this growth be taken care of, so far as the hospital capacity is 
concerned. With this need in view, a committee of citizens 
began a campaign for funds with which to build and equip a 
new hospital, and in 1924 this dream was fully realized, 
when on the 28th of February, patients were carefully trans- 
ferred to their new beds in the new building. 
The new edifice was made possible by the generous 
response of the citizens of the district, as well as the com- 
panies and corporations. The hospital is now located at 
1,800 West street, Homestead, and has a total capacity of 
150 beds. The location is ideal, since it overlooks the sur- 
rounding countryside, and is far enough from the business 
districts to insure as much quiet as is humanly possible. 
There are no high buildings, or even private residences, close 
at hand, so that the patients may have the benefit of all the 
fresh air possible. ‘ 
The people of the community also deserve much credit, 
as the rooms, wards, solariums, etc., were furnished by pri- 
vate families and organizations and their names appear on 
beautiful bronze plates on the doors. The furnishings were 
selected by the hospital committees and the price submitted 
the donors. The X-Ray room and its full equipment was the 
gift of Lawrence C. Phipps, and is considered one of the 
most complete, for hospitals of this capacity, in Western 
Pennsylvania. 
Since the occupancy of the new building, the need of a 
fully equipped laboratory was felt, and in 1927 the Fred E. 
Mesta Memorial Laboratory was erected on the third floor 
of the left wing. This laboratory is complete in every detail 
and is one of the most valuable assets now in possession of this 
hospital. Mr. Mesta was a member of the board of directors 
and the gift is from his widow, Mrs. Cora Mesta. 
The Homestead Hospital Training School for Nurses was 
begun in 1909 and the first graduating class, composed of one 
student, was graduated in 1912. This year, 1928, eight were 
graduated. This training school is accredited in the State of 
Pennsylvania and its graduates are eligible for State exami- 
nation to qualify as registered nurses. The course is for three 
years and the requirements are one year high school credit— 
more preferable. In the fiscal year ending May 381, 1928,