“That hospital is going to be focused on mill and railroad workers, John. We could use a good facility for the other citizens in town.”
“True, but most would rather remain at home when sick or injured. They prefer loved ones to care for them and doctors to merely visit. The charity hospital is for those poor, single men who have no one to care for them.”
“I know, but proper medical care makes all the difference in the world for a city. That’s what I miss most about Baltimore.”
John nodded. “You’ll get no argument from me.” A knock sounded faintly, and John got to his feet. “That will be Reverend Knickerbacker.”
He disappeared out of the kitchen and down the hall. Roman waited, uncertain where John planned for them to discuss the hospital business. To his surprise, John brought the reverend back to the kitchen.
“We are meeting rather informally,” he told the reverend. “I hope you don’t mind.”
“That suits me just fine. Roman, it’s good to see you. I’m glad you could spare the time.”
Reverend Knickerbacker, a balding man of Roman’s age, took a seat at the table and smiled. He had a neatly kept beard without a mustache and wore his priest’s collar and black suit like a uniform. Roman had always liked the kindly man who knew well the sorrows of life. He and his beloved wife Sarah had lost their children to both disease and accident and now worked to help the orphaned and poorer children of Minneapolis.
“John. Roman. I’m so glad we could meet on this fine day. I know you’re both quite busy. I know, too, that there have been many sick in the poorer neighborhoods. Have you any idea of the illness?”
Roman picked up his coffee. “There’s a variety of problems being passed around. Most are the usual issues. Hopefully we’ll not see any epidemics.”
“I’ve had quite a few patients suffering from the grippe. Seems the change of seasons sometimes brings it about,” John relayed, “but as Roman said, there’s been a variety of other issues as well. Keeps life interesting, don’t you know.”
“I do, only too well. Roman, how are those men who were injured at the mill?”
“Recovering well, Reverend. They’ll be back on their feet soon.”
“Good to hear. Have you given any more thought to the list of needs that we should keep in mind for the charity hospital? I count on you two to give more than just a little consideration to this project of ours. Before we have plans drawn up, I want every need addressed.”
“We are always quite thoughtful on the matter,” John Lester said, bringing the reverend a mug. He took a seat before he poured the coffee. “Roman and I were just bemoaning the lack of a good surgery. Having the ability to operate in a clean environment with plenty of available medical supplies and qualified help is of the utmost importance.”
“We’ve gone over this before, but more and more attention is being given to cleanliness,” Roman added. “Sinks with available hot water would be a tremendous bonus in surgical areas. Plans for good plumbing is critical.”
“I have been in touch with several folks back east who have been actively involved in putting together other charity hospitals. Some of the Episcopal nuns have taken extensive training as nurses and are open to relocating here.” The reverend took the cup of coffee. “Thank you, John.
“If we can just get a few more regular supporters,” the reverend continued, “things would shape up quickly. We need to convince some of the wealthier men to give more. I personally plan to speak to Washburn and Pillsbury. James Ashton as well.” He sampled the coffee, then put the mug down.
Roman hid his look of disgust as he bowed his head toward the table. Reverend Knickerbacker could talk to Ashton all he wanted, but there was no chance that stingy old man would give a cent to see the less fortunate benefited.
“We can hardly start a hospital unless we have solid pledges to keep it running. My goal is to get as many faithful supporters as possible. Even if their donations aren’t all that big, it will addup. We must encourage the community to see the benefits. We can also advertise that patients from any walk of life can stay for a fee. That way those who don’t believe in charity, might also be persuaded to find value in our plans.”
“I agree it’s good to make it available to all,” John said, looking at Roman.
“I do, as well. Soon enough someone with a good amount of money is going to feel the same way as we do, and a hospital for the community will be built.”
The reverend nodded. “Until then, we will focus on the poor. I’ve recently been speaking with Sarah about the need to make a proper orphanage. I want to challenge the state to see it through and have plans to meet with the governor and others in St. Paul next month.”
“I second the need for that. We’ve seen more and more children neglected and deserted.” Roman’s voice betrayed his enthusiasm. “I would very much like to see the local churches do more in the meanwhile. Perhaps in one of your meetings with other men of God, you could encourage them to create their own local support groups. If congregational members were willing to take in a child or two, or donate to others who are willing, we’d see fewer children on the streets. That would go a long way to stemming disease and injuries.”
“I agree. Believe me, the poor and neglected of all ages deserve our concentrated effort,” Reverend Knickerbacker declared. “We will see to it that Minneapolis takes care of its own.”
“Mrs. Deeters, I wonder if I might ask you a question?” Judith stopped the housekeeper after she finished laying wood for a fire in Judith’s hearth.
“Of course. What is it?”
“I need your advice on a church to attend. My grandfatherhas agreed to go with me, so it should probably be one of the larger congregations. I want him to feel comfortable, and if he’s just one man in a sea of many, then perhaps he won’t feel so out of place.”
The housekeeper’s eyes widened. “Mr. Ashton is going to attend church?”
Judith nodded, suppressing a laugh. “Yes, I know it is shocking, but it’s part of my agreement to remain here through the summer. He’s promised he will attend church with me so long as he’s physically able.”
