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The Hood River County Sun, Hood River, OR., January 25, 1939, page 10

HOOD RIVER HOSPITAL DECLARED FREE OF DEBT

The Hood River Hospital is now free from debt, it became known at the annual meeting of the hospital association, held here last Wednesday. A complete report of Mrs. Almira E. Ferguson, president of the association, follows:
Anniversaries always have a particular significance in life and we are sure our fifteenth report is one of our most important ones.
Our superintendent and anesthetist, Mrs. Clara McCorkle, has given us a very complete and interesting report. Before coming to Hood River, July, 1936, Mrs. McCorkle was assistant superintendent in Dr. Coffee's hospital, Portland.
Our treasurer, Mr. L.M. Baldwin, has just read his fifteenth annual report and it contains figures that were a surprising, even to be executive board.
You that have followed the reports during the past years, know that Mrs. Anna M. Spring created a hospital fund of her own. This fund was managed and cared for many years by Mr. E.O. Blanchar. Mr. Blanchar delivered the securities amounting to $8,000.00 to the executive committee to be used in building this hospital.
During the years other gifts have come to us from this loyal lady, who loved Hood River and our hospital.
Miss Spring's death occurred last year and she had remembered our hospital very generously. The last $8000.00 indebtedness on this building was her gift to humanity. This was in addition to the above $8000.00 and all the other gifts made by Miss Spring.
We celebrate May 12th as National Hospital Day, honoring the birthday of Florence Nightengale. This year Mrs. E.O. Blanchar served as general chairman and was assisted by many others in making this an outstanding occasion.
The hospital was beautifully decorated, tea was served in the dining room. More than 125 persons visited our building. They became better acquainted with the staff and facilities for caring for the sick.
One of the pleasant features was a visit from our beloved Miss Theressa Stampher, a former superintendent.

NEW EQUIPMENT

One of the greatest improvement this year it is our elevator. It has been made over, new electric brakes. It meets all state requirements and has inside gates, linoleum and new paint. In fact, one of our doctors feel like a bird in a gilded cage when he rides in it.
We are very proud of our new laboratory. I believe about $1200 has been spent in new equipment. Mrs. Beverley Fosha is Laboratory Technician. She is a graduate of the Bethel Hospital training school, Colorado Springs, and has done special work in laboratory and bacteriology at the Portland Medical School and Coffee Clinic.
Miss Meta Lauterbach has been with us since the opening of the Hood River Hospital as a community organization in 1924. Miss Meta Lauterbach is our assistant superintendent and has charge of the surgery and X-ray rooms. Her assistant is Mrs. Blanche Rand.
We have added a floor type infra red lamp, blood pressure apparatus, a stethoscope and a Standard Buckeye Diagram and table has been ordered.
Our nursery is one of the most interesting places in the hospital. There is such a definite campaign in America for the safety of our mothers and babies. We have had reported 118 births and no new born deaths have occurred. Mrs. Bernice Van Osten, who has been with us over a year, has charge of the babies. We are very proud to report that we have added a new obstetrical delivery room to this service.

NEW FURNISHINGS

We have added 5 Simmons Beautyrest mattresses and one surgical bed, for metal bedside stand.
Mrs. E.O. Blanchar is chairman of furnishings committee and has just completed draperies for the main corridor and entrance hall. Many of the rooms and corridors have been refinished.
The Hood River Pioneer's Society, Mrs. William Stuart, hospital committee chairman, has placed appropriate draperies at the windows in their two bed rooms.
Dr. C.C. Chick presented the hospital with a culture incubator for the laboratory.
Mrs. A.F. Adam gave $15.00 which was used by the furnishings committee for a chair for the reception room.
Mrs. Blanchar gave 8 chairs for the dining room.
Dr. S.E. Wells gave a floor flash light for the surgery.
Mr. Fisher sent one gallon of oysters for Christmas.
The Blue Birds and the Apostolic Faith church children have given picture books.
Mr. Leslie Butler has loyally taken care of the apple bin. Others have brought pears and other fruit.
Mrs. Margaret Jarvis, who has been with us several years, is now our book-keeper. Miss Marguerite Ferrin serves as a dietitian and has been with us to years. Miss Ferrin has just completed a course in dietetics with Columbia University and is now doing work with the University of Washington.
Mr. Couchman has contributed to the efficiency of the hospital and beauty of the park, by dependability as a custodian.
Miss Lida Sublett has been our cook for the past 18 months. The food is good. The kitchen is a cheerful place and our plans are for an electric dish washers, being installed very soon.
We have a few new members and we welcome them. The same old question has been asked: "How can I become a member of the Hood River Hospital?" You can become a member by paying $10.00 or more for a non-assessable, non-profit membership.
This gives you the privilege of attending the annual meetings and voting.
We have lost by death a member of the board of directors, Mrs. Katherine Ainsworth. Mrs. Ainsworth had served faithfully her community and is greatly missed.
Once a month, or oftener, our executive committee meets, including our vice-president, Mrs. E.R. Pooley, and Mrs. McCorkle, we have six persons. In looking over our books I find we have never had less than five present at any meeting during the year.
Mr. Wesley Shannon, who has served as a director for many years has been ill. We are glad to report that he is able to be up and gaining in strength. Mr. and Mrs. Shannon sent their greetings and regret being unable to be present this evening.
My report would not be complete without reminding you that 919 babies have been born and 9321 patients admitted, a total of 10,249 during the life of the Hood River Hospital.
Again to the Board of Directors and the Executive Board, I express my sincere appreciation for youe kindness and generosity during the past fifteen years.

Respectfully submitted.
Almira E. Ferguson,
President