THE "NEW" St. Joseph's hospital in Brainerd something over 60 years ago. This section was converted to Sisters' quarters when the new hospital was built in 1953, and then was razed to make room for the present addition now underway.

From accommodations for 15 patients to those for 150; from minimum facilities for care to a wide expanse of treatment-- thus is marked the progress of St. Joseph's hospital in Brainerd over an 81-year history.

Its beginnings date to 1890. and Dr. John Camp, a physician and surgeon serving log ging camps of the area. Dr. Camp that year started the Lumberman's hospital of 15 beds on First Avenue and Kindred.

Two years later, Dr. Camp purchased a site on the east bank of the Mississippi river at the end of Holly Street which was expanded to comprise nine acres. His junior partner in the transaction was Dr. J. A. Thabes, Sr., who went on to serve here for over 50 years.

In 1898, the Benedictine Sisters of Duluth came to Brainerd to take charge of the hospital, and two years later, it was sold to the Benedictine Sisters Benevolent association and became St. Joseph's hospital. Sister Christine Johnson was first supervisor.

NORTHWESTERN HOSPITAL as it looked in 1908 when it was privately owned and operated by Dr. Joseph Nicholson on the corner of Eighth and Kingwood. Dr. Elmer Nicholson also served on the staff and Miss Ann Michaelson was superintendent of the hospital which accommodated from 20 to 25 patients.