Principle people involved at the marker dedication

Beth Alston

AMERICUS — A rainy day didn’t damper the spirits of the 150-200 people who gathered at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church on Cotton Avenue Saturday afternoon to share in the celebration of a dream becoming reality. The project has been aptly named “A Journey Through Compassion.”

The first milestone in the restoration and preservation of the Americus Colored Hospital (circa 1923) on J.R. Campbell Street was met with great enthusiasm as the historical marker was unveiled.

In a program preceding the marker’s unveiling, remarks were made by several of those involved in the project which was spear-headed by Willie Cooper and the City Federation of Colored Women’s Clubs.

Beulah Carter, Federation vice president, welcomed those in attendance at the historical event. Marion Fuller, Federation president, thanked everyone for coming to the occasion.

Americus Mayor Barry Blount added congratulations on the momentous occasion and noted the unifying qualities of the people of Americus, and how they always come together in a time of need.

Dr. Frank Wilson III of Leslie, looking dapper in his suit and signature bow tie, is the only living physician who practiced at the historic hospital. He captured the audience’s attention immediately when he quipped, “Not only am I glad to be here today for this occasion, but I’m just glad to still be alive.”

Wilson shared the story of, as young doctor, being called to Lee County by a midwife who needed help with a difficult delivery. He drove the woman to the Americus Colored Hospital where she delivered a son. Years later, a young man approached Wilson at the hospital, introducing himself as Frank Wilson Mayes, the baby he had delivered decades prior.

Wilson stressed that the colored hospital was a well-run, efficient medical facility with dedicated employees, and he offered his sincere congratulations on the occasion.

He added that should the project to create a museum at the hospital become reality, he will personally donate some artifacts, some dating from the Civil War era.

Will Hanley, president of the Georgia Historical Society, was also in attendance and offered words of praise for the research done on the hospital.

Willie Cooper, who has served as consultant on the hospital project, also had some eloquent words.

“... Because of this historical marker, we become the gate keepers of a legacy that empowered many individuals to serve their fellow man. In scripture a holy prophet of God named King Benjamin teaches that when you are in the service of your fellow man you are in the service of your god.

“The theme: ‘A Journey Through Compassion’ seemed appropriate to tell the story. The story is of a peculiar people who were unique in its culture and circumstance, but had a single mission to provide compassionate service for their fellow man.”

Cooper reiterated that the hospital was started in a period of prosperity when Americus was a “beacon of hope for young black doctors, dentists, pharmacists and nurses who defied all odds and barriers to attend and graduate from medical school in the early to mid 1900s and finally achieving one of the crowning events in their lives, they could finally say to the world: ‘I am a professional’ with the academic background as a testimony to the highest commitment to their respected profession.”

Cooper said that during this period of history, Americus was a booming “metropolis” with a medical facility that allowed black and white doctors to practice together and network. He cited some historical events such as the first EKG machine brought to Americus in 1943 by Dr. Butts, and Frank Wilson as the second medical doctor to bring an EKG machine to Americus and Sumter County.

“Americus was the place!” Cooper said. “ ... We have been able to document over 30 black doctors, two dentists, two pharmacists and more than 50 nurses associated with the hospital.”

He also cited that Dr. William Stuart Prather, a white physician, founded, erected and funded the Americus Colored Hospital, which ceased to be used as a medical facility when the segregated Americus and Sumter County Hospital was built in 1953.

Cooper said the women of the Federation want to forge ahead in their quest to have a museum. Their goal is ambitious: to raise $5 million in donations, endowments and grants. The building will be restored, the museum started and staffed to generate revenue from parking fees and admissions.

“Our business module will allow the museum to generate fees on its specialization documentation, curator consulting and providing period specialization to the movie industry,” Cooper, specifically mentioning DreamWorks with which he has a relationship.

The museum will not only tell the story of the Americus Colored Hospital, according to Cooper, but the early days of Americus and Sumter County and all its people.

“Brothers and sisters, there are many challenges we face in life. Poverty is a frame of mind, being broke is temporary. I ask that you support this effort financially as you are able to. This is not just a donation; the money stays in the community and our lives become better because of our efforts.

“It has been a pleasure to work with the sisters of the City Federation of Colored Women’s Clubs Inc.”

Cooper, an Americus native, returned to his roots several years ago to care for his mother, the late Ozzie Cooper, who was a member of the Federation.

Following the marker dedication and a tour of the hospital, a reception was hosted by the Federation in the church’s Hope Center with refreshments courtesy of the Church of Latter Day Saints.

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