1900 to 1955
Burgeoning Growth, A Momentous Decision
1912 - Saint Barnabas Message Spreads the Word
Saint Barnabas begins publication of The Message, a quarterly report providing information about hospital services, health education, and gift acknowledgments. It becomes one of the oldest continuous hospital publications in the United States, evolving in 1999 to Saint Barnabas Family Health, The Magazine of Saint Barnabas Medical Center.
1917 - Maternity Pavilion Is Created
To accommodate the needs of growing families, Saint Barnabas opens a new addition at the High Street site to house its first dedicated Maternity Pavilion. This begins more than 70 years of state-of-the-art obstetrical care to tens of thousands of mothers and infants.
1917 - Newark’s Ruth Edge Begins Remarkable Service
12-year-old Ruth Edge, a Newark-born resident, becomes a Saint Barnabas volunteer. This launches a noteworthy career of 82 years of continuous dedicated service to the hospital.
1932 - Hospital Merges and Establishes Nonsectarian Status
The Hospital of Saint Barnabas and the Hospital for Women and Children, located on Center Street, join together to form The Hospital of Saint Barnabas for Women and Children on the High Street site. The Reverend John G. Martin, superintendent of Saint Barnabas Hospital, becomes superintendent of the newly consolidated nonsectarian hospital.
1937 - Renovations Modernize Saint Barnabas
Ralph Lum chairs a $500,000 fundraising campaign that results in a new
cancer clinic, advanced pathology laboratories, and modern fire protection
devices, as well as air conditioning in the operating rooms, delivery
rooms and nurseries.
1940 - Saint Barnabas Celebrates 75 Years
A gala 75th Anniversary Dinner takes place at the Essex House, honoring Edward J. Ill, M.D., for 58 years of distinguished service. Morris P. Skinner serves as Anniversary Chairman.
1947 - First National Accreditation Received for Surgical Residencies
Saint Barnabas becomes accredited for Residencies in Plastic Surgery and General Surgery. Lyndon A. Peer, M.D., founder of the Plastic Surgery Residency, establishes Saint Barnabas as a leader in the repair of congenital craniofacial impairments. In 1951, through Dr. Peer’s efforts, and with the help of a grant from the John A. Hartford Foundation, Saint Barnabas establishes the Center for Cleft Palate and Cleft Lip Cases. This will become the renowned Saint Barnabas Regional Craniofacial Center.
1950 - Planning Initiated for a Critical Move
Saint Barnabas begins a decade-long period of deliberations. Discussions are held with several Essex County hospitals regarding possible mergers. A special committee is formed to consider possible new locations for the Hospital, including sites outside of Newark.
1950 - New Faces Lead the Way
George Schicks, Ph.D., becomes Hospital administrator, announcing possible plans for a new Saint Barnabas Hospital to be constructed in the western region of Essex County. Richard Gulick, chairman of the Saint Barnabas Board of Trustees, leads intensive reflection over site selection.
1954 - Need Increases for a Suburban-Based Hospital
The mayors of several west Essex County communities meet with the Board of Trustees and invite Saint Barnabas to consider relocating outside of Newark, citing the necessity for a hospital in the suburbs to accommodate the growing population shift.
