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StreetHospitals and Medicine in Mankato 1900-1950
At the turn of the century, there were 17 doctors practicing in Mankato and 10 in the outlying communities. These doctors served the 16,000 citizens of Mankato and the 25,000 citizens of the outlying regions of the county. This was hardly adequate for such a large population. More facilities were needed in order for Mankato to continue to grow.
Two hospitals were added in the first decade. These were a great improvement over earlier facilities and were much more sanitary. A nursing school was started in 1906 and a clinic was added in 1916. The medical societies continued to be active and supported local doctors in their treatment of patients.
Hospitals 1900-1950
Nursing Schools
Immanuel Hospital ran a nursing school from 1906 to 1936, when it had to close the school due to severe financial depression and higher standards set for nursing school accreditation which the small hospital could not fulfill. At this school, the doctors on staff acted as teachers and graduate nurses supervised student nurses.
St. Joseph's Hospital School of Practical Nursing was officially opened in September of 1947, with 13 girls enrolled. Eleven completed the course and graduated in August of 1948. At this time, provisional accreditation was given and one year full accreditation was granted. It was the first school to apply for credit and is the oldest in Minnesota. This school had a steady increase in enrollment until the Area Vocational Technical School was opened in August, 1968 and the Practical Nursing School was included in its curriculum.
Mankato's Clinic
In 1916, two Mankato physicians established the Holbrook-Sohmer Clinic. It was located on the second floor of the Medical Block Building. Three months later another group formed a clinic on the second floor of the former National Citizens Bank Building (now the Graif Building) and called it the Mankato Clinic. The two practices combined and became the Mankato Clinic in November of 1920. This clinic originally had only eight employees.
Five years later, plans were made for a new clinic building at the corner of Main and Broad Streets. This facility was used from 1926 to 1964. It was remodeled several time to increase it services.