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Posted: 2/12/03 Forest Lake people worked hard to open District Memorial HospitalBy Elsie Vogel (Editor? Note: The following Reflections column was first published on February 7, 1985 as the third installment on a series about local doctors and hosptials. It is reprinted here as part of the newspaper? on-going coverage during its 100th year. This column and future Reflections columns are in tribute to the author who died on Friday, Feb. 7, 2003.) In the summer of 1955, the Forest Lake Clinic Hospital was a very busy place as Dr. George Ruggles tended to his patients. It was during that summer that public interest increased toward the need for a larger hospital. There was no doubt, at that point, that many felt a hospital would attract more doctors and specialists. It would also cut down on the amount of hours the doctors spent on the road to make visits to care for their patients who were in Twin City hospitals. It was co-incidental that our neighbors in Chisago County had similar thoughts about the need for a hospital and had laid some ground work. At one point there was consideration of one hospital to include both communities. At that time, there were government loans available for such projects through the ?ill-Burton fund?and both communities were interested in that type of funding. Forest Lake began in earnest to plan for a hospital. Memorial Hospital, Forest Lake A non-profit Hospital Association was formed. Membership would be $10 initial membership fee with annual dues of $2. The hospital would be called ?emorial Hospital.? One of the principle sources of revenue was expected to come through ?emorials?given in honor of dear departed relatives and friends and those that gave their lives in the military. The designation of ?orest Lake?would be used in the address, because representatives from the surrounding communities of Hugo, Centerville, Coon Lake and Lino Lakes expressed a desire to join Forest Lake in this venture. Chisago gets Hill-Burton money The State Advisory board selected Chisago Lakes as the recipient of the Hill-Burton money. Forest Lake lost out, but the Hospital Association was still determined to go ahead on its own to build a 30-bed hospital at a cost of $250,000 through public subscription and fund raisers. There was a small nucleus of men and women that made the reality of a hospital their goal and with enthusiasm, started a project that would take about six years to complete. Headquarters The first meetings were held at various places around the village before campaign headquarters was set up in the Northern States Power building (presently Parenteau?). Outside stood a huge 15-foot tall yellow thermometer sign board with painted red mercury to register the progress toward the goal of $250,000. The story of watching the mercury rise is a special, yet difficult story to write, because of so many people involved. Raising money by pledges, donations and fund raisers to build the hospital was in a class by itself. There were the usual ups and downs, and problems as with any public campaign. Campaign Beginnings There were the campaign co-chairmen, Mrs. Norma Harper and Carlyle Morey, Vice Chairman Leonard Tolzmann, Treasurer E. Letourneau. The following persons were chairmen of various committees: Special Gifts, H.A. Pepin; National Firms, Ward Woodrich; Former residents, Mrs. Richard Petersen; Men? Division, Dr. O.R. Van Wirt; and Women? Division, Mrs. Phyllis Johnson. There were chairpersons from six areas, Mrs. Carroll Broadbent for Linwood, Mrs. Cora Boehm for Columbus-Lino, Emil Maslowski for Hugo-Oneka, Francis Burque for Centerville, Mrs. Robert Elmstrom for Scandia-Hay Lake and Mrs. Harold Westby for the Coon Lake area. Lee Sandager was in charge of area committees. This list of volunteers will give you a small idea of the magnitude of the job that lay before these people, who would soon be devoting countless hours to a cause. In addition to the committees there was a 10-member Board of Directors. Fund Raising ?onate?was the key word, not only in material things, but the hours that volunteers donated to the fund raisers, was an unbelievable figure. A ladies hospital auxiliary group was also formed; Mrs. Geo. Ruggles was the first president. Their aim was to raise money for furnishings and equipment that would make the hospital attractive and pleasant. Space does not permit listing all the events that people staged to raise money, but for our new residents I would like to give you a picture of Forest Lake residents at their best, volunteering and donating for a worthy cause. For the ?eople who were there,?it will be a time to remember. Dancing Parties They danced and danced to raise money. The dance on Sept. 17, 1955 was the first one of many to be held at the Forest Lake Country Club, which was recently demolished. Len and Edith Halbohn, proprietors, donated the use of the Club and that night the dancers were ?winging and swaying?to Les Swan? orchestra, which also donated its services. Admission was $1 for men and 50 cents for women. Over in Centerville, Eugene Peloquin, manager of the Twin Lakes Country Club donated his facilities and the dancers whirled away the night dancing to the music of ?osie Boehm and her Cherry Pickers.? The music was also complimentary. The event was in the nature of a ?oing away?party for Dr. N. Mensheha, who would be leaving Forest Lake for graduate study. The event raised $552. There was a check for $150 to add to the fund from the Forest Lake American Legion after they sponsored a ?urn-about?dance. Everyone had such a good time the crowd wanted another one soon. Theatre Party The evenings of Nov. 2 and 3, 1955, found people flocking to the Forest Theatre to see one of the greatest pictures up to that time, ?he Robe.? All proceeds from the show were donated by Bob and Jane Drummond. The theatre was also used for a fabulous Variety Show in 1960. Doctor ?trikes It Rich? At his own expense, Dr. Mensheha flew to New York to appear on the show to present the story of the effort of this community to have a hospital and in his words, ?epay in some small way the wonderful people of Forest Lake.? Time ran out on his first appearance, so he returned the next day. He answered the five questions perfectly and won $440 which he turned in to the fund. As a result of his television appearance, contributions of more than $800 came in. WDGY Wonders vs. FL Alumni What a night for 700 basketball fans as they watched the dazzling Ranger Alumni team beat the awesome WDGY Wonders, 68-57. Paul Furrer and Bob Morehead led the scoring, other team members were R. and B. Daninger, Zak, Skoglund, Evgen, Trepanier, Hopkins, Kauls, Colleen and Taylor. This game netted $452. Children? Contributions Even young children felt the need to ?o something for the hospital?for example, the children of the Elmer Preisler and Earl Lellman families produced a ?ome talent?production of a two-act play called, ? party for the Queen,?(which the critics said was a riot). They sold popcorn, nectar and cookies and proudly turned in $12.13. Five girls, set up a table in front of the downtown Red Own store (now Town Square) and sold their precious comic books, homemade fudge and cool drinks. They did so well the first day, making over $6, they set up again the next day. Teen-agers too They washed cars and contributed a lot of ?uscle?for various activities. The Dualeer Car Club teamed with Skateland for a Roller Skating Party. Vogels furnished the facilities and concessions and the boys sold advance tickets and worked as skate boys, skate guards. The event netted $87.55. Every bit helped People came up with a variety of ideas for the fund and I?l briefly recap a few. Mrs. Ray Tolzmann, Auxiliary President, found plenty of volunteers to sell huge fragrant peonies on our downtown street on a June day. These beautiful flowers were a gift from Ray Kulbecks large peony farm. The VFW Post 4210 Auxiliary sponsored several successful style shows and a ?our of Homes,?netting $500. Food played a big part as a fund raiser; there were countless bake sales and dinners, including a pancake and sausage breakfast, served by Setterholms in their parking lot, which made $144. The Auxiliary? 4th of July food stand by the Melody Ballroom netted $250. Music brought crowds to ?op Concerts?and several Barber Shop Concerts. An outstanding one was the ?avalcade of Harmony.? There were many campaign meetings and ?ick-off?dinners as pledge teams were formed. Their enthusiasm was contagious as they ?it the trail?again to solicit pledges. These ?eautiful people,?the campaign workers, were out in the country coping with muddy spring roads, or battling heat and humidity as they continued to solicit funds. Carlyle Morey offered a wonderful incentive to the top winners of the ?dvance Gifts?and ?eneral Campaign?... a 17-jewel Gruen gold wrist watch. Many individuals were interested in designated memorials such as the ?urses station?for $1000 or two bassinets each $480. There was also a Dr. Poirier and Dr. Ruggles fund started for the purpose of purchasing each a ?ospital room?in their honor. Pledges could be paid over three years in equal quarterly installments. Of course it was necessary to have the large ?dvance gifts?to purchase land and start the interest bearing fund. Immediate help is needed The red painted mercury on the thermometer rose to $115,000 and seemed to stop there. It became apparent more help would be needed. (It must be remembered that many local people were also making pledges to the Lutheran and Catholic Church building funds). The solution was legal help in setting up a hospital district that would have the power to levy taxes to pay off the municipal bonds on the balance of money that was needed to start building. Each district would be represented by one board member. They were the villages of Forest Lake, Hugo, Centerville, Lino Lakes and the townships of Forest Lake and Columbus, with one member-at-large. A special tribute should be paid to Roy Brisson. He was the first elected member from Hugo and he has served continuously and well since its organization. Ground Breaking in 1961 Big ground breaking ceremonies took place on Saturday, Feb. 25 at 3 p.m. The five acres bought from Merle Swanson for $5000 would soon be the site of the District Memorial Hospital A goal was reached There was an exciting and satisfying feeling in the air on that cold December day, as everyone attending the dedication and ?pen House?felt that in some small or large way they had contributed something of themselves in making this day possible. It was a long time span from the summer of 1955 to this 30th day of December, 1961. Clem Thurnbeck, member of the hospital association board of directors, was master of ceremonies. The Forest Lake band also took part. There was benediction delivered by Rev. Lloyd Fortin, pastor of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Hugo. Val Bjornson, treasurer of Minnesota delivered the address. The cornerstone laying was presided over by Roy Brisson. As the public ?oured?the hospital, people stopped to read the names on the bronze plaques that lined the wall in the hall. These names formed the honor roll of contributors of memorials and pledges. The Doctors on staff would be Dr. Ruggles, Chief of Staff, Dr. G.T. Midboe, Dr. J. Purdie and Dr. C.F. Peikert and a list of surgeons and specialists who would be available for consultation and surgery. Pat Barrett held the position of hospital administrator. There was a complete staff of registered nurses, LPNs and aids, many of whom had worked at Dr. Ruggles?Clinic-Hospital. The hospital was opened on Wednesday, Jan 24, 1962. We had indeed come a long way from the mid-wife and medicinal herbs of the 1880s to our modern new facility. Hospital story continues The continued story of the hospital, covering 23 years would be a story of many changes... a complete story in itself. There was the traumatic realization that the hospital was $150,000 in debt after two years in operation. There was recovery, change-about and growth under Leah Hillesheim? capable administration of 15 years, which spanned from 1964 to 1980. In 1974, an addition contained 17 beds brought the total beds to 52; a new lab area and more emergency room space was also added. Setting another cornerstone Under present administrator, Terry Brenny, a second cornerstone was set into another addition Oct. 31, 1984. The expansion was for more surgical room and lobby space. Dr. Ruggles and Roy Brisson again witnessed this last expansion. A beautifully illustrated and written brochure of all the services available plus an annual report will be reaching the residents of District Memorial Hospital very soon. The present staff of Doctors include Dr. Carl Peikert of the original staff, Dr. H.J. Frank, Dr. John Knott, Dr. Paul Nerothin, Dr. Charles Beck, Dr. D.E. Sill, Dr. David Olson, Dr. Paul Sandager, Dr. Kim Anderson, Dr. G.J. Mayor (Hugo), Peter Setness, (on leave in Saudia Arabia) and Dr. Chris Ceman. (Editor? Note: The following Reflections column was first published on February 7, 1985 as the third installment on a series about local doctors and hosptials. It is reprinted here as part of the newspaper? on-going coverage during its 100th year. This column and future Reflections columns are in tribute to the author who died on Friday, Feb. 7, 2003.) In the summer of 1955, the Forest Lake Clinic Hospital was a very busy place as Dr. George Ruggles tended to his patients. It was during that summer that public interest increased toward the need for a larger hospital. There was no doubt, at that point, that many felt a hospital would attract more doctors and specialists. It would also cut down on the amount of hours the doctors spent on the road to make visits to care for their patients who were in Twin City hospitals. It was co-incidental that our neighbors in Chisago County had similar thoughts about the need for a hospital and had laid some ground work. At one point there was consideration of one hospital to include both communities. At that time, there were government loans available for such projects through the ?ill-Burton fund?and both communities were interested in that type of funding. Forest Lake began in earnest to plan for a hospital. Memorial Hospital, Forest Lake A non-profit Hospital Association was formed. Membership would be $10 initial membership fee with annual dues of $2. The hospital would be called ?emorial Hospital.? One of the principle sources of revenue was expected to come through ?emorials?given in honor of dear departed relatives and friends and those that gave their lives in the military. The designation of ?orest Lake?would be used in the address, because representatives from the surrounding communities of Hugo, Centerville, Coon Lake and Lino Lakes expressed a desire to join Forest Lake in this venture. Chisago gets Hill-Burton money The State Advisory board selected Chisago Lakes as the recipient of the Hill-Burton money. Forest Lake lost out, but the Hospital Association was still determined to go ahead on its own to build a 30-bed hospital at a cost of $250,000 through public subscription and fund raisers. There was a small nucleus of men and women that made the reality of a hospital their goal and with enthusiasm, started a project that would take about six years to complete. Headquarters The first meetings were held at various places around the village before campaign headquarters was set up in the Northern States Power building (presently Parenteau?). Outside stood a huge 15-foot tall yellow thermometer sign board with painted red mercury to register the progress toward the goal of $250,000. The story of watching the mercury rise is a special, yet difficult story to write, because of so many people involved. Raising money by pledges, donations and fund raisers to build the hospital was in a class by itself. There were the usual ups and downs, and problems as with any public campaign. Campaign Beginnings There were the campaign co-chairmen, Mrs. Norma Harper and Carlyle Morey, Vice Chairman Leonard Tolzmann, Treasurer E. Letourneau. The following persons were chairmen of various committees: Special Gifts, H.A. Pepin; National Firms, Ward Woodrich; Former residents, Mrs. Richard Petersen; Men? Division, Dr. O.R. Van Wirt; and Women? Division, Mrs. Phyllis Johnson. There were chairpersons from six areas, Mrs. Carroll Broadbent for Linwood, Mrs. Cora Boehm for Columbus-Lino, Emil Maslowski for Hugo-Oneka, Francis Burque for Centerville, Mrs. Robert Elmstrom for Scandia-Hay Lake and Mrs. Harold Westby for the Coon Lake area. Lee Sandager was in charge of area committees. This list of volunteers will give you a small idea of the magnitude of the job that lay before these people, who would soon be devoting countless hours to a cause. In addition to the committees there was a 10-member Board of Directors. Fund Raising ?onate?was the key word, not only in material things, but the hours that volunteers donated to the fund raisers, was an unbelievable figure. A ladies hospital auxiliary group was also formed; Mrs. Geo. Ruggles was the first president. Their aim was to raise money for furnishings and equipment that would make the hospital attractive and pleasant. Space does not permit listing all the events that people staged to raise money, but for our new residents I would like to give you a picture of Forest Lake residents at their best, volunteering and donating for a worthy cause. For the ?eople who were there,?it will be a time to remember. Dancing Parties They danced and danced to raise money. The dance on Sept. 17, 1955 was the first one of many to be held at the Forest Lake Country Club, which was recently demolished. Len and Edith Halbohn, proprietors, donated the use of the Club and that night the dancers were ?winging and swaying?to Les Swan? orchestra, which also donated its services. Admission was $1 for men and 50 cents for women. Over in Centerville, Eugene Peloquin, manager of the Twin Lakes Country Club donated his facilities and the dancers whirled away the night dancing to the music of ?osie Boehm and her Cherry Pickers.? The music was also complimentary. The event was in the nature of a ?oing away?party for Dr. N. Mensheha, who would be leaving Forest Lake for graduate study. The event raised $552. There was a check for $150 to add to the fund from the Forest Lake American Legion after they sponsored a ?urn-about?dance. Everyone had such a good time the crowd wanted another one soon. Theatre Party The evenings of Nov. 2 and 3, 1955, found people flocking to the Forest Theatre to see one of the greatest pictures up to that time, ?he Robe.? All proceeds from the show were donated by Bob and Jane Drummond. The theatre was also used for a fabulous Variety Show in 1960. Doctor ?trikes It Rich? At his own expense, Dr. Mensheha flew to New York to appear on the show to present the story of the effort of this community to have a hospital and in his words, ?epay in some small way the wonderful people of Forest Lake.? Time ran out on his first appearance, so he returned the next day. He answered the five questions perfectly and won $440 which he turned in to the fund. As a result of his television appearance, contributions of more than $800 came in. WDGY Wonders vs. FL Alumni What a night for 700 basketball fans as they watched the dazzling Ranger Alumni team beat the awesome WDGY Wonders, 68-57. Paul Furrer and Bob Morehead led the scoring, other team members were R. and B. Daninger, Zak, Skoglund, Evgen, Trepanier, Hopkins, Kauls, Colleen and Taylor. This game netted $452. Children? Contributions Even young children felt the need to ?o something for the hospital?for example, the children of the Elmer Preisler and Earl Lellman families produced a ?ome talent?production of a two-act play called, ? party for the Queen,?(which the critics said was a riot). They sold popcorn, nectar and cookies and proudly turned in $12.13. Five girls, set up a table in front of the downtown Red Own store (now Town Square) and sold their precious comic books, homemade fudge and cool drinks. They did so well the first day, making over $6, they set up again the next day. Teen-agers too They washed cars and contributed a lot of ?uscle?for various activities. The Dualeer Car Club teamed with Skateland for a Roller Skating Party. Vogels furnished the facilities and concessions and the boys sold advance tickets and worked as skate boys, skate guards. The event netted $87.55. Every bit helped People came up with a variety of ideas for the fund and I?l briefly recap a few. Mrs. Ray Tolzmann, Auxiliary President, found plenty of volunteers to sell huge fragrant peonies on our downtown street on a June day. These beautiful flowers were a gift from Ray Kulbecks large peony farm. The VFW Post 4210 Auxiliary sponsored several successful style shows and a ?our of Homes,?netting $500. Food played a big part as a fund raiser; there were countless bake sales and dinners, including a pancake and sausage breakfast, served by Setterholms in their parking lot, which made $144. The Auxiliary? 4th of July food stand by the Melody Ballroom netted $250. Music brought crowds to ?op Concerts?and several Barber Shop Concerts. An outstanding one was the ?avalcade of Harmony.? There were many campaign meetings and ?ick-off?dinners as pledge teams were formed. Their enthusiasm was contagious as they ?it the trail?again to solicit pledges. These ?eautiful people,?the campaign workers, were out in the country coping with muddy spring roads, or battling heat and humidity as they continued to solicit funds. Carlyle Morey offered a wonderful incentive to the top winners of the ?dvance Gifts?and ?eneral Campaign?... a 17-jewel Gruen gold wrist watch. Many individuals were interested in designated memorials such as the ?urses station?for $1000 or two bassinets each $480. There was also a Dr. Poirier and Dr. Ruggles fund started for the purpose of purchasing each a ?ospital room?in their honor. Pledges could be paid over three years in equal quarterly installments. Of course it was necessary to have the large ?dvance gifts?to purchase land and start the interest bearing fund. Immediate help is needed The red painted mercury on the thermometer rose to $115,000 and seemed to stop there. It became apparent more help would be needed. (It must be remembered that many local people were also making pledges to the Lutheran and Catholic Church building funds). The solution was legal help in setting up a hospital district that would have the power to levy taxes to pay off the municipal bonds on the balance of money that was needed to start building. Each district would be represented by one board member. They were the villages of Forest Lake, Hugo, Centerville, Lino Lakes and the townships of Forest Lake and Columbus, with one member-at-large. A special tribute should be paid to Roy Brisson. He was the first elected member from Hugo and he has served continuously and well since its organization. Ground Breaking in 1961 Big ground breaking ceremonies took place on Saturday, Feb. 25 at 3 p.m. The five acres bought from Merle Swanson for $5000 would soon be the site of the District Memorial Hospital A goal was reached There was an exciting and satisfying feeling in the air on that cold December day, as everyone attending the dedication and ?pen House?felt that in some small or large way they had contributed something of themselves in making this day possible. It was a long time span from the summer of 1955 to this 30th day of December, 1961. Clem Thurnbeck, member of the hospital association board of directors, was master of ceremonies. The Forest Lake band also took part. There was benediction delivered by Rev. Lloyd Fortin, pastor of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Hugo. Val Bjornson, treasurer of Minnesota delivered the address. The cornerstone laying was presided over by Roy Brisson. As the public ?oured?the hospital, people stopped to read the names on the bronze plaques that lined the wall in the hall. These names formed the honor roll of contributors of memorials and pledges. The Doctors on staff would be Dr. Ruggles, Chief of Staff, Dr. G.T. Midboe, Dr. J. Purdie and Dr. C.F. Peikert and a list of surgeons and specialists who would be available for consultation and surgery. Pat Barrett held the position of hospital administrator. There was a complete staff of registered nurses, LPNs and aids, many of whom had worked at Dr. Ruggles?Clinic-Hospital. The hospital was opened on Wednesday, Jan 24, 1962. We had indeed come a long way from the mid-wife and medicinal herbs of the 1880s to our modern new facility. Hospital story continues The continued story of the hospital, covering 23 years would be a story of many changes... a complete story in itself. There was the traumatic realization that the hospital was $150,000 in debt after two years in operation. There was recovery, change-about and growth under Leah Hillesheim? capable administration of 15 years, which spanned from 1964 to 1980. In 1974, an addition contained 17 beds brought the total beds to 52; a new lab area and more emergency room space was also added. Setting another cornerstone Under present administrator, Terry Brenny, a second cornerstone was set into another addition Oct. 31, 1984. The expansion was for more surgical room and lobby space. Dr. Ruggles and Roy Brisson again witnessed this last expansion. A beautifully illustrated and written brochure of all the services available plus an annual report will be reaching the residents of District Memorial Hospital very soon. The present staff of Doctors include Dr. Carl Peikert of the original staff, Dr. H.J. Frank, Dr. John Knott, Dr. Paul Nerothin, Dr. Charles Beck, Dr. D.E. Sill, Dr. David Olson, Dr. Paul Sandager, Dr. Kim Anderson, Dr. G.J. Mayor (Hugo), Peter Setness, (on leave in Saudia Arabia) and Dr. Chris Ceman. (Editor? Note: The following Reflections column was first published on February 7, 1985 as the third installment on a series about local doctors and hosptials. It is reprinted here as part of the newspaper? on-going coverage during its 100th year. This column and future Reflections columns are in tribute to the author who died on Friday, Feb. 7, 2003.) In the summer of 1955, the Forest Lake Clinic Hospital was a very busy place as Dr. George Ruggles tended to his patients. It was during that summer that public interest increased toward the need for a larger hospital. There was no doubt, at that point, that many felt a hospital would attract more doctors and specialists. It would also cut down on the amount of hours the doctors spent on the road to make visits to care for their patients who were in Twin City hospitals. It was co-incidental that our neighbors in Chisago County had similar thoughts about the need for a hospital and had laid some ground work. At one point there was consideration of one hospital to include both communities. At that time, there were government loans available for such projects through the ?ill-Burton fund?and both communities were interested in that type of funding. Forest Lake began in earnest to plan for a hospital. Memorial Hospital, Forest Lake A non-profit Hospital Association was formed. Membership would be $10 initial membership fee with annual dues of $2. The hospital would be called ?emorial Hospital.? One of the principle sources of revenue was expected to come through ?emorials?given in honor of dear departed relatives and friends and those that gave their lives in the military. The designation of ?orest Lake?would be used in the address, because representatives from the surrounding communities of Hugo, Centerville, Coon Lake and Lino Lakes expressed a desire to join Forest Lake in this venture. Chisago gets Hill-Burton money The State Advisory board selected Chisago Lakes as the recipient of the Hill-Burton money. Forest Lake lost out, but the Hospital Association was still determined to go ahead on its own to build a 30-bed hospital at a cost of $250,000 through public subscription and fund raisers. There was a small nucleus of men and women that made the reality of a hospital their goal and with enthusiasm, started a project that would take about six years to complete. Headquarters The first meetings were held at various places around the village before campaign headquarters was set up in the Northern States Power building (presently Parenteau?). Outside stood a huge 15-foot tall yellow thermometer sign board with painted red mercury to register the progress toward the goal of $250,000. The story of watching the mercury rise is a special, yet difficult story to write, because of so many people involved. Raising money by pledges, donations and fund raisers to build the hospital was in a class by itself. There were the usual ups and downs, and problems as with any public campaign. Campaign Beginnings There were the campaign co-chairmen, Mrs. Norma Harper and Carlyle Morey, Vice Chairman Leonard Tolzmann, Treasurer E. Letourneau. The following persons were chairmen of various committees: Special Gifts, H.A. Pepin; National Firms, Ward Woodrich; Former residents, Mrs. Richard Petersen; Men? Division, Dr. O.R. Van Wirt; and Women? Division, Mrs. Phyllis Johnson. There were chairpersons from six areas, Mrs. Carroll Broadbent for Linwood, Mrs. Cora Boehm for Columbus-Lino, Emil Maslowski for Hugo-Oneka, Francis Burque for Centerville, Mrs. Robert Elmstrom for Scandia-Hay Lake and Mrs. Harold Westby for the Coon Lake area. Lee Sandager was in charge of area committees. This list of volunteers will give you a small idea of the magnitude of the job that lay before these people, who would soon be devoting countless hours to a cause. In addition to the committees there was a 10-member Board of Directors. Fund Raising ?onate?was the key word, not only in material things, but the hours that volunteers donated to the fund raisers, was an unbelievable figure. A ladies hospital auxiliary group was also formed; Mrs. Geo. Ruggles was the first president. Their aim was to raise money for furnishings and equipment that would make the hospital attractive and pleasant. Space does not permit listing all the events that people staged to raise money, but for our new residents I would like to give you a picture of Forest Lake residents at their best, volunteering and donating for a worthy cause. For the ?eople who were there,?it will be a time to remember. Dancing Parties They danced and danced to raise money. The dance on Sept. 17, 1955 was the first one of many to be held at the Forest Lake Country Club, which was recently demolished. Len and Edith Halbohn, proprietors, donated the use of the Club and that night the dancers were ?winging and swaying?to Les Swan? orchestra, which also donated its services. Admission was $1 for men and 50 cents for women. Over in Centerville, Eugene Peloquin, manager of the Twin Lakes Country Club donated his facilities and the dancers whirled away the night dancing to the music of ?osie Boehm and her Cherry Pickers.? The music was also complimentary. The event was in the nature of a ?oing away?party for Dr. N. Mensheha, who would be leaving Forest Lake for graduate study. The event raised $552. There was a check for $150 to add to the fund from the Forest Lake American Legion after they sponsored a ?urn-about?dance. Everyone had such a good time the crowd wanted another one soon. Theatre Party The evenings of Nov. 2 and 3, 1955, found people flocking to the Forest Theatre to see one of the greatest pictures up to that time, ?he Robe.? All proceeds from the show were donated by Bob and Jane Drummond. The theatre was also used for a fabulous Variety Show in 1960. Doctor ?trikes It Rich? At his own expense, Dr. Mensheha flew to New York to appear on the show to present the story of the effort of this community to have a hospital and in his words, ?epay in some small way the wonderful people of Forest Lake.? Time ran out on his first appearance, so he returned the next day. He answered the five questions perfectly and won $440 which he turned in to the fund. As a result of his television appearance, contributions of more than $800 came in. WDGY Wonders vs. FL Alumni What a night for 700 basketball fans as they watched the dazzling Ranger Alumni team beat the awesome WDGY Wonders, 68-57. Paul Furrer and Bob Morehead led the scoring, other team members were R. and B. Daninger, Zak, Skoglund, Evgen, Trepanier, Hopkins, Kauls, Colleen and Taylor. This game netted $452. Children? Contributions Even young children felt the need to ?o something for the hospital?for example, the children of the Elmer Preisler and Earl Lellman families produced a ?ome talent?production of a two-act play called, ? party for the Queen,?(which the critics said was a riot). They sold popcorn, nectar and cookies and proudly turned in $12.13. Five girls, set up a table in front of the downtown Red Own store (now Town Square) and sold their precious comic books, homemade fudge and cool drinks. They did so well the first day, making over $6, they set up again the next day. Teen-agers too They washed cars and contributed a lot of ?uscle?for various activities. The Dualeer Car Club teamed with Skateland for a Roller Skating Party. Vogels furnished the facilities and concessions and the boys sold advance tickets and worked as skate boys, skate guards. The event netted $87.55. Every bit helped People came up with a variety of ideas for the fund and I?l briefly recap a few. Mrs. Ray Tolzmann, Auxiliary President, found plenty of volunteers to sell huge fragrant peonies on our downtown street on a June day. These beautiful flowers were a gift from Ray Kulbecks large peony farm. The VFW Post 4210 Auxiliary sponsored several successful style shows and a ?our of Homes,?netting $500. Food played a big part as a fund raiser; there were countless bake sales and dinners, including a pancake and sausage breakfast, served by Setterholms in their parking lot, which made $144. The Auxiliary? 4th of July food stand by the Melody Ballroom netted $250. Music brought crowds to ?op Concerts?and several Barber Shop Concerts. An outstanding one was the ?avalcade of Harmony.? There were many campaign meetings and ?ick-off?dinners as pledge teams were formed. Their enthusiasm was contagious as they ?it the trail?again to solicit pledges. These ?eautiful people,?the campaign workers, were out in the country coping with muddy spring roads, or battling heat and humidity as they continued to solicit funds. Carlyle Morey offered a wonderful incentive to the top winners of the ?dvance Gifts?and ?eneral Campaign?... a 17-jewel Gruen gold wrist watch. Many individuals were interested in designated memorials such as the ?urses station?for $1000 or two bassinets each $480. There was also a Dr. Poirier and Dr. Ruggles fund started for the purpose of purchasing each a ?ospital room?in their honor. Pledges could be paid over three years in equal quarterly installments. Of course it was necessary to have the large ?dvance gifts?to purchase land and start the interest bearing fund. Immediate help is needed The red painted mercury on the thermometer rose to $115,000 and seemed to stop there. It became apparent more help would be needed. (It must be remembered that many local people were also making pledges to the Lutheran and Catholic Church building funds). The solution was legal help in setting up a hospital district that would have the power to levy taxes to pay off the municipal bonds on the balance of money that was needed to start building. Each district would be represented by one board member. They were the villages of Forest Lake, Hugo, Centerville, Lino Lakes and the townships of Forest Lake and Columbus, with one member-at-large. A special tribute should be paid to Roy Brisson. He was the first elected member from Hugo and he has served continuously and well since its organization. Ground Breaking in 1961 Big ground breaking ceremonies took place on Saturday, Feb. 25 at 3 p.m. The five acres bought from Merle Swanson for $5000 would soon be the site of the District Memorial Hospital A goal was reached There was an exciting and satisfying feeling in the air on that cold December day, as everyone attending the dedication and ?pen House?felt that in some small or large way they had contributed something of themselves in making this day possible. It was a long time span from the summer of 1955 to this 30th day of December, 1961. Clem Thurnbeck, member of the hospital association board of directors, was master of ceremonies. The Forest Lake band also took part. There was benediction delivered by Rev. Lloyd Fortin, pastor of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Hugo. Val Bjornson, treasurer of Minnesota delivered the address. The cornerstone laying was presided over by Roy Brisson. As the public ?oured?the hospital, people stopped to read the names on the bronze plaques that lined the wall in the hall. These names formed the honor roll of contributors of memorials and pledges. The Doctors on staff would be Dr. Ruggles, Chief of Staff, Dr. G.T. Midboe, Dr. J. Purdie and Dr. C.F. Peikert and a list of surgeons and specialists who would be available for consultation and surgery. Pat Barrett held the position of hospital administrator. There was a complete staff of registered nurses, LPNs and aids, many of whom had worked at Dr. Ruggles?Clinic-Hospital. The hospital was opened on Wednesday, Jan 24, 1962. We had indeed come a long way from the mid-wife and medicinal herbs of the 1880s to our modern new facility. Hospital story continues The continued story of the hospital, covering 23 years would be a story of many changes... a complete story in itself. There was the traumatic realization that the hospital was $150,000 in debt after two years in operation. There was recovery, change-about and growth under Leah Hillesheim? capable administration of 15 years, which spanned from 1964 to 1980. In 1974, an addition contained 17 beds brought the total beds to 52; a new lab area and more emergency room space was also added. Setting another cornerstone Under present administrator, Terry Brenny, a second cornerstone was set into another addition Oct. 31, 1984. The expansion was for more surgical room and lobby space. Dr. Ruggles and Roy Brisson again witnessed this last expansion. A beautifully illustrated and written brochure of all the services available plus an annual report will be reaching the residents of District Memorial Hospital very soon. The present staff of Doctors include Dr. Carl Peikert of the original staff, Dr. H.J. Frank, Dr. John Knott, Dr. Paul Nerothin, Dr. Charles Beck, Dr. D.E. Sill, Dr. David Olson, Dr. Paul Sandager, Dr. Kim Anderson, Dr. G.J. Mayor (Hugo), Peter Setness, (on leave in Saudia Arabia) and Dr. Chris Ceman.
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