“A History of Caring: The Development of Hospitals in Benzie County”, Presented by Jane Purkis – Video Replay

“A History of Caring: The Development of Hospitals in Benzie County”

Presented by:  Jane Purkis

YouTube Video Link:

https://youtu.be/TbZxPCZBkGk

Benzie County has been home to several hospitals throughout the years, including doctors’ residences, until the construction of Paul Oliver Memorial Hospital in 1951, which still serves our community today.  Many were originally formed as maternity centers but went on to serve as hospitals.  

Local historian Jane Purkis shares the stories of the nurses and doctors dedicated to the health care needs of our community including Dr. Frank and Ellen Baver LaRue in Elberta and Adele Oliver, who established and ran Haldeman Hospital, the first hospital in Frankfort.  Ena Kraft, who formed and operated the Anna Markham Hospital, is also covered in Purkis’ program.

Jane Purkis is the Curator of the Benzie Area Historical and Drake School Museums.  She earned a Bachelor’s of Arts at Albion College and Master’s of Arts from the University of Michigan.  Jane taught at Crystal Lake Elementary School for 30 years and now spends her time managing the Benzie Area Historical Society’s vast collection of artifacts.  

Jane Purkis (BA Albion College, MA University of Michigan) taught at Crystal Lake Elementary School for 30 years and now spends her time managing the vast collection of artifacts at the Benzie Area Historical and Drake School Museums.