In recognition of Wallaceburg’s 150th anniversary this year, the Wallaceburg & District Museum has launched a new feature on social media: ‘150 Facts, for 150 Years’.
Here is one of their recent posts:
“The Sydenham Hospital was first conceptualized at the end of the First World War, when a flu like epidemic swept the country killing millions throughout North America. The tragic virus was thought to be brought over with the returning soldiers who fought in Europe. More than fifty deaths were recorded in Wallaceburg alone. Captain James Steinhoff turned over the Arlington Hotel to use as an emergency hospital, but the community felt it needed a permanent health institution after the Spanish Flu ceased.
Sisters Ada Meredith and Alma Baughman rallied on behalf of the Imperial Order Daughters of the Empire (Baldoon Chapter), leading the movement for the hospital to be situated on land donated by Charles Hazzard. By 1922, over $35,000 had been raised. Unfortunately, this was not enough, and the idea was shelved for the next 30 years until the Second World War when fresh hope, and the need to house returning injured veterans, saw a renewed desire to build a local hospital.
Exercising his great organizational abilities and with the communities’ amazing spirit, H.W. Burgess (a.k.a. “Mr. Wallaceburg”) spearheaded the drive to bring the hospital idea into a reality.
Fundraising began in earnest, and the first sod for the new hospital was turned on June 7, 1955 – this time on land donated by Lawrence (Tony) and Emily Martin.
In October of that year, the brand-new Sydenham Hospital opened its doors to patients.
The hospital is a staunch reminder of the strong community spirit in Wallaceburg with the citizens digging deep to fund the first expansion in 1967 when the east wing was added. Since then, many times the community has fought hard to keep the hospital going. Some would say, it is the symbol of hope and dedication of a community that shed blood, sweat, and tears, to provide care for its residents.”
If you have an old photo, or video, that you would like to see on the Sydenham Current, let us know by sending us an email to sydenhamcurrent@gmail.com.
