Virginia Beach’s First Hospital

by Justin Kirk | Oct 27, 2022

Virginia Beach gained popularity as a vacation spot in the 20th century, becoming a bustling community by the 1940s. With the nearest hospitals over 20 miles away in Norfolk, two local physicians recognized the need for a hospital in Virginia Beach. Dr. Waller Taylor...

Community Donations Improve Martha Jefferson Hospital

by Justin Kirk | Oct 27, 2022

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

by Justin Kirk | Oct 27, 2022

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

by Justin Kirk | Oct 27, 2022

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...

Advancements at Dixie Hospital

by Justin Kirk | Oct 27, 2022

Despite several additions, Dixie Hospital outgrew its small building by the early 1900s. In 1913, a new Dixie Hospital facility opened on East Queen Street in Hampton. The building cost $70,000 to complete, with members of the community donating much of the funds. The...