From the archives: Children’s Minnesota in the 1970s
The history of Children’s Minnesota is much more than buildings, names and dates. Who were the people behind the facts? What were their struggles and triumphs?
In honor of our 100th anniversary, every month in 2024 we’ll share stories from the Children’s Minnesota archives. Each month will feature a different decade.
Here, we continue with the 1970s, which saw the hard-won opening of our Minneapolis hospital and a brand-new building for our St. Paul hospital.
Jump back in time and read about Children’s Minnesota in the 1960s, 1950s, 1940s, 1930s and the 1920s.
The 1970s
The first patient arrives in Minneapolis
It took more than three decades to become a reality, but in December 1972, a formal opening was held for Minneapolis’ first pediatric hospital, Children’s Health Center. It was a sight to see! They even had Minnesota Governor Elmer Anderson and Senator Hubert Humphrey deliver remarks at the ceremony. Plus, during a public open house a few days later, more than 10,000 people filed through the brand-new hospital.
Then on January 31, 1973, Children’s Health Center began operations and welcomed its very first patient.
According to a history of the Minneapolis hospital, the first day was mostly smooth with a few minor mishaps: a nurse got stuck in elevator, some equipment was still in the basement and not all the medicine in pharmacy was fully unpacked.
“But none of these annoyances could dim the excitement of staff and volunteers on this history-making day,” the hospital history recounts. “After years of struggle, they had a children’s hospital.”
Nearby hospitals started sending over their pediatric patients and in a couple weeks, 45 beds were filled. A 1973 Star Tribune editorial lauded the $10 million hospital, writing that it was “equipped and staffed to offer complete medical care for children, all the way from routine physical examinations to major surgery. Top-flight pediatric specialists and technologists have already joined the staff.”
But the struggle wasn’t over. Meeting payroll was “touch and go” the first year. Donors helped keep the hospital afloat and many staff went above and beyond because they wanted to see the hospital succeed.
A history of the Minneapolis hospital also recounts that Hospital Administrator Pat Klauk and CEO Arne Anderson were a good team with Pat “tightly holding onto…the purse strings while Arne implemented innovative programs.”
Children’s Hospital dedicated
Willy Turner, who was 11 years old Friday, snipped a ribbon, falling in foreground, at ceremonies dedicating Children’s Health Center and Hospital, 2525 Chicago Av. S. Willy, assisted by Mrs. Roberta Williamson, was one of three youngsters who cut ribbons at the dedication. Mrs. Williamson is health coordinator for the Indian Health Board and member of the hospital’s board of trustees. Speakers at the dedication included Sen. Hubert H. Humphrey and Gov. Wendell Anderson. The hospital will hold an open house for the public Sunday, 1 to 4 p.m.
Children’s Health Center photos, circa 1970s (click to enlarge)
A new chapter in St. Paul
While the new Minneapolis children’s hospital was busy ramping up operations throughout the 1970s, St. Paul Children’s Hospital was getting ready to move its operations from the building it had inhabited for 50 years to a brand-new building where the hospital stands today.
A 1979 article in the Minneapolis Star reports that the “$14-million hospital’s design promises the ultimate in operating room and intensive care technology and a near doubling of space devoted to outpatient care….”
Like the new Minneapolis children’s hospital, the new St. Paul children’s hospital was also focusing on emotional well-being. The 1979 Minneapolis Star article quotes Meg Katzman, director of the child life department: “People are finally beginning to realize the hospital tremendously affects a child emotionally and mentally, as well as physically. We want to normalize the children’s experience as much as possible….”
Tuesday is the big moving day at St. Paul Children’s Hospital
Much of the equipment was moved this week and the patients will move Tuesday in the new St. Paul Children’s Hospital at 345 N. Smith Av., across the street from the present hospital building. The new hospital addresses the special needs of babies, youth, teen-agers and their families. A special unit will serve teen-agers, there’s a new intensive-care unit for newborns, there are couches that double as beds in patient rooms so parents can stay with their children overnight, and corkboards allow patients to individualize their colorful quarters. The $14 million hospital, with 116 beds, will emphasize a family-centered concept that encourages family involvement in patient care.
Celebrating a century of care: Children’s Minnesota turns 100
Children’s Minnesota has been here for 100 years. And it’s all because of you: the people who bring their kids here, the ones who work here, the partners who refer their young patients for specialty treatment, the donors who support us, and the community who rallies around the families in our hospitals. Join us in celebrating a century of care — and a bright, healthy future for Minnesota kids.
On June 12, 1979, St. Paul Children’s Hospital staff said a final goodbye to the old hospital building at 311 Pleasant Ave. One person who didn’t get to say goodbye was the man who founded the hospital back in 1924. Dr. Walter Ramsey had died in 1973, a few months after his 100th birthday.
Stay tuned to our From the Archives blogs! Next month will feature Children’s Minnesota in the 1980s.
Celebrating a century of care: Children’s Minnesota turns 100
Children’s Minnesota has been here for 100 years. And it’s all because of you: the people who bring their kids here, the ones who work here, the partners who refer their young patients for specialty treatment, the donors who support us, and the community who rallies around the families in our hospitals. Join us in celebrating a century of care — and a bright, healthy future for Minnesota kids.
