The Origins of the McHenry Hospital

For most of McHenry’s early history, medical care was taken care of at either a person’s home or a doctor’s office. Hospitals were for very serious medical conditions or emergencies and were used in areas with a large population like Chicago. McHenry County didn’t have a hospital until the Woodstock hospital was constructed in the 1890s. However, after World War II, a shift was seen where communities were setting up hospitals of their own. The main reason for this was with better care, more equipment such as X-ray machines became more readily available. Large equipment like this was not practical to bring to someone’s house or house in someone’s office. Also, medical insurance was making medical procedures less of a financial burden for patients. Doctors were combining their specialties and forming medical groups that used hospitals as a place to house their talents. Lastly, after World War II, communities were getting larger, so a medical center for the community was more practical. For McHenry, their medical future started with the return of Dr. Lee Gladstone in 1946.

Lee Gladstone grew up in McHenry and his parents owned one of the larger stores in town. He got a medical degree from the University of Chicago and served in World War II, then came back to the city to set up a medical practice in 1946. The next year, Dr. Gladstone had a hospital constructed that measured 44” x 100”, which stood just south of the movie theatre, along Boone Creek. A relatively small structure, it was more of a medical clinic, but one that established the medical presence needed in the growing community. It was built of wall brick, which helped provide insulation, and was air-conditioned. The building was designed by John Vandermuden, a Chicago architect, and was constructed by the Tonyan Construction Co. Being a visionary, Gladstone saw the need for putting together a group of doctors and formed the McHenry Medical Group in 1948. The group included a surgeon and an eye, ear, and throat doctor.

Your new McHenry hospital is a fine illustration of this kind of vigorous cooperation on a community-wide basis…

Letter from President Dwight D. Eisenhower

Initially, the community itself was somewhat divided as to whether the town even needed a hospital. Some thought that the county hospital in Woodstock would suffice, while others noted that other towns in the area such as Harvard and Huntley had their own facility. Seeing Gladstone lead by example, galvanized many in town as they realized the need for a larger medical facility. Within a few years, funds started to be raised to add to the hospital. Most of the funds were raised by Dr. Gladstone, the Women’s Auxiliary and some generous McHenry residents. There are main things that the hospital lacked such as an emergency room, dedicated obstetrics care, and more space for beds. By 1955, enough money had been raised to where construction could begin.

When finished in August 1956, the hospital would feature enough space for 22 beds, a fully equipped emergency room, and an operating room. Rooms were designed to have pleasant light and be well-ventilated. Also, the entire building featured air conditioning. The hospital was built for $500,000. Interestingly, the hospital didn’t have a blood bank. However, a list of people and their blood type could be called upon if a transfusion was needed. In August 1956, an open house celebrating the new building was held featuring booths from United Cerebral Palsy of McHenry County and Alcoholics Anonymous. Over 1,500 people attended the event, with some coming out all the way from Chicago. During the 1960s, McHenry would have a series of additions & construction that would make the McHenry Hospital one of the best in the county.

Sources

• “The Start of a Crusade.” The McHenry Plaindealer. (McHenry, IL) 4 Apr 1946, 4. Newspapers.com. Web. 30 Sep 2023.
• “Much Discussion In McHenry Regarding Hospital Facilities.” The McHenry Plaindealer. (McHenry, IL) 4 Sep 1947, 1. Newspapers.com. Web. 30 Sep 2023.
• “Survey In Progress To Determine Best Plan For Hospital.” The McHenry Plaindealer. (McHenry, IL) 2 Oct 1947, 1. Newspapers.com. Web. 30 Sep 2023.
• “New McHenry Medical Group Is Formed Here.” The McHenry Plaindealer. (McHenry, IL) 30 Dec 1948, 1. Newspapers.com. Web. 30 Sep 2023.
• “New McHenry Hospital To Open In Eight Weeks; Henry Tonyan Chairman Board of Directors.” The McHenry Plaindealer. (McHenry, IL) 28 Jun 1956, 4. Newspapers.com. Web. 18 Sep 2023.
• “President Sends Best Wishes For McHenry Hospital.” The McHenry Plaindealer. (McHenry, IL) 8 Aug 1956, 4. Newspapers.com. Web. 30 Sep 2023.
• “New McHenry Hospital Open House.” The McHenry Plaindealer. (McHenry, IL) 30 Aug 1956, 1. Newspapers.com. Web. 30 Sep 2023.
• “1,500 Visit New McHenry Hospital On Opening Day.” The McHenry Plaindealer. (McHenry, IL) 6 Sep 1956, 1. Newspapers.com. Web. 30 Sep 2023.
• “New McHenry Hospital Open House.” The McHenry Plaindealer. (McHenry, IL) 30 Aug 1956, 1. Newspapers.com. Web. 30 Sep 2023.
• “McHenry Hospital Begins Third Year of Operation; Report 2,400 Patients Admitted in 2 Years.” The McHenry Plaindealer. (McHenry, IL) 11 Sep 1958, 1. Newspapers.com. Web. 22 Sep 2023.