Marquette General Hospital records

St. Luke’s Hospital began as Marquette City Hospital. In 1896 a group of Marquette physicians organized to create the St. Luke’s Hospital. Among these physicians were Doctors G.J. Northrup and A. A. Foster. St. Luke’s was opened at 152 East Prospect Street, the home of E. C. Bailey. In less than two months the hospital was in need of more space. The hospital rented a home on the corner of Ridge and Front streets, where the public library is currently located, to create accommodations for 12 patients. In 1897 under Michigan law the hospital was established as a non-profit, non-sectarian, charitable corporation.

In January of 1915 the hospital again found a need to expand, and soon a three story and basement fire-proof building on Hebard Court was opened to the public. St. Luke’s Hospital became well established in its ability to care for their patients. People from all over the Upper Peninsula and some even from out of state came for treatment. Again a concern over bed capacity came up in 1936, so in 1937 a gift from James Couzens allowed the hospital to break ground for a new building which would be completed in 1938, dedicated to James Couzens as the “James Couzens Memorial.” St. Luke’s Hospital continued to grow until its merger with St. Mary’s Hospital in 1973, creating Marquette General Hospital.

St. Mary’s Hospital was established by Dr. A.K. Thiell, aided by Bishop John Vertin, when it was realized that the community was in need of an established hospital. Dr. Thiell and Bishop Vertin were successful in their quest to establish such a hospital in 1890. The Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis founded, owned, and controlled St. Mary’s Hospital. The order was originally established in Germany and was devoted to caring for the sick, suffering and wounded. The first superintendent of the hospital was Sister Theckla, Mother Superior, she was accompanied by four sisters, and they came from the first hospital established by the order in the United States in Peoria, Illinois. St. Mary’s Hospital was completed and opened by the fall of 1891; the facility accommodated 50 patients and included a chapel.

In the 1890s the hospital’s system for treatment included a system of selling tickets which provided the ticket holder with medical care, attendance, board and medicine. The hospital would not treat infectious, chronic, contagious or incurable diseases, nor insanity or eye problems. The hospital would also be established as the official U.S. Marine Hospital. St. Mary’s continued to expand until 1955 when a new facility was opened. During St. Mary’s years of care, the order established an excellent reputation within the community and throughout the entire Upper Peninsula.

St. Luke’s Hospital and St. Mary’s Hospital would begin merging in 1973, with the goal to establish the best care for the community and the entire Upper Peninsula.

Sources:

Brooks, Lillian, RN, CNA Nursing Supervisor. “A Social History of Marquette General Hospital Inc.” Paper.

St. Luke’s Hospital: Founded 1897. Booklet