A man with a dream, Dr. H. N. Sutherland A man with a big heart, Abe Bloomenson Ely Mayor 1955 - 1982 J. P. Grahek, M.D. (Also first Chief of Staff)

History

In the mid-1950's, Dr. H.N. Sutherland, a local physician, challenged the people of Ely with a dream for a new hospital. Mr. Abe Bloomenson, an Elyite that had moved to Duluth, wanted to do something for his hometown. His gift of $100,000 substantiated a $550,000 bond issue for the new hospital. With support from then Mayor Grahek, the City Council, local labor unions and citizens, the bond issue passed, construction on the hospital was completed and, the new hospital, named the Ely-Bloomenson Community Hospital in gratitude to Mr. Bloomenson, was dedicated on February 22, 1958.

History from the Dedication Program:

In February of 1955, when the bond issue had been approved and the gift had been made, the City Council signed a contract with the firm of Magney, Tusler, and Setter, architects from Minneapolis, Minnesota, to draw the plans for the new hospital. A site was selected with the City golf course and the beautiful Shagawa Lake in the background. Contracts for building the hospital were let in August, 1955, with ground breaking exercises being held August 28, 1955.

In a meeting in March of 1956, the mayor and City Council appointed five men to constitute the first hospital governing board. These were Mr. Edward C. Bolitho, Mr. Joseph J. Kovach, Mr. Matt Cherne, Mr. Sam Swanson, and Mr. Toimi Ahola. Two additional appointments were made later and they were Mrs. Fritz (Elaine) Lindbeck and Edward Zupancich. These seven members, all local residents, then incorporated on October 8, 1956 and became known as the Ely-Bloomenson Community Hospital Corporation.

As a corporation, they hired an Administrator, Hans A. Dahl, who began his duties on May 1st, 1957.

In May, 1957, a fund drive for equipment, under the supervision of the Administrator, was instigated. The goal for this drive was $100,000 and this goal was realized on November the 5th, 1957, greatly helped by a $50,000 contribution from Reserve Mining Company. Many memorials were given and their gift of a room's furnishings is signified by a plaque on the door of that room. The fund raising teams worked long and hard for this victory ... a gloriously satisfying victory for the community, with the numerous families contributing. Here, indeed, is one of the most encouraging examples of what united community effort can do to achieve its common goal without state or federal aid.