Today in Archbold History: Archbold Celebrates First Hospital Day

Archbold Celebrates First Hospital Day

May 12, 1926

Hospital Week is an annual tradition that brings together team members from different departments to celebrate Archbold’s presence in our community and the hard work of those who have devoted their careers to the well-being of our neighbors. Archbold’s first Hospital Day was celebrated on May 12, 1926, ninety-nine years ago today. 

In the early 1920s, May 12 was established as National Hospital Day. The date honored Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing, on her birthday.​

Archbold’s first Hospital Day in 1926 was quietly observed, but the celebrations grew through the years. ​

In 1927, the Hospital Day was widely promoted in the public. Businesses advertised the event in their storefront windows, and a local car dealer transported visitors to the hospital for the occasion. It was a well-attended event, including a baby show, a joint luncheon of civic clubs, graduation and capping exercises of the nursing schools, and a dance in the evening to conclude the celebrations.

A scrapbook was sent to the American Hospital Association that year in a competition of hospitals for the best celebration. That October at the AHA annual convention in Minneapolis, Archbold took home the award for best Hospital Day in the nation. The AHA estimated that nearly one-in-six Thomasville residents attended the event. Col. James L. Bevans, the hospital’s first director, deserves much of the credit for the success of the 1927 event. 

Eventually, the celebration of National Hospital Day expanded to become National Hospital Week, still celebrated in early May. Today, Archbold celebrates National Hospital Week around the system. The week typically includes recognition of exemplary employees, giveaways to team members in appreciation for their service, and “random acts of kindness” exchanged between departments. The festivities conclude with the annual Employee Picnic on the lawn at Archbold Memorial. 

As Archbold celebrates National Hospital Week this week, as we have for a century, we recognize the importance of the work we do, the value of a community that supports our not-for-profit mission, and the dedicated work of our team members throughout our history. ​

To learn more about how you can participate in our centennial celebrations, please visit www.archbold.org/100.

Photos are from the 1927, 2018, and 2024 Hospital Day/Week celebrations.