SUBURBAN GENERAL HOSPITAL 
On July 7, 1903, nine persons met at the office of Dr. W. 
W. McCleary in Bellevue, to discuss the propriety of estab- 
lishing a hospital for the locality lying west of Allegheny City, 
embracing particularly the boroughs of Emsworth, Ben 
Avon, Avalon and Bellevue, but in general to serve all regard- 
less of locality who may desire any treatment the hospital 
affords. 
On July 10, 1908, a permanent organization was effected 
by the election of the following directors and officers: Dir- 
ectors, L. K. Porter, W. W. McCleary, W. B. Kirker, Stephen 
Newburn, William Martin, W. P. Kuipers, W. H. S. Thom- 
son, Alex. H. Hamilton and John Shannon. Officers: presi- 
dent, William Martin, vice president, L. K. Porter; secretary, 
W. W. McCleary, and treasurer, John Shannon. Suburban 
General Hospital was charted as a general hospital, for chari- 
table purposes, to be supported by voluntary contributions. 
The charter provides for a school for nurses. 
The hospital is located in Bellevue, on what was common- 
ly known as the James S. Brown property. This was pur- 
chased from the Dawson heirs for $15,000. It contained 314 
acres, and a commodious frame dwelling of twelve rooms. 
The building was furnished and equipped for hospital pur- 
poses, capacity twenty beds. It was formally opened to the 
public September 14, 1904. 
The first staff physicians appointed were, Dr. W. W. 
McCleary, Dr. C. C. Croft, Dr. W. J. K. Snyder and Dr. 
John S. Donaldson. 
The first ambulance was presented to the hospital Sep- 
tember, 1904, by W. B. Rodgers. The school for nurses was 
opened 1906 with two student nurses. The Ladies’ Advisory 
Board was organized in 1906 with twelve members. The first 
State appropriation was received in 1906. $6000. for two 
years. 
The rapid growth of the hospital service soon required a 
larger building. There were no funds available for building 
purposes. W. P. Fraser, of Ben Avon, was impressed by the 
work of the hospital and its worthy needs, and in 1911 he gave 
$35.000 for the erection of a new building. This is known as