~ 1912 HOSPITAL BUILDS NEW FACILITY ~
Keats' immortal epigram, "A thing of beauty is a joy forever," must have been he thought That suggested itself above all others to the thousands who thronged the spacious interior of the new hospital Friday afternoon and evening the building was thrown open or public inspection.
Not only was all Marlborough in attendance, but many from outside the City were present sometime during the afternoon and evening. Hudson was especially well, represented while others came from Southboro, Westboro, Clinton, Worcester and Boston. It was a constant stream of humanity from 2 clock in the afternoon, when the doors first opened until 10 o'clock in the evening, when the last person admiringly looked behind at the majestic looking building on the summit of Union St., which stands, like a beacon light to those who, weakened by sickness and suffering, will find within its walls that relief and consolation that only the kindly profession of surgery and medicine can give.
The arrangements for the event were as near "perfect as it is possible for human effort to achieve and whatever work was done by the committees was culminated by nature, who put on her most winsome smiles. Blue skies and weather that made us think of September added so little of the pleasure of the occasion.
A striking feature of the day was the manner in which all visitors were cared for. The reception committee was divided so that at all times between 2 and 10 p.m. members of the committee were on hand with pleasant greetings for all.
The air of cordiality which prevailed was impressive and it seemed as though it was but one large family that had gathered under a parental roof so thoroughly did all harmonize with the spirit of the occasion. Refreshments were served during the day. Golden words of raise were bestowed most liberally upon the capable and conscientious committee which made the opening such a notable success. All were pleased with the building, its equipment and its officials and were not chary with their words of commendation.
The site chosen for the new Marlborough hospital is one of the best adapted to such an institution in the state and is situated on the lot, so as to admit of any future changes or additions that may be necessary at a minimum of expense.
Groundbreaking - 1911
Pictures left to right - Dr. Ralph E. Stevens, Dr. Edward Ellis, Dr. Thomas F. McCarthy, Louis P. Howe, Trustees
Edward Murphy "Enterprise" reporter; Dr. Camillus T. Warner, president of the Trustees; Timothy J. Harris, vice president; Dr. Olivia J. Duhamel, Charles W. Curtis, Trustee; and standing in rear with working shovels, Andrew Padula, Joseph DiBuono, Domenic Testa and Nicholas Benedetto
The picturesque irregularity of the surrounding country, together with its various bodies of water, forms a most interesting background for the building. Its being set in one of the highest locations in the city affords an uninterrupted view for miles, from all-portions of the building.
On account of the ideal location for, a hospital, and a view which may be obtained from surrounding cities and town led Bigelow and Dyer, the architects, to the adoption of the modern classic, style of architecture, which makes it attractive from all points.
Very few public institutions have been so favored by generous friends as the Marlborough hospital. Every room in which patients are to be cared for has been furnished either by friends, individuals or organizations and three of the rooms have funds provided for their permanent maintenance.
The laying of the cornerstone of the hospital occurred Nov. 4, 1911. The exercises occurred at 1:30, with Arthur C. Lamson marshal. In a procession of automobiles, containing Mayor J. J. Shaughnessy, members of the building committee, trustees, physicians arid nurses, moved from city hall up Main, St. to Mechanic to Lincoln to Highland, to the site of the hospital, where a platform was erected. T.J. Harris called the gathering in order. He made a welcoming address. Dr. C. T. Warner was master of ceremonies. Songs were rendered by a double quartet. Addresses were made by Dr. Warner and ex Mayor William N. Davenport, prayer was by Rev. ET. Hayward of the Unitarian church, address by, Dr. E:G. Hoitt, mayor in 1898, laying of the cornerstone by Dr. Warner and presentation of working tools J.E. Warren Co. The benediction mass by Rev. E.F. Hayward.
During all these years of strength, adversity and prosperity, the main support of the trustees has been the never failing encouragement and financial help of the ladies board. The board was organized with the following original members: Anna M. Hitchcock, Mrs. Sarah Frances Hoiit, Mrs. Eliza J. Corey; Mrs. Hannah Clark Swift, Mrs. Lillian Robbie Hunter, Mrs. Sophia May Greeley and Miss Ellen A. O'Connell. Their declared purpose was to aid in carrying on the work of the Marlborough hospital establish and maintain a convalescent home, to care for, relieve and visit such patients in the Marlborough hospital and convalescent home as the trustees, house surgeons and physicians shall recommend to his care. How well this organization has carried out this laudable purpose those intimately associated with the hospital know well.
Marlboro Daily Enterprise
Saturday, December 17, 1912
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