Sometimes, when we arrive at a special place of achievement, it is good to look at how we got there. Although we have barely cut the ribbon on a brand new, state of the art 21st century hospital and clinic this year, now is a good time to reflect on the 100 years Montevideo has had a hospital.

The current Chippewa County-Montevideo Hospital, which is owned jointly by the county and city with each having 50 percent ownership, began a century ago in 1910 with the construction of a building still in use today to house county services.

That original building, located in the 700 block between 6th and 7th streets, was added onto over the years, first on the north side in 1928 and later on the south in 1955.

The original hospital was built on what was considered a prime location on top of Ashmore Hill facing Washington Avenue, now Minnesota State Highway 7.

The simple red brick building had a wide two-story porch along the front of the second and third floors. The porch roof was supported by four graceful columns with ornate capitals, now long gone, but which lent an elegant air to the otherwise austere structure.

The hospital was completed after some 23 years of discussions, lobbying by local groups and railroad officials, and fundraising with subscription lists, donations with stock offerings. By 1955, the city and county each had 50 percent ownership.

In the mid 1970s, the community began to consider the need for a new hospital. A bequest from a long-ago resident made it possible to begin to meet that need, and a new hospital was built in 1976 on North 11th Street next to Luther Haven Nursing Home. A large addition to the hospital was completed in 1992.

Two years after the hospital was built, the Montevideo Clinic moved into a building adjoining the hospital. The hospital later purchased the clinic on Jan. 1, 2005.

Now, with both the clinic and hospital under one roof, along with greatly expanded facilities and resources, it is time to recognize how far we have come in the past 100 years.

Mark Paulson, hospital administrator, has put together a 100th anniversary committee, whose members are Dr. Tom Birkey, Darlene Boike, Debbie Jensen, Jane Myhre, Linda Nelson, Judy Stendahl, Sue Winters, and Sue Jerve.

An open house is being planned, tentatively set for October. Plans are also under way for a memorial way portraying some of the hospital’s history. Anyone who has, or knows of, photos or documents relating to the medical community over the last century is asked to contact Birkey.

—Compiled from staff reports and information provided by Dr. Tom Birkey