Homeopathic Medical Society of Dutchess, Orange and Ulster Counties.—The above-named society was formed in response to a suggestion of the Dutchess County Homeopathic Society. The first meeting was held in Poughkeepsie, but the society was not regularly organized until a meeting held at Newburgh June 24, 1902. Since that time the members have met regularly at Newburgh in the months of May and October each year, and much interest has been manifested. The present number of members is twenty-four, eighteen of whom reside in Orange County. Dr. William E. Reed, of Washingtonville, is now president, and Dr. F. A. Jacobson, of Newburgh, secretary and treasurer of the society.
(A list of the officers and members of this society residing in Orange County will be found in the chronological table.)
MIDDLETOWN STATE HOSPITAL.
During the past thirty-seven years several hospitals have been built and conducted in the different larger places of the county. First among these was the Middletown State Hospital (homeopathic) for the care and treatment of the insane, which was incorporated in 1869. Funds were collected by Dr. George F. Foote, and a farm purchased near Middletown as a site for the present hospital. About seventy-five thousand dollars was raised by private subscription, a part of which was used in hospital construction. The following year, 1870, the first appropriation was made by the State and the main building was opened for the reception of patients in the spring of 1874, with Dr. Foote as superintendent. After a brief service Dr. Foote resigned and Dr. Henry R. Stiles was appointed superintendent, which position he held until 1877, when he resigned, and Dr. Selden H. Talcott was appointed to fill the vacancy. Dr. Talcott served for twenty-five years until his death, June 15, 1902, and under his management the institution developed nearly to its present proportions. The present superintendent, Dr. Maurice L. Ashley, was appointed his successor.
The farm and grounds comprise nearly three hundred acres, on which there are thirty buildings, the value of the real and personal property being over $1,500,000. The present annual expenses for all purposes are about $245,000. Since the opening of the institution the reports show seven thousand patients received and treated. Of this number two thousand six hundred have been discharged recovered, and nine hundred improved. The number of patients under treatment at present is one thousand three hundred. Buildings planned and under construction will increase the accommodations to a capacity of one thousand eight hundred and fifty patients and four hundred and fifty employees.
The medical staff consists of nine members: Maurice C. Ashley, M.D., medical superintendent; Robert C. Woodman, M.D., first assistant physician; George F. Brewster, M.D., second assistant physician; Roy E. Mitchell, M.D., third assistant physician; Arthur S. Moore, M.D., junior assistant physician; Clara Barrus, M.D., woman assistant physician, and their interns.
ST. LUKE'S HOSPITAL, NEWBURGH.
This institution was founded as a "Home for the aged, the indigent, and the infirm and a Hospital for the sick and disabled." The hospital work for a number of years was of secondary importance, but during the latter half of its existence that has been the principal work of the institution, until now both the name and the work of the Home are discontinued.
The society was organized July 21, 1874, by representative members of the Protestant Episcopal parishes of Newburgh and New Windsor, which influence has until recently predominated in the management, although the work has been wholly non-sectarian in character. A constitution was adopted November 4, 1874, and the institution became incorporated. January 5, 1876. The corporation originally leased different places until the present reservoir site on Carpenter avenue was purchased. On March 23, 1886, the property on Liberty street was secured, where various buildings were erected and changes made from time to time. Recently, March 29, 1907, the seminary building and large grounds on Dubois street have been secured, where the fine elevation and surroundings will better accommodate the increasing needs of the hospital.
During the past fiscal year there were treated seven hundred and seventy-four patients. There are forty-eight beds. A training school for nurses was established in 1893, which now numbers twenty.