A History of Caring

A 1907 rendering of the new Atlantic City Hospital on Ohio Avenue.

The cornerstone for the first “real” Atlantic City Hospital was laid on February 23, 1907. Financed by a $100,000 bond offering, the new hospital building and renovated Boice Annex included more than 150 beds. There were separate medical and surgical wards for men and women, as well as a maternity ward, a children’s ward and a nursery. Plus, 33 beds were available for private- paying patients, and another 20 were used for patients able to pay half-rate. The remaining beds were for nonpaying patients. In 1927, Atlantic City Hospital treated 67 percent of its 5,816 patients for free. Prudent economic management, donations and endowments from grateful community members ensured the hospital’s good work and consistent quality of care would continue. The American College of Physicians and Surgeons repeatedly rated the hospital as Class A.

Surgical table and gown circa 1901.

Growing Pains | 17