1878-1903
1904-1929
1930-1954
1955-1966
1967-1978
1979-2004
1878
During the winter of 1878 a meeting of citizens was held to take measures to organize a children’s hospital. A Board of Managers composed entirely of women was elected. In a few months $4,500.00 was donated to purchase a suitable building located at 2834 Franklin Avenue was donated. The house accommodated about fifteen children.
1879-1882
Mrs. Appoline Alexander Blair, first president.
May 6, 1879
A Certificate of Incorporation was granted.
October 29, 1879
St. Louis Children’s Hospital was opened on 2834 Franklin Avenue with two patients under the care of a matron.
1884-1907
Mrs. Mary McKittrick, second president.
1884
A modern hospital with accommodations for 60 children was erected at Jefferson and Adams Streets, and was ready to receive patients. About $21,000 was raised to purchase the land and hospital.
1885
- A resident physician, Dr. Charles J. Luyties, graduate of the Philadelphia School of Medicine, was appointed.
- The Board of Managers permitted the members of the medical staff to bring students into the hospital for instruction and practical lessons in pediatric medicine and surgery.
1886
- Mrs. Caroline O’Fallon made the first bequest to the hospital, amounting to $5,000.
- The policy of sending the resident physician to visit very sick children in their homes was established by the Board of Managers.
1891
Accommodations were provided for contagious disease patients.
1892
An affiliation was made with the Washington University School of Medicine.
1894
- The hospital was assigned funds by Saturday and Sunday Hospital Association for free service rendered to patients.
- A primary school or kindergarten for the benefit of the convalescent children was established. School was held every afternoon with the exception of Saturday.
1896
The school was named “The Laura Weil Kindergarten in honor of Mrs. Weil of New York , who endowed it.”