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DOCTORS

    Cedar County History tells us that Dr. Pierce was our first doctor and a Dr. Abger opened the first drug store, but there is no further record of these men.

    Down through the years there have been many doctors in Mechanicsville, sometimes as many as 3 at one time. Those who were here for long periods of time were Dr. Newton S. Hubbell from 1860 to 1900, Dr. Scott Russell in the late 1800s and early 1900s (25 years), Dr. C. G. Stookey, from 1898 to 1917, and from 1924 to 1938, Dr. Frank H. Kisor from 1924 to 1949, and Dr. Elmer Littig from 1936 until his death in 1972. Dr. Littig was very popular and was the last resident doctor in Mechanicsville.

PIONEER MEDICAL CENTER

    With the death of Dr. Elmer Littig March 3, 1972, the town of Mechanicsville was left without a physician. Dr. Littig had been the town physician for a period of 37 years, practicing full-time until Thanksgiving day of 1971, when poor health forced him to work on a part time basis.

    In the two year time span following Dr. Littig’s death and the opening of the Pioneer Medical Center, various efforts were made to secure a physician for Mechanicsville. Mrs. Mary Littig, widow of Dr. Littig, was unable to find anyone to assume her late husband’s practice, despite a concentrated effort. Numerous attempts by the mayor and town council also were to no avail. While efforts were still being made by the townspeople to find a doctor, the Cedar Rapids Medical Education program, sponsored by Mercy and St. Luke’s hospitals in that city were conducting surveys to determine a location for the placing of a satellite program, through which their doctors could experience a true “family practice” situation.

    A large number of communities were considered, with Mechanicsville high on the list of prospective locations. The town was considered to be in the center of a “catch basin,” meaning that a large area and population could be successfully served by such a facility. Convenient access to both Cedar Rapids hospitals was also an important factor.

    The question of community support of such a facility was raised by the Cedar Rapids hospitals. A resounding answer was supplied with the turning out of between 400 and 500 people at a public meeting in March 1973. The March meeting introduced to the people of our area Dr. L. Robert Martin, head of the Family Practice unit and some of the doctors to serve our community in the future. Joining the doctors were Mayor Thomas Railsback and Hugh G. Lamont of the city council, who answered questions put to them by the public. Points discussed included the cost of equipping a medical building, the method of operation such a program would follow, and others. From the overwhelming display of public support and interest shown at the March meeting, Mechanicsville was chosen as the site of the satellite program.

    Thus the city found itself thrust into the medical center business, with no branch to administrate it. Involving all people of the community, a medical board was formed with representatives from all walks of life, the board was as follows: Hugh G. Lamont, chairman; Janet Ford, treasurer; Sue Hein, secretary; Dr. Jeptha Randolph, Jean Davidson, J. C. Butler and C. A. Smay.

    The first item of business the board undertook was to find a name for the facility. Pioneer Medical Center and Pioneer Medical Board were chosen, because the name served a dual purpose: Pioneer, because of the township area served and because the facility would be one of the first of its kind in existence. Next, and certainly foremost, was the raising of $30,000 in donations to finance the remodeling and enlargement of the office space used by Dr. Littig. The board also agreed to purchase an X-ray unit.

    June, 1973 was designated as the kick-off date for the fund raising drive. The fund drive was successful, due to the efforts of at least 45 volunteers, who solicited contributions from townspeople in Mechanicsville and the surrounding area. The goal of $30,000 was reached in time for the ribbon cutting at the facility on July 16, 1973.

    An open house was held on July 29, 1973, in order that all who worked for, donated to, and would use the facility could view it.

    A total of six examining rooms, a pharmacy, office, laboratory, and X-ray, plus waiting room were open for inspection. The examination rooms were patterned after similar units at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. Use of bright colors and wallpaper throughout make the atmosphere bright and cheerful, as well as functional.

    The Pioneer Medical Center has been a complete success, with the citizens and doctors feeling truly fortunate to be a part of a new medical care concept.