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Rockdale Health Center
Article to News Media by W. G. Kilpatrick
Milstead people have again
demonstrated their community spirit in the drive for funds to construct a
Health Center in Rockdale County. According to an announcement by W. G.
Kilpatrick, $12,500 has been subscribed. More than 800 people have
pledged the amount, making the average donation of $15 per person. All
pledge cards are not in, but it is expected to reach $13,000. Pledges may
be paid in cash or payroll deductions. Spurred by an announcement that
Callaway Foundation has donated $40,000 and Rockdale County $20,000,
$40,000 will be raised through public and private gifts. Money is not the
only contribution made by Milstead and farm people. One lady offered five
hens and they were promptly accepted. All such gifts are sold and receipts
given to the giver.
Note: The estimated cost of $100,000
was short by some $50,000 and was raised in the end. The Conyers News
said: "The wonderful spirit demonstrated by the employees of the Milstead
Plant and the spirit of the Callaway Foundation is a great challenge to
the rest of Rockdale County." |
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Rockdale's
First Hospital - 1953-54
In 1953, the
Milstead employees and their families were notified that Callaway
Mills Foundation based in LaGrange, Georgia was donating $40,000
toward building Rockdale County's first hospital. They called on the
Milstead people to donate their fair share. The employees responded
by giving a day's pay toward the $100,000 needed. They also planned
and held other fund raising drives. a 12-acre plot of land that was
part of the former farm the company operated in earlier times to
grow feed for the company livestock was sold. At the time the
superintendent's white frame house stood adjacent to the plot. All
that remains as a reminder of those past days is the cement rock
steps located at the entrance of the Starcrest Nursing home on
Milstead Road.
The venture
was entered into with Rockdale County. The commissioner appointed a
committee to supervise the undertaking. Mr. C. E. Rich, Plant
Manager was the chairman. W. G. Kilpatrick, J. T. Chambers, J. M.
Rambley, J. H. Perry, C. C. Hamilton, and Commissioner W. H.
Brisendine, were the committee members.
The Chairmen
of Fund Raising were Julian Brisendine and Martin Hurst.
They raised $50,000 through gifts, subscriptions and the County
contributed $41,000. In August 1954, the doors were opened with
C. E. Rich cutting the ribbon. Many Milstead people remember the
day and saw a dream come true. In 1962, nine years later, the
hospital was improved and enlarged. It served the citizens of
Rockdale and other Counties until 1979 when the new Hospital was
completed.
The
groundbreaking for the current hospital was August 2, 1976. It
officially opened March 1, 1979, with a medical staff of 47. There
were 76 private rooms and 24 semi-private. Since that time, several
additions have been made, including the Women's Resources and
Birthplace, and day surgery in 1990. Mr. Archer Rose was the
driving force behind the expansion and remodeling. He served as
director and president. |
