Lewis Memorial Maternity Hospital


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Lewis Memorial Maternity Hospital
Posted by: daveg ()
Date: July 13, 2010 10:32AM

I was searching for information on this hospital.

Lots of google hits but most were "I was born there" along with several promising but broken links. Did read that it closed in 1961.

Anyone here have a pointer to the story of this Chicago hospital? Location, who ran the facility, etc.



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 07/13/2010 01:43PM by daveg.

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Re: Lewis Memorial Maternity Hospital
Posted by: bowler ()
Date: July 13, 2010 05:09PM

If you search the "Chicago Tribune Historical Archive" there are many articles about the hostital from the 1930's on. You can get access to the Archive through the Chicago Public Library Website www.chipublib.org from home or any other internet connection. You do need an active and clear Chicago Public Library Card. If you cannot access this let me know I can look for specific info for you and email it to you, we can exchange info thru a PM. Alternately I know a very helpful librarian at the McKinley Park Branch of the library (just ask for Rob) winking smiley

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Re: Lewis Memorial Maternity Hospital
Posted by: Chidude84 ()
Date: July 15, 2010 10:09PM

There was a Lewis Memorial Maternity Hospital of Chicago's south side at 3001 S. Michigan Avenue, pretty much on the corner of Michigan and 29th. It was an archdiocese hospital run by Sisters of Charity of Providence. Check this site out: [www.sacredhealing.com]
And don't quote me but I think the building it was in was a rather tall building, that at one time was a hotel for the World's Fair in 1893. I hope this helps!

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Re: Lewis Memorial Maternity Hospital
Posted by: daveg ()
Date: July 16, 2010 08:12AM

Many thanks Chidude84.



Edited 3 time(s). Last edit at 07/17/2010 11:25AM by daveg.

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Re: Lewis Memorial Maternity Hospital
Posted by: daveg ()
Date: July 17, 2010 11:24AM

I've learned that the hotel was the Lakota Hotel which was having trouble during
the depression and thus was purchased by Frank J. Lewis and converted to a maternity hospital. The hospital closed in 1961. I stumbled on an old picture of the building. I'd say is was 10 or so stories, and for the life of me I can't find the picture again.

Frank J. Lewis made extensive donations to Loyola University. This might explain why there is a Lewis Towers at Loyola's downtown campus and the medical school building being named Julia Deal Lewis, wife of Frank Lewis.

Interesting what you discover when you're looking for something else.

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Re: Lewis Memorial Maternity Hospital
Posted by: daveg ()
Date: July 17, 2010 02:00PM

For those interested, I found a photo of the Lakota Hotel which became the Lewis Memorial Maternity Hospital.

[books.google.com]

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Re: Lewis Memorial Maternity Hospital
Posted by: Chidude84 ()
Date: July 17, 2010 03:56PM

Yeah,Lewis Towers is named after Frank J. Lewis, he was responsible for giving Loyola the building in 1946. He was a huge benefactor for Loyola University, as well as for Lewis University.

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Re: Lewis Memorial Maternity Hospital
Posted by: DaGrinch ()
Date: February 02, 2011 06:30PM

Does anyone have any idea where the employee records may be for the old hospital? I am looking to see if a relative worked there - I'm told she was a nurse there late '41 to mid '42.

Thanks!

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Re: Lewis Memorial Maternity Hospital
Date: February 26, 2011 07:46PM

My daughter was born there in 1957.

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Re: Lewis Memorial Maternity Hospital
Posted by: daveg ()
Date: February 26, 2011 08:56PM

My brother was born there in 1946, the same year Frank Lewis gave Loyola a building.

He graduated from Loyola University, coincidentally, a few years later.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 04/01/2011 04:51PM by daveg.

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Re: Lewis Memorial Maternity Hospital
Posted by: Diana Perez ()
Date: October 25, 2011 01:00PM

I was born at lewis memorial hospital on 5-22-1954 and i need to find out who was born there that day. my mom said when i was born the nurse said she had a boy. but they gave her me. she never questioned it but told me. im sure im hers but my family is hispanic and are olive color i have blonde hair green eyes but the thought is in my head can you help me?

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Re: Lewis Memorial Maternity Hospital
Posted by: daveg ()
Date: October 25, 2011 03:35PM

Diana - I have no idea if these suggestions might work for you, but they came to mind.

Perhaps you can contact the archdiocese office and see if they might have records of the hospital or know where else they might be.

I also wonder if Cook County might let you search for birth records at Lewis Memorial on the date mentioned.

Good luck.

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Re: Lewis Memorial Maternity Hospital
Posted by: bowler ()
Date: October 27, 2011 04:09PM

Found this picture of them demolishing the hospital in 1962 on Ebay:

[www.ebay.com]

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Re: Lewis Memorial Maternity Hospital
Posted by: bowler ()
Date: October 27, 2011 04:15PM

Another photo:

[photofiles.lib.uchicago.edu]

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Re: Lewis Memorial Maternity Hospital
Posted by: daveg ()
Date: October 27, 2011 06:59PM

Thanks for the links Rob !!!

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Re: Lewis Memorial Maternity Hospital
Date: October 27, 2011 08:45PM

My daughter was born there in 1959.

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Re: Lewis Memorial Maternity Hospital
Posted by: sheepandgoatlady ()
Date: November 17, 2011 03:42AM

I was born at Lewish Memorial hospital in 1943,, I think all the records are gone by now,

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Re: Lewis Memorial Maternity Hospital
Posted by: jak378 ()
Date: November 19, 2011 02:17PM

Although Frank Lewis and his wife were hkuge benefactors to Catholic entities, I am not sure the hospital was under the auspices of the Church, but if it was, you might have some luck at the Archdioce. They keep pretty complete records, but you would probably have to search by date, and that may be difficult, if it is even possible.

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