Community Donations Improve Martha Jefferson Hospital

Community Donations Improve Martha Jefferson Hospital

In the early 20th century, donations from community members made many improvements at Virginia hospitals possible. For years, Martha Jefferson Hospital had used a horse-drawn wagon as an ambulance. In 1931, wealthy patron James Patterson donated a Cadillac to the...
A Modern Medical Facility

A Modern Medical Facility

Norfolk Protestant Hospital experienced rapid growth in the late 1920s—much of it due to the leadership of local businessman David Pender, who became president of the board of directors in 1926. Pender raised $300,000 for updates to the hospital, including new...
Bell Hospital Opens in Williamsburg

Bell Hospital Opens in Williamsburg

In 1925, local physician Baxter Bell opened Bell Hospital on Cary Street in Williamsburg, Virginia. At the time, this privately owned facility was the only hospital in the area and had 20 beds for patients. Dr. Bell and his family lived in a cottage next to the...