Ramsey County History – Spring 2008: “From Swede Hollow to Capitol Boulevard: Bethesda Hospital Celebrates Its 125th Anniversary (1883–2008)”

From Swede Hollow to Capitol Boulevard: Bethesda Hospital Celebrates Its 125th Anniversary (1883–2008)
Author: Dr. Donald B. Swenson

A survey of the history of Bethesda Hospital as it celebrated its 125th anniversary. At the start, the institution dealt primarily with Swedish and Norwegian clients. Initially located near Como Lake, it admitted its first patient in 1883. There is some information on Swede Hollow and Lowertown. The old Upham residence became the new hospital in 1892, and there soon was a training school for nurses. Pastor-administrators were in charge in the early days, but as time went on more professional managers were hired. There is also a discussion of rules for patients, money needs, and other matters. The organization started building a new hospital on Capitol Boulevard in the early 1930s. There is also biographical material on a few of the prominent physicians and nurses who served at Bethesda.
PDF of Swenson article