Atlantic Hospital

Physicians C. V. Wilder, F. W. Porterfield, J. M. Emmert, W. F. Graham, A. V. McComber, Wm. Semones, T. B. Morris, and C. L. Campbell organized the Atlantic Hospital Association in 1903. The association purchased a large frame residence at 5th and Oak which was converted and named the Atlantic Hospital. The hospital was originally was able to accommodate 10 patients, but was expanded around 1910 when sixteen rooms were added. It was torn down in 1916 and replaced with a new fireproof (brick) structure. The April 5, 1917 issue of the Atlantic News-Telegraph stated: "A magnificent new building, a model of sanitation and safety and an institution the like of which few cities of this size can boast." The new hospital held 42 beds, including private, semi-private and three and four bed wards.

In 1916 the Atlantic Hospital corporation, comprised of Drs. C. V. Wilder, C. L. Campbell, W. F. Graham, U. S. Mullins, F. S. Becker, and W. S. Greenleaf began managing the hospital. Additional doctors joined the organization in 1929: R. L. Barnett, R. A. Becker, H. A. Johnson E. C. Montgomery and Agnes Wilder.

A section of the hospital was used as a nurses' residence until 1922, when hospital purchased the house south of the hospital for use as a nurses' dormitory. A nurses' training school had been operated by the hospital since 1903, and the student nurses were also housed in the dormitory. The nurses' trainining school was discontinued in 1931.

The Atlantic Hospital Corporation managed the hospital until 1946, when the Atlantic Memorial Hospital nonprofit community corporation took over.

A new $200,000 wing was built in the early 1950's, opening in September, 1954. The wing contained new operating rooms, x-ray and lab facilities, and also a small chapel. The hospital now held a total of 72 beds. The board of the Atlantic Memorial Hospital at this time included Cecil Malone, president; Norman Holmes, vice-president; Mrs. Ed Krostad, Gail Burke, Robert Groves, G. T. Kuester, P. C. Clemensen, Mrs. Wayne, Camblin, Kenyon V. King, Chas. Neiby, Jr., Mrs. D. C. Mitchell, Fred Brown, Roscoe S. Jones, James Winstone and Mrs. Maurice Coomes.

In the 1960's the need for a new facility became apparent and planning for a new county hospital began. Mr. Everett and Mrs. Dorothy Kelloway donated 26 acres of land located at East 10th Street, north of the Nishna Hills golf course, along with an additional gift of $125,000. Dick Bell spearheaded a funding drive, which was supplemented by a federal grant and a county bond issue. Ground was broken for the new Cass County Memorial Hospital on April 1, 1967. The new 104-bed facility opened in October, 1968.

There have been a number of major expansion and renovation projects since that time, enabling the hospital to utilize and maintain current technologies and meet community and regional needs. The campus now includes a medical office building, mental health unit, outpatient clinic and rehabilitation services. Additional information may be found at: http://www.casshealth.org/aboutccmh/history.html

Sources:   (1) History of Atlantic, Iowa 1868-1968, published by the Atlantic Chamber of Commerce, April, 1968, pp. 41-42;   (2) Cass County Iowa, published by Cass County - 1980 History, Inc., 1980, pg. 44;   (3) Cass County Memorial Hospital 1978 supplement to the Atlantic News Telegraph, Anita Tributne & Griswold American.

Photo postcards contributed by Cheryl Siebrass, May, 2010 and March, 2011.