Carson City Hospital Celebrates 75 Years in 2011
It was the early 1930s and Dr. Emmett Binkert, a graduate of the Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine in Missouri, was looking for a nice small town to establish his new practice. He approached Carson City and was struck by the beauty of the St. Mary’s Church steeple punctuating the landscape. He knew this was the place for him.
“The sight of that steeple is still a landmark for Carson City, and it’s a fun story to tell that Dr. Binkert picked us because of it,” said Gary Sweet, a 35-year employee of Carson City Hospital and the organization’s resident historian. “From what I have learned from his daughters, Dr. Binkert founded his practice here out of faith, and every subsequent expansion of the hospital was done out of faith. I believe this had a lot to do with our hospital’s continued success through many generations now.”
Dr. Binkert worked in a small office in downtown Carson City for three years, before founding Carson City Hospital inside his home in 1936. Since those humble beginnings, there have been several expansions and many technological improvements of the facility, including the latest expansions of the new, state-of-the-art Emergency Department, the multi-storied front lobby entrance, the new Physical Rehabilitation Center, the new Radiology Department, and more.
“I like to think Dr. Binkert would be proud and in awe of how far his hospital has come,” said Sweet.
In honor of the hospital’s 75th anniversary, several events are planned throughout 2011 to honor the community, the hospital staff, Dr. Binkert and Carson City Hospital’s patients. The following are just some of the events recognizing the accomplishment of 75 years of serving the community:
Wednesday, March 16, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.: Lunch With The Doctors – Dr. David Freestone, Dr. Erin LeGrand, Dr. Donna Moyer, Dr. Kevin O’Connor, Dr. Janmeet Sahota, and Dr. Robert Seals invite you to meet and lunch with them as part of our 75th anniversary celebration. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask health-related questions, and will receive a special gift and a brief tour of the hospital afterward to see how much it has grown since 1936. Attendees are invited to e-mail questions ahead of time to contact@carsoncityhospital.com or via Facebook. The conversation will be updated via Facebook and Twitter during the session, which will be held in the hospital’s Main Conference Rooms.
Thursday, May 5, 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.: Community Open House – View historical displays and wander the “history hall,” while enjoying piano music and refreshments in Carson City Hospital’s elegant front lobby.
Saturday, May 21, 6 p.m.: 75th Diamond Anniversary Ball – Hosted by Carson City Hospital and the Carson City Hospital Auxiliary, this event will be held at Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort in the Saginaw Chippewa Ballroom. Enjoy a formal dinner and dancing to the Jack Clarkson Band. Black tie optional. Tickets are $40 per person or $75 per couple. Contact Carson City Hospital Public Relations at 989-584-3971 ext. 237 for tickets.
Thursday, June 2, 5 p.m.: Carson City Frontier Days Community Picnic – This year’s picnic will feature live music in the park provided by the band CentreStage, courtesy of Carson City Hospital as a thank you for 75 years of community support. Complimentary picnic at Haradine Park in Carson City with food provided by Village Market.
Monday, August 1: Founder’s Day – This informal event will be a recognition of Carson City Hospital’s founding father, Dr. Emmett Binkert.
Saturday, October 22, 9 a.m. to noon: Carson City Hospital Community Health Expo – This family-friendly event will feature special give-aways commemorating our 75th anniversary, held in the gym at Carson City-Crystal High School. Free health screenings, lots of health information from hospital departments and community organizations.
Friday, November 18, 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.: Kids Pajama Party – This fun event honoring our youngest generation will be held in the Carson City Hospital Front Lobby by the fireplace and baby grand piano. Kids are invited to come in their pajamas to site by the fireplace and enjoy popcorn, holiday crafts, coloring books, and a book reading. Free.
