New hospital built
March 11, 1953 — “To man Thou has given the wisdom to soothe his brother’s suffering, to know his disorders, to extract what substances may heal, to learn their powers and to prepare them and use them suitably in every ill.”
These words, an extract from the prayer of Maimonides, a 12th century physician, symbolize the spirit of medical principles over the centuries; principles which have led to the scientific knowledge which is modern medicine.
Today in Penticton a concrete monument to these humanitarian principles was created with the opening of the new hospital on Carmi road. “. . . Of Man’s Humanity To
Man. . .” This afternoon the four storey, 110 bed hospital was officially opened by Mayor W. A. Rathbun and was dedicated by the Rev. Ernest Rands.
At the imposing entrance to the building Mayor Rathbun, after the dedication address, took the scissors with which to cut the ribbon, turned to Miss Mary Ellen Walker, director of nursing, smiled and said “I think you should have the honor of cutting this ribbon, Miss Walker.”
Crowds gathered to witness what was the culmination of years of planning and bonding and then stayed to inspect the hospital’s beautifully designed and efficiently planned interior.
The feeling of those who witnessed the ceremony were summed up in the opening address by Mayor Rathbun when he declared: “For several years the people of Penticton have been anticipating the time when we could formally open a new hospital here. There were many plans and many disappointments. “I would like to pay tribute to those who worked so faithfully to finalize the plans which have made this occasion a reality. “As we stand at the entrance of this magnificent structure we cannot but be impressed with care and thought and skill which brought it into being. “We are impressed by the size, the efficiency and the beauty. This modern building is a triumph of construction art, a testimony to the architect’s skill. “This building stands today a modern and efficient hospital. It is more than a beautiful structure, it is an emblem of man’s thoughtfulness for man; of man’s humanity to man. It is a symbol of progress, of scientific advancement and of a wise provision against future eventualities. “In a moment this building will be dedicated to the service of humanity to the unselfish ‘devotion of the nursing profession and to the aid and comfort of those who will rest within these walls for varied periods of time.”
1953
Prime Minister of Canada: Louis St. Laurent
Mayor of Penticton: William Rathbun
Canadian Press Newsmaker of the Year: Lester Pearson
Stanley Cup champions: Montreal Canadiens
Academy Award for Best Picture: “From Here to Eternity”
Billboard’s No 1. song of the year: “The Song from Moulin Rouge,” Percy Faith
Local news:Construction of the Okanagan River Channel begins with dredging as new steel and concrete dams will control lakes.