Video: Houston Hospital Celebrated in Museum

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HOUSTON, Miss. (WCBI) – As a part of the 32nd Annual Flywheel Festival, a few retired nurses spoke at the Chickasaw County Heritage Museum about the Houston Hospital when it first opened its doors.

Shirley Kendall worked as a nurse for more than 55 years and still remembers what it was like before modern technology completely changed the medical field.

“If we had emergencies, we didn’t have ways to transfer them, like ambulance service, at that time. So we did a lot of emergency surgery here that, the patients would’ve died if we hadn’t done that,” says Kendall.

The Museum has displays of old surgical instruments, pictures and articles about the Houston Hospital, as well as a list of past doctors and hospital administrators. Hazel Whitt, was a nurse’s assistant and lab technician for over 45 years.

“I remember delivering babies. I worked in the delivery room. That was my favorite spot up there,” says Whitt.

The old Houston Hospital holds lots of great memories for these retired public servants. Lovie Ruth Alexander, who started as a nurse 1952, is still serving the community.

“Luckily, I still get to work a few hours a week in central supply. I come in and put trays up for the emergency room and the doctor’s office,” says Alexander.

Houston Hospital, now Trace Regional Hospital, was founded in 1957 by Dr. John D. Dyer. For more information about the Chickasaw County Heritage Museum, call 662-456-2650.