Santa Monica Hospital on Opening Day (1926-07-26) by Unknown and ID: 1998.1.679Santa Monica History Museum
A healthy start
On July 27, 1926, the Santa Monica Hospital opened to much fanfare after less than six months of construction. The town newspaper, The Outlook, declared the building "a truly remarkable and modern feat," and expected 5,000 visitors to attend its opening day.
Dr. Mortensen Standing in a Suit (1941) by Swain, F. Garland and ID: 2015.13.59Santa Monica History Museum
Hospital founders
Dr. August B. Hromadka & Dr. William S. Mortensen (pictured) founded the hospital to meet the needs of Santa Monica's growing population. The Outlook reported they copied hospital technologies from Philadelphia to create "one of the most modern institutions...found anywhere."
The "modern surgeon's room" and the nursery in the newly opened Santa Monica Hospital. Surgery in the 1920s would have been performed using anesthesia and antiseptic/aseptic techniques, but antibiotics would not enter widespread use until the 1940s. Penicillin was discovered in 1928.
Nurse In Neonatal Ward of Santa Monica Hospital (1941) by Swain, F. GarlandSanta Monica History Museum
During the Great Depression, the hospital struggled as many patients could no longer afford the cost of a hospital stay. Nevertheless, the hospital outlasted the crisis and, in 1937, was granted $225,000 by the city to build its North Wing.
Most hospital imagery features the vital work of doctors and nurses. But in 1941, administrator F. Garland Swain documented the hospital's laundry and kitchen staff, whose work was also essential to the institution's daily functioning.
Nurse Making Bed at Santa Monica Hospital (1941) by Swain, F. Garland and ID: 2015.13.93Santa Monica History Museum
Wartime changes
In 1942, Dr. Mortensen retired and the hospital's ownership was transferred to the Lutheran Hospital Society. The hospital also established a community clinic during World War II.
Views of the hospital's rooftop, which was initially made available to recuperating patients as a sunny patio, and the exterior of the hospital.
Santa Monica Hospital Heliport (circa 1955) by ID: 3.2.7835 and UnknownSanta Monica History Museum
In the 1950s and 1960s, the hospital underwent significant expansions, including the addition of a rooftop heliport. Glamorous movie stars of the era including Esther Williams, Rita Hayworth, and Debbie Reynolds lent their fame to help fundraise for the hospital.
Singer Nat King Cole at Santa Monica Hospital (1964) by Unknown and ID: 1998.1.364Santa Monica History Museum
Hospital to the stars
Santa Monica Hospital has been associated with a number of famous faces since its inception. Actor Shirley Temple was born there in 1928. Here, singer Nat King Cole is pictured outside of the hospital in the months he was diagnosed with and treated for lung cancer.
Patient Lying in Hospital Bed (1941) by Swain, F. Garland and ID: 2015.13.91Santa Monica History Museum
This photo was likely staged for hospital publicity purposes. However, it's possible that even when sick, some patients remained camera-ready.
An evolving institution
After suffering major damage in the Northridge earthquake of 1994, the hospital was acquired by UCLA Health. The renamed UCLA Santa Monica Medical Center opened with a relocated orthopedic hospital in 2012. Today, it is the largest employer in Santa Monica.
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