St. Michael's Hospital was called the largest and best hospital in the Northwest when it opened in Grand Forks 100 years ago this month. The hospital was built on Riverside Drive at a cost of more than $100,000. More than 600 invitations were sent out for the opening ceremonies, where Bishop John Shanley presided.
The new hospital was the outcome of a meeting of five physicians in Grand Forks two years earlier. They formed a plan for Grand Forks to furnish the site for the building and $15,000. The Sisters of St. Joseph accepted the gift from the city and moved ahead with plans for the hospital.
Contracts were let in October 1906 for the four-story structure with facing brick laid in colored mortar. The main entrance to the hospital was through a large porch. And the hospital had a capacity for 60 to 65 patients.
The building that once was St. Michael's Hospital still stands and is now known as Riverside Manor.
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An item appeared in the Herald 100 years ago with a headline saying, "Johnson Is Not a Sailor."
"James H. Johnson, who claims to be a deserter from the U.S. Navy, is reported to be under arrest in Hillsboro (N.D.). Johnson has stated that he left the battlefield in Vermont and is tired of roaming around the country.
"Capt. John Sullivan of the Grand Forks Police Department stated he had Johnson in jail a week ago, and after several talks with Johnson, became convinced Johnson had not deserted from the Navy, but was anxious to secure free board and lodging for a while. He told Johnson to get out of Grand Forks and stay away. The Captain also believes Johnson has never been a sailor.
"The reward for catching a deserter from the Navy is not worthwhile for police or other officials to bother very much about it."
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Nuggets of news from December 1907:
-- Donkey balks: It took nearly a score of men to get a little donkey out of the Empire Theatre's basement rink Dec. 8, 1907, the Herald reported.
The little animal had been taken down to the rink in the basement of the original Empire theatre on South Third Street to pull around a stone used to grind the floor of the rink. At noon, the work was completed and an effort was made to have the donkey walk out of the basement. He balked and had to be carried out.
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Show people, numerous passersby and the entire rink and theatre staff assisted in carrying the donkey out.
-- Mrs. Merrifield entertains: All members of the UND varsity football squad were entertained at the home of President and Mrs. Merrifield on University Avenue. The football team looks forward all season to this reception with girl friends included, and where the new team captain is chosen.
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Ads carried in the Herald 100 years ago reflect the life and times. There were regular promotions for Geist's famous ice cream. Harry K. Geist claimed to be the only manufacturer in the state using officially tested cream.
-- New York Outlet had a big ad announcing a closing-out sale in the ladies department with 50 cents on the dollar.
-- M. Stanchfield ran an ad saying all good things were going in a 25 percent off sale.
-- Panovitz Furniture was holding a big piano and furniture sale.
-- Wolff's mammoth store had a "sensational" sale with silk petticoats going for $4.98.
