100 Years of Caring

Wednesday, September 16, 2015 |
Celebrating
100 Years of Caring
1915 – 2015
1
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| Wednesday, September 16, 2015
FGH INVITES
COMMUNITY TO
CENTENNIAL
PICNIC
A
s a way of expressing appreciation for 100
years of community support, Franklin General Hospital invites the public to a Centennial
picnic on the hospital campus from 1-4 p.m.
on Sunday, Sept. 20. In addition to food, the event will
feature musical entertainment and lawn games for all ages.
The afternoon will begin with an open house from
12:30-1:30 p.m. so visitors can walk through the beautiful,
state-of-the art hospital.
Food will be served from 1-4 p.m. during the picnic.
Food will include brats and sauerkraut (remembering the
hospital’s German heritage), hotdogs and porkburgers
grilled by Franklin County Pork Producers, and tamales
(recognizing our more recent immigrants), along with
potato chips. Dessert will be birthday cake and ice cream
served by the FGH Auxiliary.
At 1 p.m., the Yupitsa Band will perform. A brief program at 2 p.m. will include local children putting items in
a time capsule. The capsule will later be placed in a new
sundial sculpture created by Sukup Manufacturing and
presented as a Centennial gift by the Auxiliary. From 3-4
p.m., the H-D Mariachi Band will play.
Families can participate in lawn games throughout the
afternoon, including mini-golf, a “Àshing” game, potato
sack races, arts and crafts, piñatas, and much more. If circumstances allow, the Mercy Air Med helicopter will also
be on display.
Members of the 2015 Franklin General Hospital Board of Trustees include front row, left to
right: Secretary Jan Siems, President John Trewin and Treasurer Nancy Showalter. Back
row: Steve Abbas, April Hemmes, Linda Kuehner and Brenton Schwab.
• A community-wide effort
The Centennial celebration didn’t happen over night.
Franklin General Hospital extends sincere appreciation to
the group of community volunteers who established and
carried out plans for hospital’s 100th anniversary celebration.
The Steering Committee, chaired by Charles Brown,
included members Julie Salvesen, David Heuberger, Pat
Sackville, Kathy Bobst, Doreen Petersen, Tina Reynolds,
Cindy Wittmer, Chris Eckhoff, Marilyn Jurgena, Sandie
Whalen, Linda Kuehner, Kim Price and LeAnn Strother.
The Events Committee, chaired by Pat Sackville, was
made up of Sister Carmen Hernandez, Sister Maura McCarthy, David Heuberger, Stephanie Powers, Cindy Wittmer,
John Lyman, Val Gonzalez and LeAnn Strother.
The History Committee, chaired by Kathy Bobst,
was comprised of Raelene Borcherding, Norma Casperson, Joan Coonley, Chris Eckhoff, Sharon Elling, Melba
Muhlenbruch, Doreen Petersen, Jane Schmitt, Lois Stratmann, Brian Thies, Mardell VanKleeck, Lori West and
LeAnn Strother. In addition, Randy Kline took many photos and UNI student Carrie Mulford helped greatly with
the hospital’s Centennial display at the Franklin County
Historical Society Museum.
Q
THE FGH FOUNDATION
is pleased to have supported the efforts of the
Franklin General Hospital for nearly
a quarter of a century.
We are grateful to the generous donors
who make those achievements possible.
Every gift, large or small, helps FGH in its commitment to provide
the best of health care for area residents.
You can provide a gift to assist in the hospital’s current needs or visit with your
attorney about leaving a portion of your estate to assure excellent healthcare
for your community in the future.
Wednesday, September 16, 2015 |
From an architect’s rendering of the original Lutheran Hospital to today’s modern facilities, FGH has
grown tremendously during the past century.
HOSPITAL’S RICH
HISTORY MARKED WITH
MANY TWISTS AND TURNS
I
n 1915, Hampton Lutheran Hospital
was built as a three-story facility near
downtown. Business boomed as the
hospital drew patients from near and
far; as a result, the decision was made in
1917 to add another Áoor.
The new hospital included a nurses’
training center, which graduated approximately 180 nurses before closing in 1933.
In following decades the hospital experienced numerous challenges like the Great
Depression, polio epidemic and World War
II taking many of the town’s physicians.
By 1962, the Lutheran Hospital Association could no longer continue Ànancing
the hospital at the pace needed to keep up
with many changes in health care. After
a special county election, the Lutheran
Churches relinquished operation of the facility in 1963, and it was renamed Franklin
General Hospital.
In 1971, a new hospital was built on the
east edge of Hampton. Since that time, the
hospital has invested in keeping up with
changing trends in technology as well as
making numerous facility updates. A complete renovation of the hospital was completed in 2012.
In addition to hospital services, FGH
includes Franklin Country View Nursing
Facility and four Franklin Medical Center
clinics in Hampton, Dows, Latimer and
Dumont. With 185 employees, it is Franklin County’s second-largest employer.
“Certainly, the hospital has undergone
many changes through the years,” said
FGH CEO Kim Price. “As in the past,
Franklin General Hospital continues to be
committed to keeping pace with the health
needs of our community.”
During this Centennial year, for instance, FGH is implementing a new electronic health record system that will tie
together clinic and hospital records to help
provide seamless care for patients. Price
was excited about the change and pleased
by the hospital’s tradition of meeting the
community’s needs.
3
FGH CENTENNIAL
BOOK AVAILABLE
AT LOBBY
SHOPPE
“Celebrating 100 Years of
Caring,” a 64-page hard cover
history of Franklin General
Hospital, will be available for
$10 in the FGH Lobby Shoppe
during and following the
Centennial celebration, while
supplies last.
Sharon Elling, a member of the
Centennial History Committee,
entertained several community
groups this summer with her
lively portrayal of Mrs. Powers,
the wife of one of the hospital’s
original physicians.
“We’re proud of our staff, as well as all
the volunteers, for their ongoing hard work,
sacriÀce and dedication,” he said. “As we
look toward the future and begin our second century, we look forward to continuing
as this county’s ‘trusted health care partner
for life.’ ”
Q
Volunteers on the FGH
Centennial History Committee
made the commitment nearly
a year ago to document
the hospital’s story. They
invested numerous hours and
much energy in researching
and writing articles for this
special publication, designed
by Brian Thies.
“The book is truly the result
of committee members’ close
collaboration,” says History
Committee Chair Kathy
Bobst. “They became deeply
involved in their research
and worked together to verify
their information and search
for timely photos.”
Special thanks to the
Community Foundation of
Franklin County and the FGH
Foundation for their help
with publication expenses.
Without their ¿nancial
contributions, the price of
the book would have been
signi¿cantly higher.
The Franklin Country View Nursing Facility is one of many ways the hospital has branched out to
serve the community throughout its 100-year history.
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| Wednesday, September 16, 2015
Current members of the FGH Foundation Board include front row, left to right: Linda Kuehner, Sandie Whalen, Vicki Kruse, Vice Chair
Marge Schurman and FGH CEO Kim Price. Back row: John Trewin, Chair Dave Heuberger, Julie Salvesen, Secretary/Treasurer Ron Raney
and John Rowe. Not pictured: LeAnn Strother, Foundation Manager.
“ABSOLUTELY AMAZING”
FGH Foundation helps raise more than
$3.5 million for hospital upgrades, additions
A new portable
ultrasound machine
was purchased in 2014
with the help of an
anonymous donor.
F
rom its humble beginnings 23 years
ago to its most recent capital campaign, the Franklin General
Hospital Foundation has
played a vital role in transforming FGH into the institution it is today.
“When we started it, we knew there
were people out there that would be good
contributors,” said Julie Salvesen, one of
the foundation’s original members. “But
not in our wildest dreams did we think it
could be so expansive.”
The foundation was born out of necessity in 1992. The local economy was still
reeling from the farm crisis of the 1980s,
and FGH was feeling the effects. Financial
instability eventually led to a round of layoffs that left some local residents questioning the hospital’s future viability.
However, FGH Administrator Gary Busack and other supporters had an idea: Start
a foundation to raise money for upgrades
and hopefully right the ship.
“We needed to spend money on the hospital, but the local economy was just so
bad at the time,” Salvesen said. “It was like
pulling teeth trying to get people on that
Àrst board.”
Eventually, a group was gathered and
the foundation was established. Salvesen,
who had just been laid off by the hospital,
gladly jumped on board.
“People said to me, ‘Are you crazy?
They just laid you off!’” she recalled. “But
I didn’t really care, because it was something I believed in. The need was great.”
The foundation got to work on its Àrst
capital campaign and never looked back.
Since 1992, the group has raised more than
People said to me,
‘Are you crazy? They
just laid you off!’” she
recalled. “But I didn’t
really care, because
it was something I
believed in. The need
was great.
Julie Salvesen
$3.5 million in cash for facility upgrades
and many other large-scale projects at the
hospital.
Besides helping fund capital campaigns
for building projects, the foundation helps
purchase state-of-the-art equipment and
technology. Examples of foundation-funded purchases in recent years include: a new
ultrasound machine, software for laparoscopic surgery, the table for eye surgeries, a
soundmasking machine for greater patient
privacy in the family practice and specialty clinics, new patient beds, computerized
IV pumps, crash carts, and automated and
heated exam tables for women’s health
rooms.
Following the hospital’s most
recent renovation, the new
hospice suite includes a
room for the patient’s family
to gather and spend time in
privacy and comfort.
Wednesday, September 16, 2015 |
5
The FGH
foundation has
helped purchase
state-of-the-art
patient beds.
A donor wall in the hospital’s
main lobby recognizes
contributors who have made
the foundation successful.
The foundation
has helped
with updates
for surgical
technology.
The foundation’s success is directly attributed to competent leadership and a generous community. The group typically asks
for pledges from residents and businesses
during each capital campaign, which have
seen a success rate of around 95 percent,
according to Salvesen.
“Most pledge drives elsewhere usually
see a failure rate of 25 to 45 percent,” she
said. “Ours typically only fail because peo-
ple either move or pass away. People see
the need for a progressive local hospital
and want to give.”
The foundation puts its money to work
and invests a portion of each planned donation it receives like bequests and insurance
policies. The board is typically laden with
local bankers and other Ànancial brokers,
which helps keep accounts in tip-top shape.
“Having a good director has always
Congratulations
Franklin General Hospital
Thank you for being a Community
Partner in Healthcare
FRANKLIN COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH
AND
FRANKLIN COUNTY HOME CARE SERVICE
been the deÀning factor to a successful
capital campaign. It’s absolutely vital, and
we’ve had outstanding leadership,” Salvesen said.
Sound investments, quality leadership
and a giving community have allowed the
foundation to give back and make FGH one
of the region’s leading health care providers. Salvesen, the lone member of the original foundation still serving on the board,
Phone 641-456-2578
www.cdkinc.biz
Q
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was conÀdent the community would continue supporting the hospital now and in
the future.
“The amount of effort and collaboration
it took this community to build the hospital 100 years ago was just incredible,” she
said. “Now a century later, we’re still giving back. It’s just absolutely amazing for a
community our size.”
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6
| Wednesday, September 16, 2015
MEMORIES OF LUTHERAN
HOSPITAL
T
he old brick and concrete Lutheran Hospital was usually full. Day
and night, employees walked
from one room to the next on linoleum Áoors, caring for patients.
When the building was dedicated in
1915, Rev. Otto von Gemmingen introduced it as a place open to all, where “loving our neighbors as ourselves” was vital.
After aide training in 1969, Marie Russell started her career there on third Áoor
night shifts. She practiced that lesson every
day and cared mainly for older patients.
At age 12, she followed in her mother’s footsteps and began washing dishes
at a nursing home. By 15, she worked as
a nurse’s aide. Helping older people was
always in her blood, she said. She later
worked as a unit secretary in the hospital.
“I learned to be kind to people,” Russell
said. “They may be very sick or dying. You
hold their hand, you talk softly to them,
sometimes cry with them.”
Empathy, patience and understanding
are important parts of a nurse’s job, she
said, and her career taught her to be a better
person.
“You need to take time to listen to them
and be kind,” she said.
There was always a helper around when
the bell rang from a patient’s room. More
than one nurse or aide would rush to the
signal. It didn’t matter if you were an RN
The original hospital building, located near downtown,
was used from 1915 to 1971.
Marie Russell
or an aide, everyone worked together, she
said.
“Somebody would always come and
help you,” she recalled. “You never felt like
you had to do something alone.”
One night shift in 1971 was unlike the
rest. At 3 a.m., patients were woken up and
bathed for moving day.
Congratulations
Franklin General Hospital
100 years of providing
healthcare for our community
By about 7 a.m., patients were dressed,
bags were packed and ambulances were
ready to bring patients on gurneys to their
new rooms across town at Franklin General
Hospital.
Former director of nursing Joan Leiran
said everyone was settled in the new building by dinnertime. She was thankful for the
staff that helped carry out the move.
Medicare, enacted in 1966, brought new
money and organization to health care, Leiran said, and the new hospital was a “glorious gift to nursing and to the people of
Franklin County.”
Russell described the new building as
being high-class – they Ànally had steril-
Q
Thanks for giving us
a Great Start!
BRAD
641-456-2557 or 800-750-3557 | Hwy 65 N. - HAMPTON
www.franklinrec.com
izers and more bathrooms – but it took a
while to adjust.
“It was a zoo,” she said. “We had a lot of
laughs trying to Ànd anything.”
Though she retired from Franklin General in 2006, Russell continues her work
with the hospital by volunteering with the
Senior Health Insurance Information Program that is available to local citizens.
She has been a part of the program since
2003 and said the same empathy and tireless effort for the patients is needed in volunteering for the hospital.
“I have nothing but good memories,”
she said. “We had a lot of good helpers and
good friends.”
SUSAN
KURT
21 4th St. NE • Hampton
641-456-3607
www.staleyonline.com
Wednesday, September 16, 2015 |
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| Wednesday, September 16, 2015
ADAPTING AND EVOLVING
to
Franklin General Hospital on
www.hamptonstate.com 641-456-2559
Member FDIC
CONGRATULATIONS
8
Changes in technology, equipment
highlight FGH’s century of caring
E
volving technology has been at
the forefront of Franklin General Hospital’s progressive 100year history. As FGH prepares to
celebrate its Centennial, take a look back at
some notable changes and additions to the
hospital’s vast inventory of state-of-the-art
equipment.
A majority of big technological changes
occurred in the 1970s and 1980s as computers became more widely available. In
1976, FGH had one computer terminal in
the business ofÀce and transmitted data at
night to an off-site computer company.
Only a few reports were run in-house,
but all forms, checks, statements and insurance forms were printed off-site and delivered via courier. The Àrst in-house computer system at Franklin General Hospital was
installed in 1979. This system was located
in the data processing department in large
cabinets that used three discs about 18
inches in diameter.
In 1988, FGH was part of a group of
Mercy-managed hospitals to purchase the
Healthland computer system. FGH was the
Àrst of Àve network sites to go live and was
Healthland’s second hospital in Iowa. At
that time, personal computers were added
to the business ofÀce, medical records and
personnel/payroll departments. Now, virtually every desk in every department has a
computer on it and all staff have access to
emails.
Imaging technology like MRI and PET
scans became possible because faster computers could reconstruct images of the
body. More diagnostic lab tests were developed because automated laboratory machines could perform more tests faster and
more accurately.
Eventually, FGH was able to provide
laparoscopic and cataract surgery in the
1990s. To accommodate new equipment,
some departments required remodeling.
This was the case with the hospital’s Àrst
in-house CT scanner. Other changes included automated blood pressure machines
and thermometers, IV pumps to control the
rate of administration, and other computerized equipment to provide patient care.
New procedures, equipment and personnel have led to new services being made
available at FGH. This year, the hospital
has been implementing a new electronic
health record system at its main location
and four clinics. The changes will allow the
hospital to continue serving the community
as its needs evolve.
While many things have changed over the past 100 years,
there’s one thing that has remained consistent...
just how fortunate we are to
have a local hospital staīed
with caring professionals.
As a local bank, we understand the posiƟve economic impact Franklin General Hospital has had on our community.
Thank you FGH for providing quality healthcare to the residents of Franklin County for the past 100 years. May you
conƟnue to prosper and grow in the future!
Member FDIC
Wednesday, September 16, 2015 |
CHANGES AND ADDITIONS, 2009-2015
2009
Groundbreaking for the $15.5
multiphase construction project took
place in June. Additions included
administration/business ofÀces,
physical therapy, cardiac rehab, all
private patient rooms in medical/
surgical unit, updated surgical suite
and emergency center. A new phone
system went live in November,
and in-house ambulance stafÀng
was implemented to assure rapid
responses to calls.
2010
A fundraising campaign called
“Healing, Renewing, Expanding”
helped Ànance the $15.5 million
renovation. The Affordable Care Act
was passed, with most of its changes
to take effect in 2014. In July, Kim
Price became FGH’s new CEO.
The hospital converted to digital
mammography.
2012
The hospital renovation was
completed. In October, FGH Chief
Nursing OfÀcer Chris Eckhoff received
the Outstanding Nurse Executive
Award from the Iowa Hospital
Association. A Process Excellence
Department was formed with an
increased focus on the LEAN process,
a systemic method for the elimination
of waste.
2013
The nursing facility was renamed
Franklin Country View to promote its
own branding. In October, a patient
portal was developed to give patients
access to their own health information.
2014
Franklin Country View received the
2014 Leading Edge Care and Services
Award for their work in rehabilitation.
A nurse residency program was
established with Mercy Medical
Center–North Iowa. Health coach and
navigator positions were established
as part of the new Population Health
program. A disease registry was
established.
Strong Foundations...
is what you’ll find at both Franklin General Hospital
and First Citizens National Bank!
First Citizens strengthens our local
community and economy by channeling
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We support local businesses like
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2015
FGH and FMC adopted a new
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Community Works. FGH celebrated its
Centennial.
A majority of this article was derived
from a feature in the hospital’s Centennial
book, Franklin General Hospital: Celebrating 100 Years of Caring. The book is available in the FGH Lobby Shoppe for $10.
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Q
CONGRATULATIONS FGH ON
100 YEARS!
UBTC is proud to partner with, support and serve Franklin General Hospital. United
Bank & Trust Company wishes FGH continued success in their next 100 years.
FGH Board of Trustees
Member FDIC
www.ubtc.net
9
10
| Wednesday, September 16, 2015
LONGTIME PHYSICIAN REFLECTS ON
42 YEARS AT FGH
A passion for
practicing medicine
has led to an
extensive career for
FGH physician Dr.
Keith Hansen.
D
r. Keith Hansen does not lean
toward the emotional or the
dramatic; however, reÁecting
on Franklin General Hospital’s
Centennial, even he recognizes how monumental it is that he has practiced medicine
here for 42 of those 100 years.
His FGH story starts with the “new”
hospital, built on the east side of Hampton
in 1971. The dean of students at the College of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery
in Des Moines was scheduled to speak at
the dedication for the new facility, but was
unable to attend. Because Hansen had been
the president of the student body and grown
up in Ackley, he was asked to represent the
school at the ceremony.
After the ofÀcial festivities, he spent
time with several community members,
who asked his opinion of the hospital.
“It was a pretty nice little hospital,”
Hansen recalls, “I liked Hampton. It was
neat and clean, and the people were friendly.”
He left that day with an invitation to establish a medical practice after his internship was complete.
A short time later, Hansen and a colleague, Dr. David Wilson, were planning a
clinic that would be built across the drive
from the hospital because regulations at
that time prohibited doctors’ ofÀces from
being within a public hospital. Named
Franklin Medical Center because it was
meant to serve the county-wide community, the new clinic was built for $120,000
with funding assistance from a community
corporation which sold stock for the building. Once they were established, the two
physicians purchased the stock.
We were one of the
¿rst small hospitals
to have specialists
come here.
Dr. Keith Hansen
Wilson opened the clinic in January
of 1973, while Dr. Hansen completed the
last six months of his internship. During
the months between, Dr. Hansen came and
helped on weekends.
Once he had made plans to practice in
a small rural community, Dr. Hansen, who
had previously considered specializing on
OB/GYN, sought every opportunity during
his remaining training to gain all the experience he could by delivering newborns. He
was especially urged to do so by one of his
mentors, Dr. Waterberry.
“He told me that ‘out there’ I would
have to do it all, and he wanted me to be
prepared for whatever might happen,”
Hansen recalled.
He told me that
‘out there’ I would
have to do it all,
and he wanted me
to be prepared for
whatever might
happen…
Dr. Keith Hansen
When Dr. Hansen had ofÀcially arrived
in July, Dr. Wilson immediately turned
over the OB patients he had been seeing.
Those were busy days. The pair would
do surgery in the early morning, with Dr.
Hansen doing anesthesia while Dr. Wilson
performed procedures. Every two weeks or
so, another anesthesiologist came so both
doctors could team up for larger surgeries.
After surgery in the mornings, the two
would hold their regular ofÀce hours in
their clinic and make notes on 40 to 50
patients before making hospital rounds in
the evenings. They also covered ER every
other night and alternating weekends, in
addition to delivering babies.
Specialists under whom Drs. Hansen
and Wilson had trained came from Des
Moines to Hampton to help out. Accompanying those physicians was a young
medical student named David Dennis. He
and his wife were looking for a small town
where he could practice medicine and they
could raise a family.
Dr. Dennis joined the clinic in 1976, and
after a year, bought into the practice. While
other physicians would come and go, Dr.
Hansen and Dr. Dennis stayed through decades that saw great changes in health care.
Some of those times were particularly
challenging. Dr. Hansen recalls a period
in the late 1970s when the community experienced a shortage of providers with the
death of Dr. Benge of the Hampton Clinic
and Dr. Wilson’s decision to return to Des
Moines. The hospital’s census was so low
that people worried whether it would be
able to remain open.
Dr. Hansen saw part of the problem as
the “go-one-bigger” syndrome.
“It’s pretty common for people to think
the hospital in the next bigger town is better,” he said.
In 1979, a town meeting was held to discuss whether to keep the hospital open. Dr.
Hansen remembers being one of those who
stood up to say, “We must use it or lose it.”
The community dialogue had a positive
impact. Within a few years, the hospital
was looking toward expansion.
Dr. Hansen’s OB/GYN training proved
valuable – through the years, he delivered
Wednesday, September 16, 2015 |
11
I’ve always been
proud of the fact
that we’ve always
had state-of-theart technology for
whatever the time.
Hansen began his career at the newly built Franklin Medical Center in 1971.
Dr. David Dennis joined the
clinic in 1976. Dr. Hansen and
Dr. Dennis stayed through
decades that saw great changes
in health care. Dr. Dennis retired
in September 2014 after 38 years
of practice.
hundreds of babies. However, by 1990, the
number of births had declined and insurance costs had skyrocketed. Franklin General Hospital’s last planned delivery was in
December of 1990.
“Babies were exciting, but there was
always a lot of stress and worry,” Hansen
recalled.
By 1996, regulations had changed and a
new clinic was built onto the hospital. According to Dr. Hansen, the move as an excellent decision that was more convenient
for everyone, especially the patients.
Among the changing trends during the
years has been the growth of specialization.
Dr. Hansen recalls that Dr. Russell Schurtz,
ENT, was the original physician to come
and offer a specialty clinic at FGH.
“We were one of the Àrst small hospitals to have specialists come here,” Hansen
said. “Through the years, many phenomenal specialists, including excellent cardiologists and surgeons, have cared for patients at FGH. Today it is still one of our
strengths.”
Another area where Hansen has seen
great change is in technology. In 1973,
documentation amounted to a couple lines
written on yellow sheets. Now the clinic is
transitioning to a new electronic health record system that will make for much more
complete records.
Dr. Hansen was pleased that FGH has
continued investing technology.
“I’ve always been proud of the fact that
we’ve always had state-of-the-art technology for whatever the time,” he said. “When
we delivered babies, we always had what
we needed to care for them, including fetal
Dr. Keith Hansen
This CT scanner is just one of the ways FGH has stay up to date
with modern medical technology during Hansen’s career.
monitors and incubators. No one else had
much more at the time. Even now, we can
do ultrasound, CTs and lab work right here.
The technology we don’t have here is that
for specialized cases like cardiac and respiratory care. We wouldn’t use enough for it
to be practical to invest in keeping it up-todate.”
Having now practiced medicine here for
42 of the hospital’s 100 years, Dr. Hansen
has cared for several generations of many
families.
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He and his wife, Barb, have truly made
this community their home. Having raised
their family here, they enjoy still having
them nearby.
“We’re fortunate that we don’t have to
travel much to see them, which means we
don’t travel much,” he said.
FGH is fortunate to have beneÀted from
the stability and continuity of having two
physicians, Dr. Hansen and Dr. Dennis,
dedicate their entire careers to this community.
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| Wednesday, September 16, 2015
HISTORICAL DISPLAY
SHOWCASES 100 YEARS
OF FGH MEMORIES
F
rom an old medical case full of
pills to modern day syringes, a
new historical display has given
local residents a Àrsthand glimpse
at Franklin General Hospital’s elaborate
past.
Members of the FGH Centennial History Committee spent more than a month
compiling artifacts, news clippings and
other items for the display. It opened in the
Franklin County Historical Society Museum last April and was one of the building’s
main attractions during the fair this summer.
“I think it has triggered a lot of conversations about the hospital’s past,” said Doreen Petersen, one of the display’s organizers. “There’s a lot of memories there. Some
people recognize the doctors and others
remember the various artifacts.”
The items were gathered from museum
Àles, hospital scrapbooks and local citizens. Petersen said some of the material
dated back to before 1915, which made for
an interesting investigation ripe with twists
and turns.
In addition to the artifacts, the display
features a comprehensive list of medical
providers that served at the hospital during
its 100-year history.
“We kept Ànding one doctor after another,” Petersen said. “It was a treasure hunt.
We’d always Ànd little pieces to add to the
puzzle.”
The display was compiled by Petersen,
Jane Schmitt and Jo Coonley. Another key
player was Carrie Mulford, a 2011 CAL
High School graduate and current history
student at the University of Northern Iowa.
Mulford volunteered with the Franklin
County Historical Society this spring for a
college class to earn experience in the Àeld.
It was a treasure
hunt. We’d always
¿nd little pieces to
add to the puzzle.
Doreen Petersen
“Having Carrie there to help was a very
enjoyable experience,” Petersen said. “She
was very enthusiastic and energetic about
the project.”
Petersen said the group uncovered numerous interesting tidbits while researching the display. Many artifacts like old uniforms, a metal baby scale and pharmaceutical tools are featured in the glass case, and
other intriguing articles and newsletters are
posted as well.
Petersen enjoyed researching the project
and hoped the display would spark a few
memories for museum visitors.
“I learned a lot,” she said. “The commitment the early community members had to
get the hospital started was very interesting.”
The FGH Centennial display will remain open to the public for the rest of the
year. The Franklin County Historical Society Museum is open afternoons, Monday
through Friday, at the fairgrounds in Hampton. Call (641) 456-5777 for more information.
A display showcasing various artifacts from the hospital’s past has
been on display at the Franklin County Historical Society Museum
since April.
Q
Old photos from various decades of FGH’s 100-year history are on
display at the exhibit.
Pills, elixirs and other items ¿ll Dr. C.F. Osborne’s medical case
from the mid-1920s.
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Carrie Mulford, a 2011 CAL High School graduate, assisted with the display. Carrie
attends the University of Northern Iowa and majors in history.
Numerous items from the past and present are featured in the glass display case.
Pictured towards the back is sign warning of a scarlet fever quarantine zone.
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Some of Franklin County’s older residents may
have been weighed on this baby scale used by
Dr. Dorothy Heuermann.
Many photos of old staff members and doctors
are included in the display. Pictured here is Wilma (Berghoefer) Sernett.
Steven E.
Pearson
— CertiÀed Public Accountant —
104 FEDERAL N, HAMPTON | 641-456-4829
Franklin County
Abstract
HAMPTON
641-456-4551
14
| Wednesday, September 16, 2015
SUPERVISORS RECOGNIZE
FGH CENTENNIAL WITH
SPECIAL PROCLAMATION
T
he Franklin County Board of Supervisors and FGH Marketing
Manager LeAnn Strother gathered at the courthouse Aug. 24
for a special proclamation acknowledging
the hospital’s Centennial. The document
recognized the hospital’s contributions to
the community and congratulated it for a
century of service.
“During its impressive 100-year history, the hospital has continued to grow
and keep up with technology and the latest health care practices,” the proclamation
stated. “Franklin General Hospital has been
and continues to be a valued and respected
member of the business community, helping to bring prosperity to our county.”
The full proclamation is included below.
Motion by McVicker, seconded by
Eberling, adopts Resolution 2015-39:
Proclamation FGH 100th Anniversary.
Said Resolution reads below:
PROCLAMATION IN RECOGNITION OF THE 100th ANNIVERSARY
OF FRANKLIN GENERAL HOSPITAL
WHEREAS, in 1914 the Lutheran
Churches of north Iowa developed a hospital association that led to the founding of a
hospital; AND,
WHEREAS, that hospital was dedicated in 1915 and grew to be prominently
known throughout the region as a leader in
health care: AND,
WHEREAS, in 1963 the Lutheran
Churches relinquished operation of the
hospital after which it became known as
Franklin General Hospital; AND
WHEREAS, during its impressive 100year history, the hospital has continued to
grow and keep up with technology and the
latest health care practices; AND,
WHEREAS, Franklin General Hospital
has been and continues to be a valued and
respected member of the business community, helping to bring prosperity to our
county; AND,
WHEREAS, FGH is the second largest
employer in Franklin County and provides
many employment opportunities and careers for area residents as well as attracting
On Aug. 24, the Franklin County Board of Supervisors passed
Resolution 2015-39, recognizing FGH’s 100th anniversary. Pictured
from left to right: Corey Eberling, Mike Nolte (seated) and Gary
McVicker.
skilled professionals to the county; AND,
WHEREAS, health care is vital to the
health of a community, AND,
WHEREAS, our community is fortunate to be the home of a Critical Access
Hospital,
NOW THEREFORE, we, the Franklin
County Board of Supervisors, do hereby
congratulate Franklin General Hospital on
its 100th anniversary, recognizing the im-
portant role the hospital plays in serving in
our community.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have
hereunto subscribed my name and caused
the Great Seal of Franklin County to be afÀxed this 24th day of August, 2015, with the
vote thereon being as follows:
Eberling-Aye, McVicker-Aye, NolteAye. Resolution duly adopted.
Q
CAN YOU HELP IDENTIFY
THESE CANDY STRIPERS?
T
he concept of candy stripers became popular in American hospitals during the 1950s, 1960s
and 1970s. The program gave
young women an introduction to the Àeld
of health care through volunteer work in
hospitals, which led some to pursue careers
in medicine.
The term “candy striper” came about
because many hospitals had the teenage
volunteers wear a red and white striped
jumper that reminded some of candy canes.
At the Lutheran Hospital in Hampton,
candy stripers wore pale pink smock tops.
These volunteers did what they could to assist visitors and make patients’ stays more
pleasant by delivering mail and messages,
pushing a cart with reading material, read
to guests and assisting with passing patient
trays and snacks.
In the FGH Auxiliary’s 50th anniversary
booklet published in 2006, it is noted that
in 1966, 22 high school girls were candy
stripers. In August of 1971, candy stripers assisted with tours of the new Franklin
General Hospital. In 1974, 32 candy stripers helped with Auxiliary committees.
The Auxiliary publication also states
that 15 candy stripers served 475 hours
in 1978. One candy striper, Dianne Siems
Christians, completed a record of over
1,000 volunteer hours. Mrs. Jo Leiran,
director of nursing, supervised the candy
stripers until 1981, when the program ended.
As Franklin General Hospital prepared
for its Centennial celebration, volunteers
worked on compiling a historical publication as well a display at the Franklin County
Historical Museum. The attached photo has
created quite a bit of interest. Many people
have reviewed it, but no one has been able
to identify everyone in the picture.
It is thought that the photo was taken in
the 1965-1967 timeframe. So far, the following names have been given for the girls
in the photo.
Front row, left to right: Cindy Feese,
Sandy Mittelstadt, Debbie Paullus, Connie
Cahill and Lark Thompson. Middle row:
Lutheran Hospital candy stripers delivered mail and messages,
pushed a cart with magazines and books for patients, read to
patients, and assisted with passing patient trays and snacks. The
program ended in Hampton in 1981.
Sherry Mittelstadt, Morita Carrasco (foreign exchange student from Argentina),
Sheri Miller, Kathy Feuring and Lynne
Eastabrooks. Back row: Barbara Gallagher,
Sylvia Kelly, Deborah Jurgens (not identiÀed for certain), Evelyn Miller, LaDonna
Spangenberg, an unidentiÀed girl, Becky
Pandil and Rosanne Peterson.
Anyone who can help with further identiÀcation is encouraged to call Jane Schmitt
at (641) 456-3037.
Q
641-456-3473
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We support FGH
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402 12th Ave. NE HAMPTON, IA
HEALTHCARE
People need it.
Communities need it.
The future needs it.
We would have no chance of sustaining ourselves or growing
our communities without locally provided healthcare.
Thank you Franklin General Hospital for providing quality
healthcare and for your vision and commitment to excellence.
Building business in Franklin County, Iowa
16
| Wednesday, September 16, 2015
Please Join Us!
FGH Centennial Celebration
1-4 p.m., Sunday, September 20
on the FGH lawn
(In case of rain, the location will be the FGH Ambulance Garage.)
FOOD • ENTERTAINMENT • GAMES
• 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. – Visitors can walk
through the beautiful, state-of-the-art
hospital.
• 1 to 4 p.m. – Food will be served,
including birthday cake and ice cream.
• 1 p.m. – Yupitsa Band will perform.
• 2 p.m. – A brief program will include local
children putting items in a time capsule.
• 3 p.m. – H-D Mariachi Band will play.
Activities (all free) throughout the afternoon, include mini-golf, a “¿shing”
game, face painting, arts and crafts, piñatas, and more. If circumstances allow,
an FGH ambulance and the Mercy Air Med helicopter will also be on display.
1720 Central Avenue East | Hampton, IA 50441
641.456.5000 | FranklinGeneral.com