Echoes From The Attic and Poems, Boarding House, Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana
Submitted to the USGenWeb Archives by Don Johnson, Dec. 2000
Typed by Belford Carver
Written by by Edna F. Campbell
Copyrighted by Edna F. Campbell
With special thanks to her family for permission to use her works.

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HAMMOND SANITARIUM

FIRST HOSPITAL IN HAMMOND BUILT DURING 'HORSE AND BUGGY' 
DAYS

"A hospital founded here in the 'horse and buggy' days was far ahead of its time," said 
Mrs. E. L. McGehee, Jr., of 1006 South Holly Street, who still resides in the spacious 
house across the street from where the first Hammond hospital, The Hammond 
Sanitarium, was founded by her late husband, in 1907.

Dr. McGehee, a graduate of Tulane University, came here in 1906 for the purpose of 
building a hospital and practicing medicine.

Joining forces at the hospital with "Dr. Eddie" as he was known, in 1908 were his 
brother, Dr. Lucius D. McGehee and Dr. A. F. Gates.

People around this vicinity were so poor in that era, that often times the doctor's pay 
was a sack of potatoes or perhaps a few chickens.  The hospital couldn't continue, as the 
patients had no money to pay for hospitalization.  If possible, they would find a way to 
get to New Orleans and obtain free services at the Charity Hospital.  Those were really 
the days of "hard times," continued Mrs. McGehee.

The McGehee brothers' father, Dr. McGehee, Sr., who had three other sons, had moved 
from his home in Woodville, Miss., to New Orleans, primarily to have his sons located 
where advanced education was available.

His ambition was accomplished for in addition to thee two sons who were physicians, 
were Dr. Webb McGehee, Sr., of Baton Rouge; Dr. C. G. McGehee also of Baton Rouge, 
and Mr. Bob McGehee, of Hammond and Downsville, who was an attorney.

The McGehee name was synonymous with medical fields in the area as success was had 
by all in their chosen careers.

The McGehee name was widely known in other channels from religious, civic and 
educational standpoints.  One of the marks of esteem is "McGehee Hall," on 
Southeastern Louisiana College, commemorated to the McGehee brothers name.

The Zenobia Sunday School east of Hammond was founded by Dr. Lucius McGehee, 
who served consistently as superintendent until his death.

The McGehee home and hospital property was purchased from pioneer landowners who 
lived near the Saunders' estate.  At the time of purchase the street running parrellel east 
and west, was Saunders Avenue, but when Governor Sanders built his home, it became 
known as Sanders Avenue, and has not been changed.  This knowledge was renewed in a 
recently transacted land transferral involving purchased property in early days.

Mrs. E. L. McGehee, Jr., has continued to live in the same old family residence, the large 
Colonial type structure, with interior highlighted with interesting period furnishings.  
Living with her are her son, Mr. E. L. McGehee III, Southeastern Louisiana College 
Athletic Director, and his family.

The hospital was constructed across the street where the Henry H. Wendelkens presently 
live.  

Among the pioneer physicians in Hammond during the early years were Dr. William E. 
Henkel, Dr. S. L. Powlett, Dr. Ro. O. Hillister, Dr. B. M. Simms, and Dr. J. P. Jackson.

(From ECHOES FROM THE ATTIC AND POEMS, by Edna F. Campbell, n.d.)

(Pic of First Hammond Hospital)