 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Early in the twentieth century, medical care consisted primarily of family physicians who made the
rounds of area towns, carrying their trademark "little black bag." But in the growing towns of western
Morris County, old country doctors traveling dirt roads by horse and buggy portrayed a "health care
system" with genuine and serious limitations. This long-standing, traditional approach could barely meet
the community's needs in good times.
In times of crisis or epidemic, or in case of an accident at one of the area's many mines and industrial
sites, it was becoming clear that the area's medical resources were sadly lacking. The first attempt to
remedy this situation was a personal crusade undertaken by the pastor of the Hoagland Presbyterian
Church, the Rev. Dr. W.W. Halloway. The timing of this effort was important. It was shortly after the
area's first post office was opened, when the Dover Public Library was newly founded and when the rail
service was expanding into this area.
Civic groups such as the Knights of Columbus, the Dover Women's Club and the Elks were newly
formed. It was a new century, a time of civic pride, a time for community action. Yet, in 1905, when Dr.
Halloway began to discuss the community's need for organized health care, very few would listen.
One group did, however. A women's social organization, the Nos Ipsae Whist Club, not only listened
but they began to carry the banner to a wiser audience. Word was spread throughout the area, and a
number of options for the improvement of health care were raised. Finally, in 1907, an open community
meeting was held at the Presbyterian church on the momentous subject of the founding of a hospital for
the residents of Dover and surrounding communities.
There were numerous early obstacles to the idea of a hospital in western Morris County. Initially, a
number of prominent male citizens from the area agreed to sign papers of incorporation however, when
the day actually came to sign, their skepticism overrode their earlier commitment and agreed among
themselves that the hospital was "a completely impractical venture." Yet, in December of 1908, seven
women from the community took steps on their own.
These individuals were Mrs. M. M. Searing, Mrs. W. A. Waer, Mrs. Julius Hairhouse, Mrs. R. L. Cook,
Mrs. N. Eleanor Hulsart, Mrs. Bertha McDavit and Mrs. Lena Dott Allen.
They joined together to file a certificate of incorporation for the hospital. They sent out to raise the
monies required to make the concept a reality. This was a task that proved difficult indeed.
rounds of area towns, carrying their trademark "little black bag." But in the growing towns of western
Morris County, old country doctors traveling dirt roads by horse and buggy portrayed a "health care
system" with genuine and serious limitations. This long-standing, traditional approach could barely meet
the community's needs in good times.
In times of crisis or epidemic, or in case of an accident at one of the area's many mines and industrial
sites, it was becoming clear that the area's medical resources were sadly lacking. The first attempt to
remedy this situation was a personal crusade undertaken by the pastor of the Hoagland Presbyterian
Church, the Rev. Dr. W.W. Halloway. The timing of this effort was important. It was shortly after the
area's first post office was opened, when the Dover Public Library was newly founded and when the rail
service was expanding into this area.
Civic groups such as the Knights of Columbus, the Dover Women's Club and the Elks were newly
formed. It was a new century, a time of civic pride, a time for community action. Yet, in 1905, when Dr.
Halloway began to discuss the community's need for organized health care, very few would listen.
One group did, however. A women's social organization, the Nos Ipsae Whist Club, not only listened
but they began to carry the banner to a wiser audience. Word was spread throughout the area, and a
number of options for the improvement of health care were raised. Finally, in 1907, an open community
meeting was held at the Presbyterian church on the momentous subject of the founding of a hospital for
the residents of Dover and surrounding communities.
There were numerous early obstacles to the idea of a hospital in western Morris County. Initially, a
number of prominent male citizens from the area agreed to sign papers of incorporation however, when
the day actually came to sign, their skepticism overrode their earlier commitment and agreed among
themselves that the hospital was "a completely impractical venture." Yet, in December of 1908, seven
women from the community took steps on their own.
These individuals were Mrs. M. M. Searing, Mrs. W. A. Waer, Mrs. Julius Hairhouse, Mrs. R. L. Cook,
Mrs. N. Eleanor Hulsart, Mrs. Bertha McDavit and Mrs. Lena Dott Allen.
They joined together to file a certificate of incorporation for the hospital. They sent out to raise the
monies required to make the concept a reality. This was a task that proved difficult indeed.
