The roots of Pulaski County healthcare began in 1920 when Dr. Thomas E. Carneal opened a private hospital staffed with four nurses and eight beds. Around 1948, Dr. Carneal realized he could no longer supply the best possible care for patients, so he and other local physicians sent many of their patients to out-of-county hospitals. That same year, the county commissioners appointed a four-member board to solicit support for a new hospital. Marshall Fritz and Charles Keitzer. However, the men could not get the support from the community needed to construct a hospital. The idea of a Pulaski County hospital was dormant for nearly a decade. Finally Dr. Carneal decided to close his hospital and force the issue of constructing a larger, modern, county hospital. In June 1959, the commissioners appointed another board of trustees consisting of Samuel May, Orville (Pete) White, Thomas Murray and Charles Arens. In November 1959, the Pulaski Memorial Hospital Foundation was formed to receive funds for the hospital. According to Rita Mrozinski, present PMH Board of Trustees chairperson, "Dr. Carneal paid for a fundraising consultant to train volunteers at the high school auditorium. Each trainee was given so many names and when they had contacted each one for a donation, they were given more names. I was one of those original volunteers and I came back several times for more names." By December 10, 1959 pledges totaled more than $300,000. The site on Highway 14 was chosen in May of 1960. The ground-breaking ceremonies were held on November 5, 1960. Schricker of Knox was the guest speaker at the cornerstone-laying ceremonies in September 1962. The cornerstone was engraved to show its er****on in 1962, and had been hollowed out to receive a copper box. Its contents included:
Cornerstone program
Indiana time map
1962 coins and stamps
Copies of the Pulaski County Journal, Francesville Tribune, Medaryville Herald, Guideline, and Logansport Pharos-Tribune and Press
Souvenir Centennial Program and History, Progress of Pulaski County, published in 1939
A list of citizens who made pledges
Directories for United and Pulaski-White Telephone Companies
Hospital campaign literature
A pamphlet of Pulaski County Cancer Society
Ground-breaking program
Pulaski Memorial Hospital memorial card
Seattle World's Fair post card and stamp
During this 1962 ceremony, frequent comments were heard as to the number of years that would pass before the contents of the copper container would again be viewed by human eyes. Most believed that few persons living then would again read what was preserved for posterity. In 2002, when demolition began for construction of the new front addition, no one was aware of the hidden copper box. When discovered, the contents were viewed and it was decided to make some additions and return it to the new cornerstone. Items added included: 2002 Indiana Quarter, Pulaski County Journal, list of Board Members, the internal hospital newsletter, list of employees, needs assessment, floor plan of addition and an admissions packet. Funding for the $700,000 hospital came through community pledges, the Hill Burton Act, and Pulaski County tax levy. The hospital was dedicated March 3, 1963 at the Winamac High School Auditorium with an open house at the hospital until 8 P.M. that night. Charles Halleck, Congressman from the second district, was the guest speaker. Dr. Carneal became the Chief of Staff at the new Pulaski Memorial Hospital. When he closed his private hospital, Dr. Carneal ended an era in Indiana medicine. His was the last private hospital in the state. The first hospital administrator was Benjamin L. Underwood. Roberta Clouser, RN, MS was Director of Nursing. The hospital Board of Trustees included: Charles Arens, President; Orville White, Thomas Murray, and Sam May. The County Commissioners (1959-1963) were: Roy Masters, Firman Haselby, Carl Winters, Edwin Olson, John Blair, and Nicholas Loehmer. Mrs. Earl Stevenson was first president of the Auxiliary.
