Beebe kicks off 100th anniversary
Heavy rains didn't dampen the spirits of the hundreds of people who turned out for Beebe Healthcare's 100th anniversary kickoff celebration Sept. 30.
“At the 200th anniversary, no one is going to remember any of us, but the Beebe brothers are still going to be on this brochure,” said Gov. Jack Markell, pointing to a photograph of founders Drs. Richard and James Beebe. “What a legacy.”
With daughters of Richard Beebe sitting in the front row, Markell along with local politicians, Beebe administrators, staff, volunteers and supporters lauded Beebe Healthcare's growth and accomplishments over the last century.
100 years of Beebe
1916 – Drs. James and Richard Beebe constructed the hospital with the help of their father. The hospital had enough space for two patient rooms and an office.
1921 – Beebe School of Nursing founded.
1921 – Benjamin and Helen Shaw donate first of two wings, increasing capacity to 35.
1950 – Dr. James Beebe Jr. becomes the first board-certified surgeon in Sussex County.
1980 – Dr. James P. Marvel Jr., grandson of Dr. James Beebe Sr., becomes first board-certified orthopedic surgeon at Beebe.
1985 – Beebe begins offering Home Care Services.
1988 – Beebe Hospital becomes Beebe Medical Center.
1995 – Tunnell Cancer Center opens.
1998 – Beebe Medical Foundation is established.
2003 – Bookhammer Outpatient Center opens on Route 24 to serve patients west of Route 1.
2007 – Tunnell Cancer Center moves to Beebe Health Campus on Route 24.
2013 – Beebe Medical Center becomes Beebe Healthcare.
2015 – Margaret H. Rollins School of Nursing opens on Lewes campus.
The brothers Beebe founded the hospital in 1916. It was the first private hospital in Delaware outside Wilmington. Built by the men themselves along with the help of their father, the original hospital was only large enough for two patient rooms and an office.
“Three rooms, two brothers and one vision,” said Beebe Healthcare President and CEO Jeffrey Fried. “While it was a family business 100 years ago, it is now a community hospital. The same values James and Richard Beebe held when they started Beebe, I'm proud to say, the doctors and nurses continue to live by today.”
Chairman of the Board Bill Lee listed just a few of Beebe's awards and accolades, including being named one of the Top 100 hospitals in America, receiving an award in orthopedic surgery excellence for nine straight years and having one of the top 75 cancer centers in the country.
He pointed to Fried's leadership over the last 20 years as a key to the hospital's past and future growth and success.
“I have not gone to a national conference where they told us what's going to happen and we weren't already doing it,” Lee said. “Fried is the one who's kept us on that path.”
He also thanked volunteers and staff for their hard work and dedication.
“The doctors, the staff and the volunteers of Beebe have turned this into a place where you can feel comfortable and safe to bring your loved ones,” he said.
Sen. Ernie Lopez along with Rep. Steve Smyk and Rep. Pete Schwartzkopf dedicated a historic marker at the event, celebrating Beebe's history and contributions to the Cape Region. The marker stands along Savannah Road in front of the Shaw Building, the first wing added to the hospital in 1921.
And just before the Cape Chorale closed out the ceremony with a rendition of God Bless America, Fried unveiled the hospital's new logo, commemorating the hospital's centennial milestone. It reads “Since 1916, 100 years of caring.”
“All of us who are part of the Beebe family here know the best is yet to come,” he said.
