In 1892 the country was staggering under an economic depression and on
the verge of financial collapse, but the desire of Dr. George Gerhard,
an Ardmore physician, to build a hospital in the growing suburbs of
Philadelphia, took shape at a tea party in Merion Square, hosted by his
friend Rodman Griscom. The initial fundraising began and in January,
1892, application for the charter was accepted and incorporation took
place 3 months later. Using the initial contributions, a 2 acre lot on
the corner of Bryn Mawr Ave. and County Line Road was purchased. The
location was chosen because Bryn Mawr had become a favorite town for
city residents to visit, in the hot summer months.
The generosity of the community was exceptional and the actual
construction of the Hospital was oversubscribed. Gifts of cash and
various hospital supplies were received. The new building, designed by
Frank Furness, was, for its day, very modern, with an elevator and
electric lights.
When the Hospital opened in 1893, Dr. George Gerhard and Dr. Robert
Gamble were in charge of the public needs. A list of rules was
initiated "For the government of the patients, nurses and attendants of
the Bryn Mawr Hospital." The weekly charge for the room included a
prescribed diet, attendance of a resident physician, surgical
dressings, and general attendance of nurses. It did NOT include the
professional services of the visiting physician or surgeon, nor did it
include medicines, wine, spirituous or malt liquors. Wood fires in the
fire places were provided when requested. Hours for meals: Breakfast
served at 7:30 from May 1st to October 1st, and at 8:00 during the rest
of the year; Dinner at 9 PM, and tea from 6:00 to 6:30 PM. Lights out
at 8:30 PM in the ward and 10:30 PM in the remainder of the Hospital.
Smoking was not permitted in the Hospital wards, waiting rooms or
halls.
Bryn Mawr Hospital
Today, the Gerhard Building stands, surrounded by new and larger
buildings, that make up the Bryn Mawr Hospital complex.
