Dover History

Early in the twentieth century, medical care consisted primarily of family physicians who made the rounds of area towns, carrying their trademark "little black bag."  But in the growing towns of western Morris County, old country doctors traveling dirt roads by horse and buggy portrayed a "health care system" with genuine and serious limitations. This long-standing, traditional approach could barely meet
the community's needs in good times.

In times of crisis or epidemic, or in case of an accident at one of the area's many mines and industrial sites, it was becoming clear that the area's medical resources were sadly lacking.  The first attempt to remedy this situation was a personal crusade undertaken by the pastor of the Hoagland Presbyterian Church, the Rev. Dr. W.W. Halloway.  The timing of this effort was important.   It was shortly after the area's first post office was opened, when the Dover Public Library was newly founded and when the rail service was expanding into this area.

Civic groups such as the Knights of Columbus, the Dover Women's Club and the Elks were newly formed.  It was a new century, a time of civic pride, a time for community action.  Yet, in 1905, when Dr. Halloway began to discuss the community's need for organized health care, very few would listen.

One group did, however.  A women's social organization, the Nos Ipsae Whist Club, not only listened but they began to carry the banner to a wiser audience.  Word was spread throughout the area, and a number of options for the improvement of health care were raised.  Finally, in 1907, an open community meeting was held at the Presbyterian church on the momentous subject of the founding of a hospital for the residents of Dover and surrounding communities.

There were numerous early obstacles to the idea of a hospital in western Morris County.  Initially, a number of prominent male citizens from the area agreed to sign papers of incorporation however, when the day actually came to sign, their skepticism overrode their earlier commitment and agreed among themselves that the hospital was "a completely impractical venture."  Yet, in December of 1908, seven women from the community took steps on their own.

These individuals were Mrs. M. M. Searing, Mrs. W. A. Waer, Mrs. Julius Hairhouse, Mrs. R. L. Cook, Mrs. N. Eleanor Hulsart, Mrs. Bertha McDavit and Mrs. Lena Dott Allen.

They joined together to file a certificate of incorporation for the hospital.  They sent out to raise the monies required to make the concept a reality.  This was a task that proved difficult indeed.

This group of determined women was not discouraged, however.   Instead, they demonstrated their resourcefulness and innovation, sponsoring bazaars and carnivals, dances and dinners, card parties and cake sales.  We;;-known vaudeville performers who summered at Lake Hopatcong were recruited for benefit performances at the Baker Theater on behalf of the enterprise.

And yet despite all of this effort, by the end of 1909 less than $2000 had been raised. No less than six years passed, in fact, before the financial hurdles could be overcome. It wasn't until May of 1914, nearly a decade after the efforts of Dr. Halloway first began, that a building was purchased for the sum of $8000.

It was this house, located on the hilly terrain of Ann Street, that served as the first home of the hospital, after a period of renovation and preparation.  When the hospital finally got under way, it gathered momentum quickly.  Suddenly, there were donations and assistance galore.  Where once there had been obstacles and difficulties, now there were ease and opportunity.  Funds were provided for the installation of an elevator and for a total of five completely remodeled and fully equipped rooms for patients.

It was only fitting that the years of hard work by these dauntless women be formally acknowledged.  At the dedication, held on January 9, 1916, Arthur P. Gelder, speaking for Mrs. Munson Searing, president of the Board who was ill and unable to attend, lauded the Ladies Auxiliary of Dover General Hospital for "their faith and heroic efforts (by which) the public has been able to grasp this great opportunity."  The first patient was admitted January 15, 1916.  Within six months, the hospital was running at capacity, drawing patients from every town in the region.  It was already clear that the Ann Street facility was inadequate.  In fact, the hospital's first annual report recommends the building of a "new modern, fireproof hospital" at an estimated cost of $75,000.  The hospital in Dover had proved "a supreme necessity," according to Max Heller, who was elected president of the Board of Trustees in December, 1917.  Initially, the new hospital tried its best to cope with the unexpected demand.  The first medical staff -six surgeons, four physicians and seven nurses - treated over 300 patients in its first year.

And in 1919, an influenza epidemic nearly overwhelmed the hospital.  By 1920 the institution was ready so well established that it acquired a "nickname" of sorts.  The local people called it "maternity hospital," and it was in this role that it may have made its most important initial impression on the populace.  As one new mother wrote that year, "Had this birth occurred at home, I can not see how I could possibly have pulled through.  My illness was so serious that it called for constant attention.  I shall always be grateful for the wonderful care I received and will use my experience in urging women not to neglect the great privilege of the Maternity Hospital."