Name/Title
St. Elizabeth’s HospitalEntry/Object ID
PC.0102Description
Postcard of St. Elizabeth's Hospital located at South Oneida and Fremont Streets in Appleton, Wisconsin. There is a brief handwritten message on the front. This structure opened in 1901 and was demolished in 1966.
In November of 1899, Franciscan Sisters arrived in Appleton and began preparations for a healthcare ministry. Initially, the Sisters ran the hospital from a small home on Fremont Street. By May of 1901, the new St. Elizabeth's Hospital, located at South Oneida and Fremont Streets, was ready to administer care. In 1924, a new brick structure containing 250 rooms was completed. Over the following decades, further additions and renovations expanded and modernized the hospital. In 2016, sponsorship was transferred to Ascension Health.Context
Born in Germany in 1827, Mother Clara Pfaender founded the Franciscan Sisters, Daughters of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, in 1860. With a focus on education, nursing and care for orphaned children, the women reached out to those in need. In the following years, Sisters were sent to nations such as France, the Netherlands and the United States. There, they gained increased autonomy when America became a province in 1884, and by the early 20th Century, their health and education ministries included locations in Missouri, Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa and Colorado. Looking to relocate, in 1947 land was purchased in Wheaton, Illinois and a new motherhouse was completed in 1955. As time passed, the Sisters continued to develop their healthcare ministry and addressed pressing issues such as Polio, Aids and affordable housing. During the early 21st Century, they celebrated the 150th anniversary of the congregation and found new sponsorships for their healthcare and housing ministries. Today, the Wheaton Franciscan Sisters continue to follow in the spirit of Mother Clara Pfaender by responding to the needs of the Church and our times.Lexicon
Search Terms
Religion, Religious Organizations, Photos, Photographs, Pictures, Health, Medical, Historic SitesPostcard Details
Postmark
Date and Time of Postmark
Sep 23, 1907Reproductions
Notes
Please contact the WFS Archives (archives@wfsisters.org) for further information or materials requests.