Strangers who visit our beautiful little city, either on business or for pleasure, are not content until they have meandered along the banks of Lake Bemidji or have enjoyed a sail upon its limpid waters. About one-half mile up the west bank they come suddenly in front of the most imposing building in the city, and at once ask: “Oh, what a handsome building! What is it?” The only answer that can possibly be given is “That is St. Anthony’s hospital, the finest institution of a like character in Northwestern Minnesota, for that matter, in the state.”
St. Anthony’s hospital is one of a group of five like institutions in the northern part of the state, within or in close proximity to the pine regions, viz: St. Mary’s, Duluth; St. Joseph’s, Brainerd; St. Benedict’s, Grand Rapids; and St. Vincent’s, Crookston. While those at Duluth and Brainerd are of greater capacity, still St. Anthony’s is the most complete in all its appointments, as it is the design of the management to make it permanent on account of its superior location near the highest altitude in the Northwest. Situated as it is, in the midst of the pine belt, there cannot possibly be a more healthful locality anywhere, being especially soothing to those who suffer from pulmonary afflictions.
Two years ago a portion of the building was erected, and last year it was completed. The entire structure, including the furnishings, cost the sum of a little over $30,000.
The basement is constructed of native boulders in a very substantial and complete manner. The building is three stories above the basement, being of very attractive architecture. The floors are all of hardwood. There are waterworks, electric lights, electric call bells, steam heat, elevator, etc. The office and reception room is at the main entrance.
The hospital is a model of cleanliness, and so carefully is everything conducted that the very air or dust of the rooms cannot mingle, and when any room is vacated by a patient, no matter with what disease they may have suffered, the premises are thoroughly fumigated. To all who are homeless, or who are strangers employed in the vicinity, we would urge to purchase a hospital ticket which will admit them to any one of the group of hospitals mentioned. For prices they should consult the sisters. A $9 ticket entitles the holder toward treatment during one year from date of ticket. A $6 ticket, good for six months, at all hospitals; a six months’ ticket for $5, good at Bemidji, Brainerd, Grand Rapids and Crookston only; also, a $1 ticket, good for one month only on that particular hospital by which it was issued. There are no assessments. (Bemidji Pioneer, front page, June 27, 1901)