Museum presents medical history of county on July 16

Friday, July 12, 2019
Pictured are an obstetrics anesthesia enhaler (top) and a tonsil puller used by C.C. Collins in his rural medical practice in the Roachdale area around 1900. These and other antique medical instruments are on display at the Putnam County Museum.
Courtesy photo

The Putnam County Museum will host a presentation on the history of medical care and doctors in Putnam County, and the efforts that led to the creation of Putnam County Hospital.

Stephen Irwin, formerly a doctor in Roachdale, and Larry Tippin, a Putnam County historian, will share their knowledge of the county’s medical past starting at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 16.

Tippin will cover the many challenges involved in funding, building and opening the first hospital, which was brought into being by a dedicated group of women, many of whom were wives of early doctors. Their journey and ultimate triumphs were instrumental in creating quality of care seen for over a century in Putnam County.

In connection with the presentation, turn-of-the century medical instruments, originally owned by C.C. Collins and donated by Irwin, are on display. The presentation and exhibit are free and open to the public. For more information, please contact the museum at 653-8419.

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