Times-Advocate, 1983-11-09, Page 34Exeter businessman first
hospital manager
Harper Rivers, local businessman,
who was one of those in on the plan-
ning of the hospital right from the
beginning, was appointed general
manager of the new facility by the
board of directors.
According to Mrs. Marjorie
Delbridge, the assistant director of
nursing at the time, Mr. Rivers was
the man for the job. "He was the
person who got the workings of the
hospital rolling smoothly". She
remembers that he was in the
hospital from early morning until late
at night, visiting every area to keep
everyone happy and working at their
best.
Charlie Allison, the first
maintenance man at the hospital
recalls how he and Mr. Rivers travell-
ed to many other hospitals to study
their cleaning techniques before
South Huron even opened its doors.
"He wanted to know all the best
methods for everything," says Mr.
Allison. "He wanted our hospital to
be as good or better than the others.
He took great pride in it."
Small staff
When South Huron Hospital open-
ed its doors to serve this community
it had a small number of people
working in it compared with the
hospital's staff today. But its
smallness made for homey
friendliness.
It is told that Mrs. William Melville,
a well known local lady who was the
first cook would step out into the hall
and call, "Dinner's ready", when it
was time to serve the food.
Harp Rivers, the general manager,
was a butcher by trade. He personal-
ly purchased the meat for each day
and cut it up in the hospital kitchen.
Alice Claypole was director of nur-
sing, and assistant director was Mrs.
Marjorie Delbridge.
Only three other registered nurses
were on staff...Mrs. Wm. Coulter,
Mrs. Douglas Forbes and Mrs. Irene
Bullis. Lillian Phillips was hired as a
graduate nurse.
Mary Forsey and Ruth Manning
were acting nurses' assistants, along
with Marilyn Pollard, Jean Little, Mrs.
Please turn to page 18
ConfJra1u/a1iond
to
South Huron Hospital
We're pleased to supply
the best in
fine foods
Exeter 235-0212
Co nyratulatio nJ
10
South Huron
Hospital
in Exeter
on their
30th Anniversary
We appreciate the valuable service
you provide to the community
Wiegoifig/oiatiOd
Mathers Motors
"Your Dual Line Chrysler Dealer
136 Main St., North, Exeter 235-1525
1 !MINI lit
ilougr r,utAs
Page 16
South Huron Hospital
f
Spooking Wood
FASHIONS FOR HER
375 MAIN ST EXETER
(�ongNutulationo
to
South Huron Hospital
for
30 years of service to
our community
- TELEPHONE 235-0909
J
Page 17