JAMES W. SHELDON MEMORIAL HOSPITAL DEDICATION

For many years Albion’s local hospital was named for the philanthropy of the descendants of Albion’s prominent 19th century banker, James Wadsworth Sheldon. James Sheldon "Don" Riley (1879-1968) of Los Angeles donated $50,000 for the hospital from the estate of his mother, Madelon (Sheldon) Leffingwell (1859-1921), daughter of banker James W. Sheldon.

The City of Albion purchased land in the 800 block of S. Superior Street and received the property of the old South Ward Schoolhouse (closed in 1919) as a donation from the Albion Public Schools. With the property secured, the City of Albion proceeded with plans to construct a new hospital building. Although city officials soon discovered that $50,000 would not be enough to complete the project, an additional $50,000 was raised by approval of a bond issue, by a vote of 1082 to 295--a victory which demonstrated Albion’s strong support.

The cornerstone was laid May 25, 1923 in an elaborate ceremony, with dedication ceremonies occurring April 28, 1924. The James W. Sheldon Memorial Hospital officially opened for business on May 1, 1924.

From our Historical Notebook this week we present a very interesting photograph showing the cornerstone laying. In the upper left corner is the old South Ward Schoolhouse. Many Albion dignitaries are present at this event, along with the builders who erected the edifice. Notice the large U.S. flag draping the front of the stands. [A few identifications: the man behind the cornerstone layers to the left with his hands folded in front is Samuel Dickie. The man standing in back as part of group of three men on the far left on the right end is O. Harry Gale.]

	Frank Passic — Albion Historian An Albion native and 1971 graduate of Albion High School, Frank Passic has been researching and writing Albion history since 1976. He is the creator of the Albion Historical Notebook, with hundreds of articles appearing weekly in the Morning Star and The Recorder. Frank maintains an extensive personal archive including Riverside Cemetery records, family surname files, genealogies, photographs, city directories, and high school yearbooks. Support his 2026 research at the Historic Albion Michigan Facebook page. Historical Notebook \| From the Archives \| Subject List \| 100 Years Ago \| Alphabetical Index \| Frank Passic Home Page \| Albion History Books \| Contact Frank
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