Item 105214 - Maine General Hospital, Portland, ca. 1900

Item 105214 - Maine General Hospital, Portland, ca. 1900
Contributed by Maine Historical Society
Item 105214
Maine General Hospital, Portland, ca. 1900
Zoom
4250px x 3421px - 14.2"w x 11.4"h @ 300dpi  |  Need a larger size?
*Credit line must read: Collections of Maine Historical Society
Image Info

By the early 1900s, the Maine General Hospital building dominated Bramhall Hill in the West End of Portland. In 1887, the hospital made the first of many additions and renovations, after overcrowding forced the hospital to discharge patients early to make room for those awaiting treatment. The new West Pavilion opened in 1892 at a cost of $75,000, and doubled the hospital's capacity. However, due to a nursing shortage, 30% of the beds remained empty. Electric lights were first installed in 1892 replacing coal oil lamps, though electricity was not freely available throughout the hospital at night until 1925.

Maine General Hospital is the predecessor of Maine Medical Center.

Show Details