I’s going to be a big party, to honor a big
anniversary.
Hood River Hospital opened its doors at 13th
and May streets 75 years ago this summer.
The celebration is set for Saturday, Aug. 4,
from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the hospital’s east parking lot.
Continuous shuttle bus service will run from
the parking lots at the LDS Church, 18th and May, and the
Nazarene Church, 22nd and Belmont.
A special commemoration program at 10:15 a.m.
will include a welcome from U.S. House representative and native son Greg
Walden, the introduction of Esther Hutson Balsinger, who was a nurse a
Hood River Hospital when it opened in 1932, and other long-term employees
and special guests.
The summer party’s theme, “Moving the Past
Forward,” will showcase the hospital’s planned expansion and modernization
with a 10:45 a.m. groundbreaking.
County, city and hospital dignitaries will be
on hand to turn shovels of dirt in anticipation of the upcoming
construction project.
Building and renovation plans will be on
display, along with stories and pictures about the hospital’s 75-year
history. It may be the longest-standing hospital in Oregon still operating
from the same location.
A group photo will be taken from the
hospital’s roof of all party guests who were born at the hospital since
its opening in 1932.
Catered lunch provided by four Gorge food
purveyors and hosted by the hospital, will begin at 11 a.m., along with a
children’s jumping house and other games and community booths and live
music by the Laurie Starr Duo.
TELL YOUR STORY
Community members who would like to have stories about
their hospital experience included on the story wall can call (541)
387-8494
Or, go to:
