When Allentown Hospital first opened its doors in 1899, the city was a burgeoning industrial hub, home to around 35,000 residents. This historical context is crucial to understanding the establishment of what is now known as Lehigh Valley Hospital–17th Street. The late 19th century saw Allentown flourish with manufacturing, but it was also a time when healthcare infrastructure was nascent. The story of Lehigh Valley Hospital–17th Street is a testament to community spirit and the growing need for modern medical facilities in a rapidly developing region.
The Genesis of Allentown Hospital: A Community’s Vision
The seeds for Lehigh Valley Hospital–17th Street were sown in 1892 when two forward-thinking councilmen, Winslow Wood and M.J. Lennon, urged Mayor Samuel D. Lehr to convene a public meeting to discuss building a hospital. Mayor Lehr spearheaded this initiative, and the meeting drew a diverse group of local physicians, businessmen, educators, and clergy. Among the prominent voices advocating for the hospital were Dr. H.H. Herbst, Dr. E.G. Martin, and Reverend A.R. Horne. The collective sentiment was clear: Allentown needed a hospital. By December 27, 1892, this group formalized their commitment by incorporating and securing a charter for “The Allentown Hospital.”
In January 1893, a Board of Directors, comprising ten men and five women from the community, was appointed. This board included influential figures like Mayor Lehr, Joseph E. Downing, and prominent women such as Mrs. Harry C. Trexler. Committees for building and rules were formed, and a fundraising campaign was launched by The Allentown Morning Call. However, initial enthusiasm waned, and the project stalled. It was David Miller, the publisher of The Allentown Morning Call, whose persistent promotion and hospital fund kept the vision alive. In 1895, the project was revitalized at another public meeting, bolstered by the newspaper’s contribution of $1,900. Renewed momentum saw donations pour in from organizations like the Master Plumbers of Allentown and the H.B. Yingling Brick Company, along with numerous private citizens. A formal organization took shape in November 1895, opening membership to those who contributed financially to the cause.
Securing Land and Laying Foundations at 17th and Chew Streets
In December 1895, contributors elected a Board of Trustees. This board included respected community members like Dr. W.H. Hartzell, John E. Lentz, and Colonel Harry C. Trexler. By February 1896, the hospital was officially chartered, and a Ladies Auxiliary was established, marking significant progress. The next crucial step was to find a suitable location. The building committee meticulously evaluated various sites and identified a prime piece of land: the Solomon Griesemer tract at the corner of Seventeenth and Chew Streets. However, this desirable property came with a restriction against hospital construction. Undeterred, a group of individuals including Colonel Trexler and Henry Leh, purchased the land privately for $5,297.51 and, in March 1897, transferred the deed to the Hospital Association. This pivotal land acquisition at 17th and Chew Streets secured the future location of Lehigh Valley Hospital–17th Street, with the Ladies Auxiliary covering the purchase cost.
Construction and Opening of Allentown Hospital
By January 1898, architects were invited to submit designs for the new Allentown Hospital at the 17th Street location. Seymour Davis of Philadelphia’s “English Colonial” style design was chosen, envisioning a two-and-a-half-story central building with two wings, estimated to cost $30,000. Materials selected were Seisholtzville granite, buff brick, and King of Prussia marble trim. With only $11,000 raised, a finance committee was tasked with securing the remaining funds. Construction finally commenced in May 1898. Over the ensuing months, committees worked tirelessly to raise funds and procure essential hospital equipment and furnishings. Staff recruitment began, with James Heckman hired as janitor and Annie B. Gibson as head nurse. Dr. Orlando Fegley was appointed the first Surgeon-In-Chief, though Dr. Charles D. Schaeffer ultimately served in this role, beginning just days before the hospital’s official opening.
Early Growth and Expansion at the 17th Street Campus
Within a year of operation, it became evident that Allentown Hospital needed to expand its facilities at 17th Street. A committee, including Judge Harvey and Dr. C.D. Schaeffer, was formed to explore adding the first of the originally planned wings. Trustee James K. Mosser generously pledged to finance the entire expansion. Construction began, costing $39,773, and was completed by June 1902. This expansion added 45 beds and accommodated the student nurses of the newly established School of Nursing, which opened in November 1899, further solidifying Lehigh Valley Hospital–17th Street as a comprehensive medical institution.
The hospital continued to experience rapid growth. In its first decade, Allentown Hospital cared for nearly 8,000 patients. With patient numbers peaking at 102 daily, discussions about further expansion resumed. The urgent need for a delivery room and nursery was highlighted, as 67 babies had already been born at the hospital. A larger children’s area was also deemed necessary. Fundraising efforts in 1910 secured $70,000 in donations, paving the way for another building project. A three-story building, costing $114,371, was completed in spring 1912, adding 75 beds to the existing 100. A fourth floor was added in 1927 to accommodate continued growth at the Lehigh Valley Hospital–17th Street location.
Serving the Community Through War and Epidemics
By 1914, Allentown Hospital was treating over 2,000 patients annually. During World War I, the hospital played a crucial role when the U.S. War Department took over the Allentown fairgrounds for Camp Crane, a training facility for the U.S. Army Ambulance Corps. Lehigh Valley Hospital–17th Street provided hospitalization to the government, renting its isolation ward and basement reserve ward to the army. During the influenza epidemic of 1918, the hospital was at the forefront of community care, treating 700 patients during the crisis.
Evolving Healthcare Practices at Lehigh Valley Hospital–17th Street
In its early years, Allentown Hospital, now Lehigh Valley Hospital–17th Street, operated under a closed-staff policy, where patient care was primarily managed by the house staff. However, in 1924, the hospital adopted an “open staff” policy, allowing private physicians to admit and care for their own patients, marking a significant shift towards collaborative healthcare practices.
By its 25th anniversary, Lehigh Valley Hospital–17th Street had admitted nearly 42,000 patients, provided over 870,000 days of care, and invested approximately half a million dollars in development. From its humble beginnings driven by community vision, Allentown Hospital, now a cornerstone as Lehigh Valley Hospital–17th Street, had become a vital institution, fulfilling the dreams of its founders and serving the growing healthcare needs of Allentown and the wider Lehigh Valley region.
