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100 Years of Growth

Banner for 100th anniversary celebrating a century of care
Overview
100 Years of Growth

As Monadnock Community Hospital (MCH) celebrates its 100th anniversary, we reflect on a century of dedication, innovation, and commitment to our community’s health. Since Robert M. Parmelee donated his summer home to establish the hospital in 1923, MCH has grown into a cornerstone of healthcare in the Monadnock region.

1915 - Robert M Parmelee and Alicia Elizabeth Parker Parmelee built Evergreen, their summer home in Peterborough 1919 Robert M. Parmelee donated his newly built summer home to become a community hospital.
On June 21st, The Peterborough Hospital opened its doors to begin caring for the community. 1923

1917 - Robert M. Parmelee donated his newly built summer home which would become a community hospital
1917 – Robert M. Parmelee donated his newly built summer home which would become a community hospital
1924 The Hospital Auxiliaries were formed with 156 women joining the first year to support and provide service to the hospital.
The Peterborough Hospital changed its name to Monadnock Community Hospital. 1946 Monadnock Community Hospital letterhead from 1947 with sketch of Monadnock and trees
A historical black-and-white photo showing the construction of Monadnock Community Hospital in 1949, with workers building the structure and scaffolding around the site. 1949 Groundbreaking on the new North Wing, which increased patient capacity from 19 to 55 beds, while adding operating, delivery, X-ray, laboratory, and outpatient spaces; satellite clinics are established in area towns, starting with Jaffrey.
Major million-dollar expansion, to add a new wing and renovations. 1963 A historical black-and-white photo of six men in coats standing in front of construction equipment, participating in a groundbreaking ceremony for Monadnock Community Hospital.
A historical black-and-white photo of a group of nurses at Monadnock Community Hospital, all dressed in traditional nursing uniforms, smiling for the camera. 1967 MCH, in conjunction with Monadnock Community College, began offering nursing courses to attract and train new nurses.
The Medical Staff reached 29 members, with new doctors tending toward specialty practices including a new birthing center, becoming the second in the country to offer water births. 1977 A black-and-white group photo of physicians from Monadnock Community Hospital taken in 1974, with some seated and others standing, all dressed in formal attire or medical coats.
A black-and-white portrait of a woman with light-colored hair, wearing a headband and looking to the side. 1978 MCH elected first female Board President, Dorothy Peterson, who served on the Board of Trustees from 1975-1980
Laser eye surgery performed for the first time at MCH. 1982 A black-and-white portrait of a woman with light-colored hair, wearing a headband and looking to the side.
Boston Med Flight takes off from the MCH parking lot after an in-service training session 1984 The first medical flight from MCH took place, in partnership with UMass Medical Center in Worcester.
Hospital expansion and renovation of 50,000 sq. ft. The new wing is known today as the Medical Arts Building. 1991 Medical Arts Building with a well-lit entrance at night
A row of golf carts lined up with participants ready to start a tournament, set against a backdrop of green hills and trees. 1998 The First Annual Fall Foliage Golf Classic Tournament is the only fundraising event still held to this day.
The Bond Wellness Center opened, integrating formal rehabilitation with medically-based exercise programs. 2000 Bond Wellness Center with large glass windows and night lighting
A black-and-white photo of Herb Nilson and Peter Gosline standing next to a sign that reads "Bass Farm Way," both dressed in light-colored suits and smiling. 2005 MCH received first million dollar bequest from Herbert T. Nilson, naming Bass Farm Way in his honor
Capital campaign raised $10M and the new Sarah Hogate Bacon Emergency Department opened. 2011 A modern and clean hallway in the emergency department of Monadnock Community Hospital, featuring several private patient rooms with glass doors and well-lit, curved pathways. Alt text for second photo: The reception and nurse's station area in the emergency department of Monadnock Community Hospital, showcasing a well-organized workspace with office equipment, floral arrangements, and a view of patient rooms in the background.
An interior view of the Healing Arts Gallery at Monadnock Community Hospital, featuring framed artwork hanging on the walls and a cozy seating area. 2012 The Healing Arts initiative began at MCH with Reiki, Music, and Pet Therapy offered to patients and the Healing Arts Gallery opened adjacent to the Emergency Department.
Telemedicine began at Monadnock Community Hospital with Tele-Stroke Care as the first service line being offered. 2017
Two medical professionals in blue scrubs and surgical masks, smiling at the camera inside Monadnock Community Hospital. 2020 MCH staff and the community banded together, in support of one another, as the pandemic disrupted healthcare around the globe.
Celebrating the past 100 years of caring as we continue our mission for the next century of improving the health and well-being of our community. 2023 Banner for 100th anniversary celebrating a century of care

1917 - Robert M. Parmelee donated his newly built summer home which would become a community hospital

Learn more about the history of Monadnock Community Hospital

View our slideshow with historical photos –
Celebrating 100 years at Monadnock Community Hospital

2023 Community Report

MCH 2023 Annual Report

MCH 2023 Annual Report