RCH History Book Release

REDLANDS, CA - After years of research, poring over old news articles, gathering historical documents and photographs, and combining historical writings by a variety of people over the past one hundred years, a book about Redlands Community Hospital’s history is now published and available to the public.

Titled "A Century of Healthcare: The History of Redlands Community Hospital, 1904-2004," this full-color book contains 118 pages and more than 500 images. There are 15 chapters and four appendices. The book begins with a chronological order of history through the decades, then focuses on specific topics and groups of people involved in the hospital through the years. It concludes with a look at the hospital today and an epilogue to the future.

"It was an honor to prepare this history book for Redlands Community Hospital," stated Jane Dreher, the hospital’s public relations director. "It could not have been done without the contribution of information from many people, including retired physicians, volunteers, and hospital employees."

(photo) Redlands Community Hospital staff Susie Whiteman O’Neal, RN (left), and Jane Dreher, Public Relations Director (center), presented several hardbound editions of the newly-published Redlands Community Hospital history book to A. K. Smiley Public Library Director Dr. Larry Burgess and Archivist Don McCue.

Susie Whiteman O’Neal (shown in photo), a registered nurse at the hospital for more than thirty years wrote the chapter on nursing. "She interviewed nurses and shared her collection of old hospital postcards, photos, annual reports and newsletters," explained Dreher. "Other employees who wrote sections include Charlene Engeron, Pat Schindler, Jim Holmes, Zack Tucker and Brian Beutler. Former public relations director Marcia Williams and Volunteer Auxiliary historian Ardith Baker contributed tremendously to the historical content. Staff in the Heritage Room at A. K. Smiley Public Library provided old news articles, books and documents. An article written by Library Director Dr. Larry Burgess in 1985 is printed in its entirety as Appendix B. Dr. Ronald Bangasser wrote about the future of medicine as part of the epilogue."

Through the course of researching, a large archival collection of hospital history was acquired, of which only a mere fraction could be included in the book. The interviews with retired physicians were tape-recorded for an oral history record.

"The book documents the hospital’s history succinctly and the old photographs are fascinating," concluded Dreher. "The purpose of the history book was to give an overview of the important role Redlands Community Hospital has played in the region for more than 100 years. It will be a resource for future generations."

There is no charge for the softbound editions, but donations are accepted. A hardbound edition of the book in dark green cover with gold foil lettering is not for sale, but is a gift to people who donate $1,000 or more to Redlands Community Hospital Foundation.

The public can obtain a book in the hospital’s gift shop at 350 Terracina Blvd. For information, call the public relations department: 909-335-5566 or 909-335-5533.