Recall a time when hospitals were more than just medical centers. St. Luke’s Hospital Plaque stands as a reminder of that era. Let’s delve into the history of this Chicago institution.
St. Luke’s Hospital was founded in 1864. Rev. Clinton Locke started it. He was the rector of Grace Episcopal Church. Locke called for a place to care for the sick and poor. Members of the Camp Douglas Ladies Aid Society responded. They cared for Confederate prisoners. They proposed that Locke head a church hospital and he accepted.
Initially, St. Luke’s Hospital had only seven beds. Within months, it expanded to an 18-bed facility. In 1865, the hospital was officially incorporated. By 1871, it moved to a 25-bed building. It was located on South Indiana Avenue near 14th Street. Remarkably, the building survived the Great Chicago Fire just five months later.
The hospital continued to grow. In 1885, St. Luke’s built a new 65-bed building. It was still on South Indiana Avenue near 14th Street. That same year, the St. Luke’s Hospital Training School for Nurses was founded. It was also known as the St. Luke’s Hospital School of Nursing.
The early 20th century brought changes. In 1908 architect Charles Frost completed a new building. The location was just beyond the backyards of wealthy homes. These homes lined Prairie and Indiana Avenues. Natural light poured in from the large windows. This illuminated the wards. The operating room on the top floor had eighteen-foot ceilings. The chapel featured stained glass windows and wood benches.
The 1940s were challenging for St. Luke’s Hospital. It lacked a university affiliation. The surrounding community experienced socioeconomic decline. This led to financial difficulties. By the early 1950s, a crucial decision loomed. Should the hospital remain or move?
In 1956, the St. Luke’s Board of Trustees made a significant choice. They decided to merge with Presbyterian Hospital. The new entity would be called Presbyterian-St. Luke’s Hospital. On June 26, 1959, St. Luke’s Hospital closed its doors. It moved to Chicago’s West Side.
The legacy of St. Luke’s Hospital lives on. In 1969, Rush Medical College merged with Presbyterian-St. Luke’s Hospital. This formed Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke’s Medical Center. Later, in 2003, the name changed to Rush University Medical Center.
Today, the former St. Luke’s Hospital building has been converted into residential living. It is now known as Trevi Square. Residents enjoy the original beauty of the structure. They also appreciate the sunlight from their courtyard balconies. As you stand before this plaque remember the hospital’s humble beginnings. Consider its evolution. Reflect on its lasting impact on Chicago’s healthcare landscape.