After their parents death, sisters Hazel and Gladysl, (who never married) lived together in the old family home on Lake Ave West. Hazel became a registered nurse and the sisters lovingly kept all their mother’s millinery sundries and later donated the collection to the Beckwith and Carleton Place Heritage Museum. A large portion of Hazel’s estate was willed to the Victorian Order of Nurses in Carleton Place, and as a tribute, the former V.O.N. building was named Hazel House with a portrait of her and her sister hung in the foyer. This is the corner of Wright and Campbell Street in Carleton Place.
Victorian Order of Nurses. The Victorian Order of Nurses (VON) is a non-profit charitable organization founded on January 29, 1897, and based in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. It was created as a gift for Queen Victoria for the purposes of home care and social services.
Rick RedmondI remember very well. Miss Bloom was the local nurse in the mid fifties She stayed with Mr. and Mrs MacIntosh who lived on the corner of George and St. Paul St. I was totally devastated when she was moved to another town, very sweet caring and lovely person . My family lived 3 doors down on George St.
Norma FordRemember their great services well and even used them. Fantastic people and organization.
Julie SadlerIODE Captain Hooper Chapter were responsible for bringing the VON to Carleton Place
Lorna DrummondMy Mother was a big supporter (on the Board also) of the VON. When she died donations went to Lanark VON
Santa Claus Parade 1970s- Bridge Street Carleton Place- Victorian Order of Nurses float in CP Santa Claus parade.
Hi Linda, I noticed you had old cookbooks on Tales of Almonte today. I found one the other day dated 1911 and it was for the Rosamond Memorial hospital. This is one of the ads. Sandra Houston
Photo- Sandra Houston 1911
Letter from D.G.Kells to the Canadian Nurses Association–From CLICK
In 1900, Almonte Nursing Service was organized under a branch of the Victorian Order of Nurses. Their work was expanded in 1904 to a dwelling on Ottawa Street, which became the first hospital in Almonte. Known as the Victorian Hospital, it had two private rooms and a public ward with two beds. The hospital operated with a staff of one nurse and one maid.
In 1906, the Victorian hospital was found to be inadequate and the building of a new hospital was undertaken. A year later, the late Bennett Rosamond erected at his own expense a fine stone building at the corner of Clinton and Spring Streets which served Almonte and the surrounding communities for upwards of fifty-two years. The Rosamond Memorial Hospital had four private rooms and two wards with four beds in each. It was officially opened in May 1909, by Their Excellencies Lord and Lady Grey, then the occupants of Rideau Hall.
In 1919, the Victorian Order of Nurses withdrew their support and the management of the hospital was transferred to a Board of Managers. In 1920, an extension was added making room for a total of eighteen adults and ten infants.
For some thirty-eight years, the Rosamond Memorial Hospital was the only hospital within the area from Ottawa to Smiths Falls, to Renfrew and back again to Ottawa, until 1946 when Arnprior Hospital opened. During the 1950’s, it became apparent that the facilities of the Rosamond Memorial Hospital were becoming insufficient to meet the needs of the community. It had grown from a cottage-type hospital of some twelve beds, plus nursery, to a general hospital of twenty-two or more beds.
Construction of the new Almonte General Hospital began in 1959. On May 4th, 1961 Dr. M. B. Dymond, Ontario Health Minister, opened Almonte’s new forty-one bed General Hospital.
In 1982, a new twenty-six bed, Chronic Care Wing was constructed to provide long-term care services to area residents. Expanded facilities were included for Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, and a Day Hospital. The new facility, named the Rosamond Wing to recognize the early, health-care contributions of the Rosamond family, was officially opened on July 6, 1982, by His Excellency Governor General Edward Schreyer. From Click
almonte.com–This postcard photo, taken in 1910, shows nurses on the steps of Rosamond Memorial Hospital. The current hospital was built in May 4, 1961, and the old hospital is now apartments. The first baby born in Rosamond Memorial was Victor Horton, first cousin of local store owners Stan Morton. Photo courtesy of Ruth More.The property known as the “Rosamond Memorial Hospital” was to be completed 1 November 1907—It was used as a Hospital from January 10, 1908 – May 31, 1961
Colleen MontgomeryMy Mom and Dad both in this picture. They really enjoyed working there with the wonderful staff at that time. My Dad bottom right and my Mom top 6th from the right.