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HAZARD CLINIC:
A HISTORY
The
Hazard Hospital was sold to the Catholic Covington Diocese in 1947 by a group of
physicians: Dr. J.E. Hagan who was the father of Nan Gorman, first lady of
Hazard; Dr. J.P. Boggs, father of Dr. Eli C. Boggs, Dr. A. B. Morgan and Dr. J.
Manuel Ray. This newly formed
hospital was named The
Mount
Mary
Hospital
and was located on
the corner of High Street and Lovern where the
Perry
County
Library is currently
located. Dr. Hagan was retained as staff president of the hospital.
A
group of physicians: Dr. J. E. Hagan, Dr. Cooley Combs, Dr. William O’Donnell
began discussions about the formation of a medical clinic. Dr. Hagan was the
president and general manager of this new clinic. When deciding where to build
the clinic, it was decided that the property adjacent to the hospital was too
steep and rocky and made the decision to build the clinic in “Big Bottom” at
its current site on
East Main Street
. This area was residential and building the clinic there was a
revolutionary idea, being located “so far from town”.
The clinic was constructed on the Begley property and Dr. Ern Begley; a
dentist joined the endeavor, and opened a dental office, a pharmacy and
restaurant on the lower floor of the clinic which was originally a two story
building. Begley Drug became a popular spot for the citizens of the area serving
breakfast, lunch and dinner.
The
Hazard Clinic was established during a time when medical services outside of the
hospital or home setting were unheard of. The opening of the Hazard Clinic
changed the way medicine was practiced in the mountains.
A laboratory staffed with technicians was included in the planning.
Physicians with specialties were hired. Dr. Hagan practiced general
medicine and was the Chief of Surgery. Dr. Cooley Combs was an Eyes, Ears, Nose
and Throat Specialist. Dr. Martin Palmer, who taught medicine at the University
of Louisville, joined the practice in Cardiology and Dr. O’Donnell general
medicine and surgery. Dr. Eli C. Boggs joined the group to practice general
medicine and as a result delivered most of the babies born in
Perry
County
during his time.
After
Dr. Hagan’s death, Dr. Charles C. Rutledge joined the group as Chief of
Surgery and recruited Dr. Cordell H. Williams to replace Dr. Palmer after his
death. In 1957, Dr. Williams, Dr. Rutledge, Dr. Boggs and Dr. O’Donnell
incorporated The Hazard Clinic, issuing stock certificates that still exist
today. The 4 story portion of the
building was completed at this time and still stands as a landmark on
East Main Street
Being
at flood stage, the clinic was flooded during the 1957 flood. The clinic
bookkeeper Maude Bobbitt had returned to the building to retrieve the clinic
books. She was rescued by Mack Hill, an orderly from the hospital who went to
pick Mrs. Bobbitt and another lady up in a boat. Tragedy occurred and the boat
overturned and Mack drowned as Mrs. Bobbitt and her friend hung onto the boat
until more help arrived. She held the clinic books up out of the water until she
was rescued. Mack Hill was beloved by his co-workers who were devastated by his
death.
The
Hazard Clinic has been the site of births and deaths and has employed many of
the residents of Hazard and the surrounding area during its long history.
If
anyone has any information to add to this, we would love to hear your stories
and your memories.
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HAZARD
CLINIC HOME
Celebrating
50 Years!!