As published in "The History of Racine and Kenosha Counties" (Chicago: 1879)
In 1871, Rev. E. C. Porter and Dr. De Koven, with the assistance of a few
others, rented a small house for a hospital. Its management was so successful,
that, from the start, it commended itself to the people, who have since given it
a generous support. The original building was supplied with two beds, properly
furnished; was opened and received the first inmate on the 25th day of December,
1871, Christmas Day. Soon after, two other beds were added, which were used by
twenty-one patients the first year. The second year, two more beds were added,
making six in all, this number being the full capacity of the building. The
beds, bedding and furniture of the rooms were all given by the ladies of the
city and of Racine College. That the Hospital should be a permanent charitable
institution was intended from the beginning. On the 15th day of April, 1872, the
corporators signed and adopted articles of association, obtaining rights and
protection under the laws of the State. On the following Christmas Eve, a
meeting was held in St. Luke's Church, at which time Hon. Charles E. Dyer and
Dr. De Koven made appropriate remarks upon the present and future hospital work
of Racine. In May next, through the efforts of A. G. Hartshorn and others, there
was received as the beginning of a permanent fund, $800, with one year's
interest, from the fund raised in Racine for the relief of the sufferers from
the Chicago fire. A few months after, $150 was added to the fund, a gift of the
German School Society, Mr. Frank Schneider being instrumental in obtaining it.
Mr. Simeon Whiteley made a personal subscription of $25, and Mrs. Bernard $5 to
the same fund. Upon several occasions, committees were appointed to examine
building sites, with a view of purchasing, and report as to the best location
upon which to erect a new building. On the evening of January 17, 1875, a second
meeting was held in St. Luke's Church, at which time several gentlemen made
addresses upon hospital work. Among the number were the late Rev. E. C. Porter,
Rev. Dr. DeKoven, J. G. Mynn, Dr. Meachem, A. C. Fish, Rev. Mr. Sawin and Rev.
Mr. Kilbourn, of this city, and Rev. Dr. Locke, of Chicago. At this meeting, a
committee, consisting of the following-named citizens-Rev. E. C. Porter, Simeon
Whiteley, T. G. Fish, W. T. Lewis, William K. May, H. T. Fuller and F. Schneider
-- was appointed to solicit subscriptions for the building fund. Very soon after
this, plans were drawn by George H. Clarke, of Chicago, for a building with a
capacity for forty beds, was presented to the Trustees for examination.
Estimates of the cost of a building after these, by Racine builders, placed the
necessary expense at about $12,000. The search for a building site was ended in
the following April by a gift from the late Rev. Porter and his wife, of two
lots and ten feet in Block 37, School Section, fronting 170 feet on College
avenue and 120 feet on Thirteenth street. This land was donated on two
conditions: first, that within five years, a building to cost not less than
$5,000 should be erected thereon; and, second that for five consecutive years
thereafter, the building should be used for hospital purposes. The acceptance of
this gift caused them to have Mr. Clarke's plans modified to reduce the probable
expense, resulting, however, in a reduction of only about $1,000. Next comes the
Centennial year, and the interest gotten up by the projects of the Centennial
Improvement Association. The hospital matter was merged into this. The public
meeting held in Belle City Hall added to the building fund $250 from J. I. Case,
$250 and $100 from H. S. Durand. The Free Masons also contributed $108.35. The
proceeds of a dinner given on the Fourth of July, in the Methodist Church, added
$347, and through the efforts of S. Whiteley, George Beemer and others, an
unexpended balance of $89, raised for the purchase of fire-works, was also
added. In the mean time, plans were matured and adopted. W. H. Amos, of the
College, having taken the matter in hand, produced a plan which, with some
alterations, resulted in the one after which the new building has been erected.
An estimate on this placed the probable expense at $5,500. The Trustees had also
appointed two of their number to solicit subscriptions, Rev. E. B. Spaulding and
J. G. Meachem, Jr., whose efforts secured $3,000. On August 15, the building
fund, including subscriptions, amounted to $4,869. Proposals to erect the
building were received on the same day, from L. Bradley, T. H. Davis, Joseph
Bohn & Co., and Messrs. Lichter & May, the last named being the lowest bidders.
After making some changes in the specifications, the contract was drawn and
signed on the 25th day of August, Lichter & May being the contractors for the
sum of $5,292. The building was begun immediately, and carried forward as fast
as the weather would permit, and at the end of five months was ready for
occupation. The corner-stone was laid on the 21st of September, without
ceremony. During the course of construction, additions were made to the value of
$208, making the cost of the entire building, as it now stands, $5,500.49-
curious enough equal to the estimate of probable cost. The new building was
taken possession of in February, 1877. It is now divided into five wards,
supplied with eleven beds. In case of necessity, a sixth ward is accessible, and
the number of beds may be increased to twenty-two. By a gift of $250 from Mrs.
E. C. Porter, a ward was furnished with four beds complete in every respect,
which is known as the Porter Ward. Uniform with it, Dr. De Koven and his friends
have furnished another ward four beds, called the De Koven Ward. The ladies of
the College furnished a room known as the College Room. One of the wards is
furnished by the McDonald Lodge, No. 137, 1. 0. 0. F. The beds are of iron, and
like those in the new Cook County Hospital in Chicago, having wire woven spring
mattresses. Many other societies, firms and individuals not mentioned,
contributed liberally in furthering the work. The institution is supported by
contribution from the citizens. The Ladies Guild Society of Racine College
contribute $250 and Mrs. E. C. Porter $250, per year. The institution is very
pleasantly located, surrounded by nicely sodded grounds, and admirably managed.
Robert Bell is Steward, and his wife Matron. The officers are: Rev. Arthur
Piper, President; Dr. J. G. Meachem, Jr., Secretary; Trustees, the Warden of
Racine College, Rev. Dr. F. W. A. Falk, Dr. J. G. Meachem, Sr., H. B. Moore,
Physicians, Dr. J. G. Meachem, Sr., and Dr. J. G. Meachem, Jr. Treasurer, W. H.
Amos.