Mary Black Health System celebrates its 90th anniversary this week. It is a major milestone for over 1,000 employees who continue the tradition of providing quality care to the community.
In anticipation of the anniversary, MBHS checked in with the first baby born in the hospital in the year that it opened, 1925. The facility was located on East Main Street at that time. Mary Black Tollison Grant explains that her mother had planned to give birth at home, but contracted pneumonia late in her pregnancy. “When my mother went into labor, they called the ambulance, which was a hearse at the time. They took her to the brand new hospital called Mary Black,” explains Grant. “After she had the baby, my mom made a comment to the nurse that somebody’s baby was doing a whole lot of crying. She was informed that hers was the first and only baby in the nursery. She had no idea.” A few days after giving birth, Grant’s mother still had not decided on a name. She was approached by the Black family, who founded the hospital, and asked if she would consider naming her baby after the hospital. Her mother agreed and since that day her family and friends called her Mary Black. “Sometimes when people are talking about Mary Black hospital, I still turn around thinking they are talking about me,” chuckles Grant.
Grant spent much of her life working as a weaver in the Pacolet Mills. She has two children, three grandchildren, and eight great grandchildren. She has come back to Mary Black over the years to participate in groundbreaking and anniversary ceremonies. Her portrait hangs in the entrance of the Family Birthing Center. Now as she nears her 90th birthday, she doesn’t get out as much, but she enjoys spending time with her family. When asked how it feels to be nearly 90 years old, she responded, “If my body could keep up with my mind, I’d be a whiz!”
To commemorate the 90th anniversary, Mary Black Health System would like to invite the community to a birthday celebration. Join us in the main lobby of Mary Black Memorial Hospital on January 23rd at 2 p.m. for cake and festivities.
Mary Black is also encouraging the community to bring artifacts from the founding year of 1925. All submitted family photos from 1925 will be put on display on the Mary Black campus. Those photos can be received at the hospital birthday celebration or sent by email to [email protected].