Sarna General Hospital

With the closing of the Sarnia General Hospital looming in the near future, I thought I would jot down a few lines about it.  The current building was erected in the early 1950's to replace the original hospital which stood directly in front of it.  The site chosen had been the site of the High School, which stood there from 1859 until the early 1890's.

Collection of John Rochon

Sarnia General was the first public hospital in Sarnia, there being a few private hospitals run out of homes.  Fund raisers called Kirmesses were held by the people of the town, featuring plays and concerts.  The cornerstone of the old hospital was laid in 1895 and the hospital opened in 1896.  It was a beautiful brick and stone structure of three floors with towers and ivy, hardwood floors and a rickity elevator. 

Sarnia Observer 16 November 1953

When the building became too small, an adddition was added to the south side along George St. in 1929.  This addition still stands and is today the oldest part of the hospital.  Eventually, the need for more space led to the erection of the present structure.  Over the years, more additions were made, and the entire block is now used save for one lot.

UPDATE:  All services except for mental health and one other that I can't remember have moved to the new building on Norman St.

Photo by John Rochon 2010