Review [February-March 1973]

              MOSES CONE HOSPITAL
REVIEW
Greensboro, North Carolina
February-March, 1973
27 Were Admitted
On Opening Day
With the admission of 27 patients February 25, 1953, Moses Cone Hospital began
operation.
It had been almost 42 years since Mrs.
Bertha Lindau Cone established the Hospital
May 25, 1911, in memory of her husband,
Moses H. Cone, who died in 1908. She endowed it with substantial gifts of property
but reserved the trust's income during her
lifetime.
Seven years before opening day, architects and consultants were retained. Excavation began September 1949 with cornerstone ceremonies held May 1, 1951. Trustees took formal acceptance of the
$5,000,000 plant November 17,1952.
Already a number of key employees had
joined the staff. At the first Christmas
party there were 56.
Food Service was staffed in January and
the first cafeteria meal served hospital
personnel February 2. That same day nurses
reported, joined by aides a week later.
Roads and parking lots were paved but
the rest of the 60-acre grounds were undeveloped.
February 20, President Herman Cone cut
the ribbon at the front door, opening the
Hospital for public inspection. Almost 10,-
000 persons toured the building the next
three days guided by the newly formed
Women's Auxiliary.
After two days of final preparation, at
7.-00 a.m., February 25th, personnel began
an operation expected to continue uninterrupted 24 hours a day, seven days a week
indefinitely.
Opening day, 53 patient beds of a 310-
capacity were open, one general and one
(Continued on Page 2)
20   Lfeard
-jreomam   15,   1953
Presentation of Portraits
Preyer Will Speak February  23rd
At Annual  Employee Banquet
A former Chairman of the Board, three
past Chiefs of Service and 101 long-time
employees will be guests at the Hospital's
annual banquet this month.
Set for Friday, February 23, at 6:30 p.m.
at the Hilton Inn, the dinner will also mark
the 20th anniversary of the Hospital's
opening in 1953.
U. S. Congressman L. Richardson Preyer
will be the speaker that evening. Introducing him will be Chairman of the Board
Ceasar Cone who will preside at the banquet.
Earlier in the program, portraits will be
presented of four men who helped guide
the Hospital and establish its policies in
its early years.
Included will be portraits of Mr. Benjamin Cone, Chairman of the Board from
1953 to 1971; Dr. E. D. Apple, Dr. Herbert
Z. Lund and Dr. Samuel F. Ravenel, first
Chiefs of the Radiology, Pathology and
Pediatric Services respectively at the time
of the Hospital's opening and for many
years afterwards.
Presentation of the portraits will be
made by Mr. Harold L Bettis, Dr. James F.
Reinhardt, Dr. William W. McLendon and
Dr. Edward P. Benbow, Jr.
When the service awards are presented
to long-time employees, there will be 15
pins given for 20 years of service. Each
recipient will be a person who was employed before the Hospital opened, and all
but one—who retired this winter—are still
employed. The first 20-year pin was presented at last year's banquet, to the Hos-
■ -jrebruaru   15,    1973
Congressman Preyer
pital Director, Mr. Harold Bettis, who joined
the Hospital March 1,1951.
Awards will also be presented to 13 employees who have completed 15 years of
service since last year's banquet; to 19
employees for 10 years service; and to 54
for five years service.
When the service pins are presented,
this will bring the number of five-year pins
presented over the years to 651; of 10-
year pins to 262; of 15-year pins to 86
and of 20-year pins to 16.
Those who will receive 20-year pins include:
Mr. Thomas F. Williams, Controller, employed March 17, 1952;
Dr. Richard E. Spencer, Anesthesia department head; Sept. 1,1952;
Mrs. Mary Gunby, Pathology secretary,
Oct. 27, 1952;
Mrs. Annie Higgins, Director of Nursing,
Nov. 17, 1952;
Mr. Letha (Shorty) Simms, Housekeeping
assistant II, Nov. 24, 1952;
(Continued on Page 2)