Riverside Community Memorial Hospital

By Mrs. Willard Olson

 

            Modern medicine requires the facilities of a modern hospital with skilled personnel, quicker and more accurate diagnosis with x-ray and electrocardiograph techniques and modern laboratories expertly staffed.

            With this in mind, a group of interested citizens met on December 2, 1947, to formulate plans for a community hospital.  From then until April, 1953, various attempts at fund raising and affiliations were carried on.

            A successful drive for funds came in the fall of 1953 when Myron Barton of Northfield, Minn., was hired as hospital consultant and fund-raising counsel.  Money was obtained for a community memorial hospital to be owned and operated by the people who supported it.

            On September 10, 1953, the firm of Durrant and Bergquist of Bascobel, Wis., was selected to prepare plans. On Nov. 26, 1953, the deed to the site was given by the donors, Mr. E.P. Kissinger and Dr. John Pelton.

            On June 17, 1954, ground breaking ceremonies took place and on the next day, August Voeltner, general contractor, started construction.  Plumbing and heating was awarded to Rhode of Waterloo, Wis., and Uptown Electric, Waupaca, was given the electrical contract.

            On June 10, 1955, the cornerstone was laid and in October, 1955, the doors were opened for patients.

            The total cost was $422,775.  Federal aid 45 percent, community 55 percent for the 45-bed Riverside Community Memorial Hospital.

            A dream had become a reality – a living memorial.