In 1902 Mt. Sinai was just a 29-bed institution on Prospect Avenue. Operational because of the fundraising efforts of The Jewish Women’s Hospital Society, the hospital provided free care, regardless of race and religion. As a result of the growing demand for beds as well as jobs for Jewish doctors denied positions at other hospitals, a new 160-bed facility opened in 1916 on E. 105th Street. The new hospital became the primary healthcare provider for the Cleveland’s poor urban community. Over the years the building went through multiple changes and expansions, but closed in 1996 due to the growth of the local healthcare community. Today the hospital lives on through the Mount Sinai Healthcare Foundation which assists Greater Cleveland’s organizations and leaders in improving the health and well-being of the Jewish and general communities. Through that legacy, Mt. Sinai recently celebrated 100 years in University Circle.
This ceremonial trowel commemorated the June 6, 1915, setting of Mt. Sinai Hospital’s cornerstone. The text on the trowel includes the names of The Cleveland Jewish Hospital Association, building committee, finance committee, board of trustees, hospital expert, architects and contractor. You can find other items related to Mt. Sinai in An American Story, including an ID card for The Free Dispensary on E.55th Street that eventually closed and was reopened as the outpatient department for the new hospital.
–By Lindsay Miller, Assistant Curator
