Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1919-06-06
The New Hospital.

Last Saturday, May 31st, large number,
estimated at 700 of our best people. as
sembled at $50 P. M. on the grounds to
witness the cornerstone laying of the
Montgomery County General Hospital build
ing near Olney. This is now well on its
way toward completion. the frame being
up, showing the locations of the various
wards and rooms, part of the sheathing
on, and large stores of other material about
the premises.
The hospital has an admirable location
in the grove which was formerly the lawn
in front of the residence of the late DIR.
William E. Magruder, widely known ply
stefan of last century, who foresaw the
need of such an institution and whose
dream is now being made a reality. In
Guiding what was raised that day, about
$24,500 has already been subscribed. but
it will require $40, 900 more to complete.
equip and furnish the structure with all
the modern up-to-date Improvements, heat
ing, plumbing. electric lights, ETC.. that have
been planned. There will be accommoda
tons for thirty-five patients. and this can
be stretched to forty, in case of emergency,
without excessive crowding
Very soon after the appointed hour the
meeting was called to order by Charles F.
Kirk. president. who after a few brief. ap-
propriate Introductory remarks, asked Rev.
F. j. Bohanan to invoke Divine blessing
on the undertaking. Mr.. Bohanan spoke
feelingly of the great and far-reaching
benefits which will result from the estab
lishment of the hospital, and then we had
an excellent address by our Congressman.
Frederick N. Zihlman. who left his duties
at the Capitol on purpose to grace the occa-
sion, and whose coming fully made up for
the absence of Gov. Harrington, who was
kept away by the homecoming parade in
Baltimore. This was followed by the cor
ner-stone laying exercises. which were car
red out in accordance with the impressive
Masonic ceremonial, under the auspices of
the Rockville Lodge of Masons. Miss Mabel
Boardman head of the Potomac Division
Of the American Red Cross. was introduced
by the president as "a representative of
the greatest institution for good on the
face of the earth" and she responded with
a few words of friendly encouragement.
Rev. P. Rowland Wagner, of Rockville,
was the next speaker. and after dwelling
on the vital importance Of the new ven
ture to the people Of the county. he made
such an eloquent appeal for assistance to
the worthy cause that by the time he
stepped down from the platform no less
than 81, 500 was subscribed by those in
the audience towards completing and equip
ping the building. The Washington Grove
hand added much TO the entertainment
and pleasure of the gathering. After the
exercises were over a most enjoyable hour
was spent in social conversation, the sup
per-served by fair young ladies-consist-
ine of sandwiches, coffee, ice-cream and
cake, in abundance and variety, thus round
ind out delightful afternoon. the weather
conditions being perfect and every one
feeling the charm Of the occasion.
This was an epoch in the history Of our
county. Although located in the eastern
part. where it will be more available to
those in Howard county. there is nothing
of local or sectional nature about the
new hospital. 1t is distinctly Montsom-
cry county affair. its doors will be open
and It's welcome given to every applicant
from Prince Georges to the Frederick coun-
ty line, from the Patuxent (and beyond)
10 the District of Columbia and the Poto-
mac river. There is no person or family
in the county that may not at some time
need its ministrations, and debt OF graft
tude ia due to those who have made 1t
-oeaihla