ST. JOSEPH’S HOSPITAL

Source:  Dwight H. Bruce (ed.), Onondaga's Centennial.  Boston History Co., 1896, Vol. I, pp. 543-544.

St. Joseph’s Hospital. - This institution was founded in 1869 by the Sisters of the Third Franciscan Order, St. Anthony’s Convent, of this city. Property was bought on Prospect Hill on the 12th of April, 1869, consisting of an old saloon and dancing hall, for which the sum of $12,000 was paid. A brick structure was built to connect the two older buildings, rooms were partitioned off and the hospital was formally opened on the 7th of May, 1869. Sister Dominic was placed in charge with Sisters Mechtildes, Veronica, Johanna, and Haycinthe, assistants. To raise funds to pay for the property the Sisters solicited alms and received substantial aid. Citizens of the city also took a deep interest in the founding of the institution and aided in raising funds. During the first 123 patients were treated. In 1870 Mother Marianne was placed in charge of the hospital and held the position seven years. On the 23d of February, 1870, the hospital was incorporated. In 1873 Mother Bernardine was placed in charge and remained three and one-half years. Sister Dominic was then appointed for one year, when Mother Bernardine was reappointed and remained to 1889. In 1882 the hospital was enlarged by an addition on the south and west sides, and in 1888 another addition was built on the north and east sides, making the building 122 feet by 85 and one-half feet, and capable of accommodating 120 patients. In September, 1889, Sister Genevieve was placed in charge. The board of trustees comprises five citizens of Syracuse, the Mother Provincial acting as president. From the first organization of the hospital Drs. R. W. Pease and H. D. Didama took an active interest in the work, the former as attending surgeon, and later as visiting physician. Dr. Henry Crouse was selected as house physician and acted in that capacity for seven years. Dr. J. O. Burt and Dr. J. W. Lawton were also connected with the hospital in the early days. Upon the retirement of Dr. Crouse, Dr. D. M. Totman became house physician and served five years. In 1882 the staff was reorganized with Dr. R. W. Pease, surgeon-in-chief; Dr. H. D. Didama, physician-in-chief, and the following visiting staff: Medical, Drs. Henry L. Elsner, John L. Heffron, Gaylord P. Clark, and Margaret Stanton; surgical, Drs. Nathan Jacobson, D. M. Totman, and Scott Owen; oculist, Dr. U. H. Brown. Dr. Pease remained at the head of the surgical staff until his death in May, 1886. To his great skill and untiring zeal much of the success of the hospital is due. Upon his death Dr. H. D. Didama accepted the post. St. Joseph’s Hospital is one of the most beneficent institutions in Onondaga county.