The Historic Cook County Hospital
Caucus
1835 West Harrison Street
Chicago, Illinois 60612
Purpose
The
purpose of the Historic Cook County Hospital
Caucus is to (1) stand against any efforts to
demolition the former Cook County Hospital, or
make alterations damaging to the historic look
and significance of the structure, (2) serve as
an advocacy group in terms of government or
legal issues that have a negative impact on the
physical condition, financial viability,
historic value or future use of the building;
(3) encourage development concepts that can
ensure both the preservation and the economic
viability of the property in conjunction with
uses generally beneficial to the public; (4)
educate and motivate public interest in the
preservation and positive use of the building,
(5), serve as a catalyst for supporters of the
preservation and restoration of the building
consistent with its historic significance.
Background
As
early as 1835, the needy residents of Cook
County were served with free medical assistance
through the establishment of the Poor House. For
more than forty years, the needs of the poor
were met through various volunteer services. The
original Cook County Hospital was established in
1876. It was an imposing red brick Victorian
structure reminiscent of the Smithsonian
Institution “castle” museum on the Mall in
Washington, D.C. It served the needs of country
residents until the opening of the “new”
facility in 1914. Under the leadership of Dr.
Karl Meyer, County Hospital sets the standards
for the highest quality medical training and
patient services. The hospital led the medical
profession with numerous advancements, including
the first blood bank, indigent care, and modern
emergency room procedures. Dr. Meyer remained at
the helm of the hospital for more than 50 years,
retiring in 1967. He died in 1972.
Historic
Cook County Hospital is among the premier
landmarks of Chicago. Designed by Paul Gerhardt
and Richard Schmidt, the building was dedicated
in 1916. It is instantly recognizable by its
stunning Beaux Arts façade, and its three-story
Ionic columns. A small park serves as a serene
“front yard” of the sometimes frantic hospital
environment. In the center of the park is a
statue of Louis Pasteur. Pasteur’s quote on the
base of the statue reflects the meaning of
Historic Cook County Hospital: "One doesn't ask
of one who suffers: What is your country and
what is your religion? One merely says, You
suffer. That is enough for me. You belong to me
and I shall help you."
While serving the economically
disadvantaged, it developed a reputation as one
of the leading medical institutions in the
nation. The emergency trauma unit specialized in
violent and catastrophic injuries characteristic
of urban life. It was a model for emergency room
medical treatment all across the nation, and was
the inspiration for the television show E.R.,
and a computer game by the same name. Historic
County is historically significant in the annals
of medical history.
In
addition to the historic medical and
architectural significance of the Hospital
building, it has housed a number of important
artworks. Many have been long lost, but a few
still remain.
(For more history on Cook
County Hospital, click here)
Caucus
Leader:
(To be announced)
Contact with (_____________) may be made through PPC
at:
(773) 596-5599
ppc (at) thomasandjoyce (dot)
com
Caucus
Advisors
The Honorable Mike
Quigley
Member, Cook County Board of Commissioners
Jerry Schain
Managing Partner, Schain, Burney, Ross & Citron,
Ltd.
How you can help?!
Please add my name to the
Friends Historic Cook County Hospital Caucus.
I wish to volunteer as an active member of the
Historic Cook County Hospital Caucus.
Please accept my contribution of $ for the
important work of the Historic Cook County
Hospital Caucus. (See “contributions” for
additional donation options.)
note: This
is only an example. The links and
buttons on the from below does not work.
Please add my name to Cook County
Hospital Friends.
I wish to volunteer as an active member of
Cook County Hospital Friends.
Please accept my contribution of
$
for the important work of Cook
Country Hospital Friends.
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