Watertown, NY
----- Did you know that, until 1994, Samaritan Medical Center was
called The House of the Good Samaritan? Or that the apartment house
that now stands on the corner of Ten Eyck and Holcomb streets in
Watertown was the hospital’s first location when it was built in
1881? Or that live rabbits used to be used in the hospital laboratory
for pregnancy testing? Or that bandages used to be made from old bed
sheets, and nurses made their own cotton swabs out of cotton balls and
wooden sticks?
If you aren’t familiar with the facts about Samaritan Medical
Center’s long history of caring for the community, that’s
sure to change once you visit one of the events during the
hospital’s anniversary celebration, which is planned for the week
of September 25-29. Several events have been planned throughout the
week so that the entire community can enjoy a glimpse into the
distinguished history of Samaritan Medical Center and local healthcare.
Event details are as follows:
Staff Celebration
Monday, September 25th
Samaritan employees – past and present – will reminisce
about the hospital’s past. Several departments will showcase
their services through interactive and historical displays and
storyboards. They will be treated to a special “Fall
Spread” as prepared by the Food Services department.
History & Health Fair
(Community Event)
Tuesday, September 26th and Wednesday, September 27th, 2 – 7 p.m.
each day
This two-day event will feature historical displays of photographs and
equipment from the hospital archives, free health screenings,
activities for the kids, giveaways, and more. There will also be
displays featuring the hospital’s newest medical technology.
Hospital staff will be on hand to answer questions and join in the fun.
Cookies and cider will be served. Free and open to the entire
community.
“A Look Back”
– Special Event for Retired Physicians, Nurses and Auxilians
Thursday, September 28th, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Retired physicians, nurses and auxilians will reunite with historical
hospital displays, photographs and lots of stories and laughs. The
Jefferson County Historical Society has provided mannequins donning
yesterday’s nursing uniforms. Thomas Carman, President and CEO,
will address the group about the hospital’s future.
125th Anniversary Gala
Celebration
Friday, September 29th, 6 – 9 p.m.
Anniversary week festivities culminate with this gala evening event.
Samaritan staff, trustees, and physicians join elected officials,
community leaders and others for a celebration of Samaritan’s
history and future. Cocktails, buffet stations, and music will add to
the festive atmosphere. $40 per person. RSVP is required by calling the
Samaritan Foundation at 785-5745.
All events will be located on the grounds between Samaritan Medical
Center and Samaritan Keep Home.
In addition to the week-long festivities, Samaritan Medical Center will
be sharing its history with the community through some upcoming
publications. During the week of September 18th, residents of Jefferson
County will be receiving a special publication from Samaritan. The
publication includes details of the celebration, as well as a timeline
of events dating back to September 24, 1881, when The House of the Good
Samaritan received its certificate of incorporation.
Additionally, the Watertown Daily Times will be publishing a special
historical tribute to Samaritan Medical Center on Thursday, September
21st. Historical hospital-related articles from the Watertown Daily
Times’ archives will be reprinted, as well as feature articles
submitted by Samaritan Medical Center. Congratulatory messages to
Samaritan from local organizations and businesses, which have partnered
with Samaritan throughout the years, will also be featured.
For more information about these events, please call Samaritan’s
Marketing and Public Relations Department at 785-4504.
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