A 1920 photograph (recently colorized) of Miss Louville Snyder, first Community Nurse of Millersburg, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania. She is standing alongside the Ford coupe that was purchased for the use of Community Nurse Association.
The following information was provided in the Millersburg Sesquicentennial Book (1957) on the establishment of the Community Nurse Association:
Through the tireless efforts of Dr. D. E. Hottenstein, local physician, the Millersburg Community Nurse Association had its origin. Actually, we might call him its founder, for it was he who saw the need for a visiting nurse in the community and worked zealously to arouse interest among the citizenry until finally his vision became a reality.
The establishment of a Community Health Center for Millersburg was officially proposed on February 13, 1920. Officers were elected as follows: J. A. W. Brubaker, president; William H. Herrold, secretary-treasurer. Board of Governors: J. A. W. Brubaker; F. T. McGuire; B. Nimmons; T. F. Bradenbaugh; Dr. D. E. Hottenstein; J. W. Starr; C. P. Polk; A. G. Bashoar; and J. F. Adams.
The Health Center was established in the Council Chamber on Center Street….
The first nurse employed was Miss Louville Snyder from Duncannon, a graduate of the Harrisburg Hospital School of Nursing. She was given additional training at the expense of the Harrisburg Red Cross Chapter. Miss Snyder started her nursing activities on March 5, 1920, and performed her nursing duties for 3 1/2 years, resigning in October, 1923. The Community Nurse was also the School Nurse. She held office hours from 8:00 to 9:00 a. m. and 1:00 to 2:00 p. m….
On September 23, 1920, several local manufacturers purchased a Ford coupe from the Romberger Agency at Elizabethville, for the nurse’s use. New cars were [later] presented through contributions of public-spirited citizens….
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For more information about this photo and the Millersburg Community Nurse Association, contact the Historical Society of Millersburg & Upper Paxton Township.
Corrections and additional information should be added as comments to this post.