I discovered an entire area of the Adirondack Health building, which I still often call the Saranac Lake General Hospital, while trying to find my pal Matthew Scollin; a man all knowing about all things at the Health Center and, by the way, Saranac Lake village trustee and deputy mayor.

I was lost in this long, long hallway; bright, glimmering, shiny, fluorescent floors and walls; like no one had every tread there; then I reach this beautiful section filled with pristine offices and people who visitors or patients never get to see.

Of course, all this traveling in doing research for today’s column, I find Mr. Scollin, ask him my question and in 30 seconds (I timed him), he said 190. That was it!

Here is the story, dear readers, now that I have you all biting your nails and sitting on the edge of your chair …

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1,193 treated at hospital in 1943

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“A total of 1,193 patients were admitted into the Saranac Lake General Hospital during the past year with an average cost of $7.43 daily, it was revealed in the 31st annual report of the hospital for the year ending March 31, 1944.

“The report showed 9,551 total patient days with 39 the largest number of patients in the hospital in any one day. Births at the hospital for the year were 127, [so there — the number of births in 2023 at Adirondack Health — 190 — I don’t get it. The population in 1944 was probably close to double what the population is now] with 149 medical patients and 780 surgical patients.

“During the year a gift of $572 in memory of Maurice M. Feustmann, late president of the board of directors, was made and the money is being used to completely renovate the north wing utility room.

“In reply to an appeal for needed equipment, a refrigerating unit for air conditioning in the operating room and two bed-pan sterilizers were donated by a friend. Two office desks were donated by Mrs. Marshall Brown and the Auxiliary.

“Through the interest of Laurence A. Slaughter and Mrs. Harold S. Hackett funds were raised for redecoration of the reception room and office. Through the Auxiliary the stairway, second floor corridor and maids’ rest room and bath were redecorated.

“Two new refrigerators were purchased by funds from the local Elks Club. A bequest from the estate of Mrs. Harriet Russell Stanley made possible purchase of additional instruments and supplies for the operating room.

“Special mention was made of the staff members in the Armed Services. They include Dr. E. N. Packard, Dr. E. M. Jameson, Dr. A. B. Gedroiz, Dr. E.F. Mulflur, Dr. J. R. Murphy, Dr. J. A. Vorwald and Dr. W. W. Woodruff.

“During the year the hospital Auxiliary raised $5,336.44 and expenditures were $4,602.02 for their work at the hospital. Their receipts from memberships amounted to $3,295.00.

“A special report was made in regard to the possibility of an X-ray Diagnostic and Treatment clinic to be inaugurated here in connection with the General Hospital. The clinic would serve the entire Northern New York area. Lack of funds alone prevents the plans from materializing.

“Listed as greatly needed articles for the hospital were instrument sterilizer, oxygen equipped incubator, repair of maternity wing roof, Dictaphone for doctor’s record room, painting of nurses home and auxiliary condensation pump.

“Also strengthening structural supports of the old building, zone heating control, new chimney and needed kitchen improvements and snow-plow for hospital grounds.”

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First degree Knights

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“Nineteen candidates underwent the first degree of the local Council Knights of Columbus at their initiation meeting Monday evening in the Club rooms on Bloomingdale Avenue.

“Candidates receiving the degree were William Miner, Ernest Burnett, Edward Keating, Leon Martin, Lawrence Norman, Philip Duprey, Walter Ryan, Charles Ciani, Leo Perry, William Pohl.

“Also Marshal Blanchard, Lawrence Marceau, Henry Tummons, Jeremiah McCarthy, Victor Macey, Frank Gardiner, Bernard McCormick, Harold Wilkins and Russell Daunais.

“The degree team was Philip Collins, district deputy, assisted by Thomas A. Daly, Albert Pozzi, Joseph Vuzzi, Harry Sullivan, Clyde Perry, Lawrence LaVallee and Thomas Passino.”