The Beaumont Emergency Hospital Association was formed around 1924 to provide medical services during the summer tourist season. The hospital was named in honor of nationally-known Fort Mackinac physician, Dr. William Beaumont, famous for his ground-breaking medical research on human digestion.
Donated by Mrs. Robert Bailey
An agreement with the Mackinac Island State Park Commission was reached in August 1924 to allow the group to use the 1828 Post Hospital Building at Fort Mackinac. The building, which post-dates Dr. Beaumont’s time at the fort, had served as the fort’s hospital until a new hospital was constructed in 1859. A doctor was contracted, and a staff of nurses employed at the Beaumont Emergency Hospital for the next 32 summers. The hospital was replaced by the Mackinac Island Medical Center on Market Street, next to the post office, in 1956.
Donated by Carl and Mary Wollheiser
There are no records indicating when the Beaumont Emergency Hospital acquired the ambulance. It appears to be a ca. 1905 vehicle. Island resident Sara Chambers, born in 1897, did not recall the ambulance being on the island when she was young. It was likely a used vehicle from another community disposed of after a motorized ambulance was acquired.
Donated by Carl and Mary Wollheiser
Donated by Frank Pompa
The ambulance is now on display at the Mackinac Horsemen’s Association, on loan from Mackinac State Historic Parks.
