Final Page for MercyOne Primghar
by Mari Radtke
The MercyOne Primghar Board of Directors hosted an open house and presentation for the community to remember, share and grieve the parting of an institution within the Primghar Community since 1914. George Ward built and began operations of Ward Memorial Hospital. Julie Sampson, Secretary of the Board shared the highlights of the life of Ward Memorial to MercyOne Hospital, Primghar.
A gathering of approximately 50 former patients, residents and employees attended. Board President Steve Loshman shared a few words about his relationship with MercyOne Hospital through the years. As Loshman fought back tears he said, “I go through the hospital and I remember some of the worst times of my life.” Loshman serves as an EMT for Calumet and Sutherland. He took the opportunity to remember those no longer with us. He introduced Jo Stamer. Jo had put a post on FB about her feelings of the closings. She was invited to read her post, which she has given permission to reprint here. See below.
Dee Vander Pol, also a board member shared how working in the Baum Harmon kitchen as a teenage was her first job. She went on to be a nurse in the hospital for more than 20 years.
Those present were offered the opportunity to share their feelings. Alyda Haack shared her experience as a patient, and how a phone call from her provider getting her to rush to the hospital saved her life.
The event brought tears, hugs, memories. The sadness from the loss was tempered by the joy of seeing old friends and sharing memories.
The formal part of the open house was capped with O’Brien County Comms Center giving a final page with a beautiful tribute. There were no dry eyes after that.
George Ward built the first hospital in 1914. It was operated by his wife and daughter.
In the early 1900’s a hospital was as much of a business as a grocery store. In 1929 the hospital was sold to Kenneth Rerick and sold again in 1933 to Knut Fjeld.
The Community of Primghar held an election in 1945. The election gave the town the power to purchase the hospital for $2800. Wilbur Steen put up $1100 for the equipment.
In 1968, the citizens of Primghar stepped up again. A bond for $75,000 was issued for a new addition. It was approved by a large margin. The city council transferred $15,000 from the light account to cover the remainder. The project price was set at $90,000.
J Lee Baum and Ellen Grace (Harmon) Baum donated $175,000 in 1970. The hospital was renamed to Baum Harmon Memorial Hospital. The funds were to continue to fund the hospital for repairs, improvements and maintenance of the hospital in central O’Brien County.
A new ambulance was purchased for $13,570 in 1971.
Ellen Baum passed away at age 89 in 1973.
1980 and 1984 were busy years for Baum Harmon Memorial Hospital. The OB section was remodeled and funded by the Baum Trust and depreciation funds from the hospital. In 1984 the hospital reported 2421 inpatients, 218 newborns and 1065 patients treated in the ER.
Also added in 1984 was “Meals On Wheels” prenatal courses for expectant parents, coronary care department, respiratory treatment department, EMT training courses, nurse aide classes with NCC and refresher courses on coronary care for nurses.
Mercy Medical Center in Sioux City purchased the hospital in 2000. Since then, Mercy Sioux City is known as MercyOne.
Mercy Medical Center in Sioux City was transferred to Trinity Health, of Livonia, Michigan in 2016.
On July 26, 2024: The hospital board of directors and staff received notice that MercyOne Medical Center, Paullina Clinic and Sutherland Clinic would close effective September 30, 2024.
Baum Harmon
Memorial Hospital
A Sentimental Journey…
by Jo Stamer
The news hit. It hit so hard and sudden that at first, many of us were unsure if weíd heard it right. It feels like the loss of an old friend or close family member, but it was just a building, right? Just a building? Hardly. It was far more than a durable structure, a geographic location, or the hospital with a tiny parking lot. Oh, it was so much more. For decades, Baum Harmon was our hub in healthcare, our safe place, a sanctuary that housed our greatest and most vulnerable moments and all those in between. It’s where our babies were born, our loved ones passed, our local ambulances transported and our hearts and souls trusted and prayed. Each time we walked through the doors, those memories followed us inside. The reminiscence of Dr. Getty’s dress shoes clicking down the long hallway, Dr. Smith’s distinctive voice, Dr. Breeling’s handlebar mustache, Dr. Desaiís calm demeanor and Becky’s warmth and assurance. Countless other medical providers and staff have graced these walls through the years, each providing their own signature care and compassion in their patientís journey. We all, no doubt, have dozens of stories about our experiences inside this medical center. A place where bad news could be expected, good news welcomed and hearing the word, “dismissal” a relief. Through the years, regulations changed the daily schedule and layout but it remained an integral sector in our South O’Brien communities and beyond. How do you say good bye to a building? After all, the structure speaks no language, it has no heartbeat and it certainly can’t shed tears when the final doors close, or can it? I believe when the equipment is rolled out, the computers are shut down, the blue hospital signs removed and the halls are quiet, we will hear the faint cry and witness the final tears and last breath of this building. The hospital that sheltered us and provided protection will then cease operations and fall silent. I hope it hears us whisper back as we walk away heartfelt gratitude, “Goodbye my friend, and thank you…”