Overview

On 04/16/1888, approximately fifty women, led by Harriett Colder, and Mrs. R.K. Winchester and Mary A. Ashley, formed a fund-raising organization for the purpose of building a home-like hospital in Santa Barbara, CA. Through this core group's fund-raising efforts, relying, in part, on several wealthy Easterners who wintered in Santa Barbara, the Cottage Hospital #1 opened in 1891. This facility operated for about 22 years, when the second "fireproof" hospital was completed.

Building History

The Cottage Hospital #1 was located in the then-new Oak Park Tract of Santa Barbara. Its location was described by a contemporary writer: "The site of the building is a slight elevation in the Oak Park tract, a short distance from the end of the Bath street car line. From the numerous verandas is an excellent view of the ocean, mountains and city. The place is exceptionally healthful, made so by the sheltered position it occupies."

Building Notes

The Cottage Hospital was three stories tall and of wood-frame construction. A Los Angeles Times correspondent described its layout at the opening: "Upon the first floor is the reception room, parlor, office, etc., besides several rooms for patients. In the rear of the building on this floor, is the kitchen, completely furnished pantries, dining-room, closets, store-room and nurses' kitchen. The second floor is occupied by two large wards, an operating room, trunk and storeroom, and ten large rooms for patients; also a bath-room and several closets. Upon the last floor is a large room which will probably be used as the children's ward, nine other rooms, store-room and bathroom." Having internal bathrooms at this time was still unusual, and the building had other modern features: ""The building is heated by hot-water pipes and several of the rooms have fireplaces. Gas, manufactured on the grounds, is used in lighting the rooms. The water is supplies [sic] from a well and two large cisterns. Electric bells and speaking tubes are to be found throughout the building.

The hospital originally did not have furnished patient rooms; the privilege to design the decor of individual rooms was extended to women who served as prominent donors. The Times writer stated: "Most of the rooms are unfurnished, but several have been furnished by Mrs. Bigelow, Mrs. H.G. Crane, Mr. Williams of Philadelphia, Mrs. Will Crocker of San Francisco, Mr. and Mrs. H.K. Winchester and others."

PCAD id: 20183