The Earl of Bessborough, Governor-General of Canada, was on hand today as the Jewish General Hospital officially opened its doors, marking a triumphant climax to years of planning and labor.
The Governor-General directed the insertion of the last stone following an address of welcome by Allan Bronfman, president of the board of administration of the new institution.
Prime Minister L. A. Taschereau of Quebec then opened the doors. “God Save the King” and “Hatikvah” were played to end the ceremonies.
Speeches were delivered by Lord Bessborough, Prime Minister Taschereau and Mayor Camilien Mounde of Montreal.
The cost of the hospital, including construction, land, furnishings and equipment, was about $1,100,000, which was raised largely by private subscription, together with a provincial grant of $300,000 and a civic grant of $50,000.
The building is modern in every respect and contains such features as lavatories equipped with Vita glass, dual electric power connections, an auxiliary steam turbine electrical generator to insure light in the operating room in case of failure of the regular circuit at a crucial moment, and a thermostatically controlled system of vacuum steam heat.
The building is on Cote St. Catherine road, on the western slopes of Mount Royal.
Before the dedication ceremonies, the guests of honor and the administrative board of the hos-
HIGH CANADIAN OFFICIALS PARTICIPATE IN THE CEREMONIES
pital attended a luncheon at the Montefiore Club.
Members of the board of administration, besides Bronfman, are Michael Hirsch and A. M. Vineberg, vice-presidents; J. Levinson Sr., honorary treasurer; Robert Hirsch, honorary secretary; Samuel Bronfman, H. M. Ripstein, C. B. Fainer, Louis Solomon, David Kirsch, Alderman Joseph Schubert, Michael Morris, I. Silverstone, H. Reubins and Dr. Max Wiseman.
With the opening of the hospital, the Administrative Board made the following statement:
“The hospital was built by staunch citizens who made great sacrifices and gave unstintingly of their time. We were aided by enthusiastic support by our workers and executives. The Jewish Hospital is now ready and waiting with open doors to the sick, injured and suffering people of our great city.”
A CHERISHED DREAM
A dream cherished by the leaders of Montreal’s Jewish Community for many years, the project which saw its fruition today, was launched September 22, 1929, with $600,000 set as the goal of a fund-raising campaign. Later, the objective was boosted to $1,000,000 and this latter figure was considerably oversubscribed.
The situation of the structure on the lower slopes of Mount Royal provides unexcelled scenic beauties, and the extent of the property, 1,000,000 square feet, will prevent future obstruction of the view, or contamination of the air.
The total capacity of the hospital is 226 beds. More than half are set aside for public patients and special accommodations are provided for maternity cases.
A children’s section embodies several unique features, including a glassed-in solarium furnished with diminutive chairs, tables and lounges.
Instead of the large public wards found in most hospitals, the public wards here are arranged in units of only four beds, with glassed-in offices for the nurses between sections.
The kitchens, situated on the ground floor, are the most complete in the city.
JTA has documented Jewish history in real-time for over a century. Keep our journalism strong by joining us in supporting independent, award-winning reporting.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
