed in this cause . Continuation of the admirable support already given by every­ one in the community will assure you of success. With good wishes, I am ■Sincerely yours, M. Phillips (Mackinnon Phillips, M.D., C.M.) Minister of Health To Erect Plaques On Doors, Wards Plaques will be erected on doors and wards in the South Huron Hospital to acknowledge donations of money from organ­ izations. Many clubs and groups spon­ sored fund-raising events to con­ tribute to the hospital’s success. The plaques have been ordered but, unfortunately, they will not arrive in time for the grand opening. ary 29 and 30. Details were left t0 the social committee. The buying committee were empowered to purchase furnish­ ings for the Auxiliary room in the hospital which will be used as a meeting room and for cut­ ting and sewing. Tables, chairs and cupboards are the immedi­ ate need and their purchase was left to the committee. The attendance at the meet­ ings has been excellent and rep­ resentative of the various dis­ tricts to be served by the hos­ pital. On inspection days, January 29 and 30, the hospital will be open to the public for morning, afternoon and evening hours. The Auxiliary will assist the Board in receiving visitors, showing them through the hos­ pital and will serve tea in the Auxiliary room, February 17, Mr. George Thompson of the Lyric Theatre will donate the proceeds of the two shows to the Auxiliary. Tic­ kets will be sold in advance by the members. Food Lifts Food can be transported Con­ veniently from the storage room in the basement to the kitchen by the use of these lifts. It is a pleasure to report to the people of South’ Huron that your hospital is now ready to serve you. It -would be impossible to pay tribute to all of the societies, groups and individuals who by your labours, your gifts and your co-operation have made this dream come true. I can only on behalf of the South Huron Hospital Association say thank you all. You have built a great monument to your generation. May I pay tribute to the members of the Hospital Board who have given so much of their time to accomplish in less than a year the final construction of this fine modern hospital. I should like the privilege of pay­ ing a special tribute to the Greatest Effort Undertaken By This District - Creech The opening of the South Huron Hospital is something to be proud to look forward, to, and the finished project gives great satisfaction to the people of the district, the former residents and the friends, who in any way con­ tributed toward the project. Particularly is this so whey such a large proportion of the money needed was received in personal donations from the people interested in the future welfare of the residents of the district. The project certainly stands out as the greatest effort of the kind ever undertaken by the people of this district and those who assisted in any way are to be congratulated. Lists of subscribers have been published in this paper on many occasions during the last three years, and most of these sub­ scriptions have been fully paid. There are, however, a few who have been credited with amounts that are, as yet, not paid or not fully paid. It is to be hoped these promises will be fulfilled at once. The subscriber will feel happier and the money is needed to com­ plete the work. Many hundreds of donations were received—some larger and some s m a 11 e r—and all were equally thankfully received. Many of the smaller donations were real sacrifices on the part of the donors. There are, how­ ever, still many people who have not given anything toward the building and equipment of the Quarters Ideal For Nurses The nurses on the staff of the South Huron Hospital can­ not help being pleased with the provisions that have been made for their comfort in the quarters assigned to them. On the first floor, a most attractive sitting room has been furnished for their use. It is on the west side of the entrance hall and is the room used by the Carling family as their liv­ ing room. The walls are decorated in a soft shade of green against white woodwork. A large rug in dusty rose shade covers the floor. A comfortable chester­ field and matching chairs, at­ tractive tables and lamps and colorful draperies make the large room, homey and well- suited to be used by the nursing staff and their friends. On the second floor, the sleep­ ing quarters are two single rooms and three rooms equipped •with twin beds, all well furnish­ ed. A well equipped kitchenette provides everything necessary for preparing lunches and snacks. The color scheme hero is blue and white. Coupled with the modern, well-equipped hospital in which to carry on their profession, the nursing staff of South Huron Hospital is starting out under nearly ideal conditions. New Features —Contined from Page 1 lobby and general office arc perfectly situated inside the front door. Economical Expansion The hospital services have been designed to accomodate two extra wings if necessary. The heating, water, hydro and sewer system hag been installed to Chairman of our Construction Committee, Ulric Snell, We shall never know how much we owe to him for his labours over the past year, We should not forget ,the splendid co-operation pf the Coqnty of Huron, The Hon. Mackinnon Phillips and The. Hon. Paul Martin, Ministers of Health for the Province and Dominion respectively. Without the grants obtained from these sources the work would have been too large for our shoulders. Our Hospital is a continuing responsibility, let us keep our shoulders to the wheel and make it a continuing success. Sincerely, Elmer D. Bell, General Chairman hospital, and it is to them that an appeal is made to help finish the job. I’ve been particularly pleased with the number of donations received from former residents of Exeter and district and from old friends of the community. They certainly set the local residents a good example. The people of the district, I know, will feel thankful to all those workers who had given so much of. their time to the various branches of the work involved—the canvass for funds, the planning,' the building and the equipping of the hospital. There were many people doing this wofll—some of them giving nearly all their time. It is im­ possible to name them all, but special thanks is due many of them—the outstanding one being Ulric Snell, chairman of the building ana equipment commit­ tee. He did a marvellous job as you will see when you examine the building and its contents. It was niy privilege to assist in directing the canvass, and keep the books. . This I was happy to do until last fall when ill health forced me > to turn it over to Mr. C. E. Shaw, man­ ager of the Bank of Montreal, whom the Board appointed as­ sistant treasurer. He has done an excellent job and he sure has my sincere thanks. I wish the Hospital a very successful opening and many, many years of real success and of fine service- to the -people of the district. —R. N. Gi’eecli District Ladies On First Staff Miss Alice Claypole, superin­ tendent of nurses and nursing at the South Huron Hospital, is a graduate of St. Thomas Memorial Hospital, where she was a mem­ ber of the supervising staff from 1939 to 1951. She was on the staff of Scott Memorial Hospital before coming to Exeter. She has been here for the past month, assisting the Board in. the purchase of medical and. surgical supplies. Assisting her is Mrs. Jack Delbridge, Exeter, a graduate of Victoria Hospital, London, where she did supervisory work on the medical floor. After a post­ graduate course in medicine at Western, she continued her work in Victoria Hospital, Other registered nurses in the staff are Mrs. William Colter, Crediton; Mrs. Douglas Forbes, New Brunswick, and Mrs. Irene Bullis, formerly of Golden Jubi­ lee Hospital, British Columbia, staff. Miss Lillian Phillips is a graduate nurse of St. Peter’s Infirmary, Hamilton. Undergraduates who will act as nurses’ assistants are: Miss Mary Forsey, of Newfoundland; Miss Ruth Manning, Clinton; Miss Marilyn Pollard, Chatham; Miss Jean Little, I-Iensall; Mrs. John Ferguson and Mrs. William Hooper, Exeter, and Mrs. Allie Heink, Clinton. Non-trained nurses’ assistants are Marion Tinney. Exeter, and Shirley t)ixon, Clandeboye. Mrs. William Melville will be the hospital cook. Assisting on the kitchen staff and as ward aids, are Mrs. George Tinney, Miss Mildred Pferelle, Miss Betty Bailey and Mrs. Myrtle Hunter. Miss Claypole said the hos* pital will be opened with a Skele­ ton staff with additions made as they are required. take care of tile increase with­ out any extra equipment. Traquair Hardware This Special Edition Is Made Pos sible Through The Kind W. C. Allison Cann’s Mill Ltd.Larry Snider Motors Exeter Public Utilities Commission Snell Bros. Ltd* Guenther Tuckey Transports Ltd. W. G. Cochrane Jones, MacNaughton Seeds Ltd. Bell & Laughton Canada Packers South End Service Tuckey Beverages F. A. May & Son Exeter Insurance Agents W. H. Hodgson C. V. Wckard W. C. PCarcc G. W. Lawson E. C. .Harvey Clarke Fisher