Contributed by Northern Light Mercy Hospital
Description
In the autumn of 1918, the greatest health crisis in the city’s history struck Portland. Known at the time as the Spanish Influenza, the pandemic of 1918-1919 claimed millions of lives worldwide. The ensuing health emergency quickly overwhelmed the city’s limited hospital capacity. Right Reverend Bishop Louis Sebastian Walsh asked the Sisters of Mercy for volunteers to visit the homes of the sick. The entire order of 60 women volunteered.
The demand for a hospital was so great that Bishop Walsh decided to establish a new one. Following in the footsteps of Mother McAuley, Miss Marion Weeks, the daughter of a distinguished surgeon in town, donated a portion of her property on the intersection of Congress and State Street (681 Congress) for the venture.
On December 12, 1918, the anniversary of the founding of the Sisters of Mercy, the new Queen’s Hospital (named in honor of Mary, Mother of God) opened its doors, initially equipped to care for 25 patients.
About This Item
- Title: Queen's Hospital entrance, Portland, ca. 1930
- Creator: Mercy Hospital
- Creation Date: circa 1930
- Subject Date: circa 1930
- Location: Portland, Cumberland County, ME
- Media: Black and White 35mm Slide
- Dimensions: 5.1 cm x 5.1 cm
- Collection: Mercy Hospital Historic Archive
- Object Type: Image
Cross Reference Searches
Standardized Subject Headings
- Catholic Church. Diocese of Portland (Me.)
- Hospitals--Maine--Portland
- Medical education
- Mercy Hospital (Portland, Me.)
- Sisters of Mercy.
Other Keywords
For more information about this item, contact:
Northern Light Mercy Hospital175 Fore River Parkway, Portland, ME 04102
(207) 879-3000
Website
This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. No Permission is required to use the low-resolution watermarked image for educational use, or as allowed by the applicable copyright. For all other uses, permission is required.
More to Consider
Exhibit
100 Years of Mercy Hospital
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