Finding aid for the Mount Sinai Hospital Records, Series II

History of Mount Sinai Hospital

Mount Sinai Hospital (1903-2000) had its origins in the Young Ladies Hebrew Association for the Care of the Needy Sick which was created in 1892 by nine young women in Cleveland, Ohio. Having been advised that the greatest medical need was a hospital building, they began raising funds for this purpose by holding social events and charging dues to join their association. To enlarge their membership to include married women, in 1900 they changed their name to the Jewish Women's Hospital Association. By 1902 the organization had raised sufficient funds to purchase a residence at 2373 East 37th Street. The following year Mount Sinai Hospital was opened in this remodeled home with twenty-nine beds, a dispensary for the poor, and medical staff in ten departments.

Within a decade, as population growth and the medical needs of the "needy sick" increased, a new hospital was being planned. The conflicting issues of financing, location, and the hospital needs of religiously observant Jews were eventually resolved, and a new 160 bed hospital was opened in 1916 at East 105 Street and Ansel Road.

Mount Sinai Hospital provided training and employment opportunities for Jewish doctors who were often denied internships and staff appointments in public and private hospitals. The funding came from the Jewish community, but the hospital outreach into the community was non-sectarian.

Several innovations, unique for the time, were instituted. Two of the earliest outpatient clinics were the pediatric and mental hygiene clinics established in 1915, perhaps the first in the Cleveland area. Three areas were chosen for expansion during the next decade: outpatient care, research, and housing for the student nurses. By 1925, the funds had been raised to expand the building, enlarge the medical staff, and modernize the equipment. Funds raised during the 1940s enabled Mount Sinai to continue improving and expanding the facilities in a 1951 building project. During both campaigns, it was noted that while most of the staff and funding came from the Jewish community, fifty percent of the patients treated were non-Jewish.

Mount Sinai affiliated with Western Reserve University (later known as Case Western Reserve University) for the training and education of its nurses in 1930 and its doctors in 1947. It was eventually accredited to teach residents in nine specialties.

Medical research was given a high priority. Dr. B. S. Klein's new test for the diagnosis of syphilis and the research on causes of high blood pressure by Dr. Harry Goldblatt and Dr. Erwin Haas are two of many examples.

Throughout the history of Mount Sinai, women volunteers provided invaluable assistance to the medical staff and patients. The Women's and Junior Women's auxiliaries created and staffed a nursery school for children of nurses and volunteers. They offered classes that trained volunteers to work in outpatient clinics and pediatric wards, and, in addition, organized a gift shop and television rental for patients.

Mount Sinai served as a major medical resource for Cleveland's east side with over 40,000 clinic visits and 20,000 days of inpatient care a year used by the indigent and sick during the 1970s. Mount Sinai continued to expand, opening a twelve-story building and a kidney dialysis center in 1960. A new laboratory facility opened in 1970, followed by an outpatient clinic in Beachwood in 1972. The 1980s saw a new medical wing, and in 1993 Mt. Sinai opened an "integrated medical campus" at its Beachwood facility.

During this period governmental funds for indigent care and teaching reimbursements shrank considerably, and the percentage of non-indigent patients dwindled. Mount Sinai found itself in serious financial trouble, and in 1996 the nonprofit hospital was sold to a for-profit company, Primary Health Systems (PHS). In March 1999, PHS filed for bankruptcy, and in February 2000, Mount Sinai Hospital closed.

Mt. Sinai Hospital Auxiliary An organized volunteer group did not exist until 1935 when a group of women came together with the aim of promoting the welfare of Mt. Sinai Hospital, its staff, and the patient population it served. Starting with a membership of 140 women who contributed $1.00 annual dues, and led by its first president, Ruth Quittner (1935-1937) the group came to be known as the Women's Volunteer Group (WVG). This group of dedicated women provided the basis of an organization that would number into the thousands, and serve not only as volunteers, but also as fundraisers for major hospital projects for more than sixty years.

Early projects consisted of sewing surgical gowns, masks, caps, and other hospital necessities. Early fundraisers were card parties and Halloween events for children. Proceeds from membership dues and fundraisers enabled the group to provide the hospital and its patients with such services. Hedwig Levine (1937-1939) and Dorothy Silber (1939-1941) followed the guidelines first set up by the group. Janet Spiegle held the presidency during World War II, (1941-1945) as other volunteers assumed duties in the hospital such as answering telephones and taking patient histories to free up those needed for the war. The Auxiliary also set up a day care center that allowed nurses with children to return to work at Mt. Sinai Hospital. Presidents Pauline Biskind (1945-1949), Ethel Krause (1949-1951), and Betsy Galvin (1949-1951, oversaw many changes in the post-war years. The group's name now was the Women's Auxiliary of Mt. Sinai Hospital; a gift shop opened in 1948, a Life Membership category had been added, and in 1949 a Junior Auxiliary was established with Joanne Liebow (1949-1950) as its first president.

During President Marion Strauss' term (1951-1953) The Chart, a newsletter for members was first published in October 1951. During this time the Senior and Junior Auxiliaries agreed to combine forces on major fund raising projects. Edith Hays' term (1953-1955) saw the fulfillment of a 1948 pledge of $113,000 to the Operation Sinai campaign. The pledge was earmarked for renovations in the Nurses' residence and auditorium. In the summer of 1955 the hospital proposed a construction plan that included a new maternity floor. The Auxiliary under the leadership of Jeanette Pevaroff (1955-1957) pledged $225,000 toward the construction of the maternity facility. A snack bar was opened in November 1955 that produced revenues for the Auxiliary.

Miriam Klein (1957-1959) as president and her group of volunteers continued to raise funds through various projects to honor their pledge of $225,000 toward a new hospital wing. Ground was broken in 1957 and the building was dedicated in 1960. Following the lead of past presidents, Isabol Dettelbach (1959-1961) and her board pledged $225,000 to the Development Fund campaign to construct a new 27 bed in-patient Psychiatric Division. In addition, the Auxiliary agreed to provide a $225,000 endowment to support a staff position in Psychiatry. The Auxiliary underwrote expenses for a film, My Cap is My Crown which was used to recruit nursing school candidates

The antique and art show, a major fund raiser sponsored by both the Junior and Senior groups, made its first appearance in 1963 during Marjorie Saunders' term (1961-1963.). This show was the precursor of one of the most financially successful fundraisers, the International Art Show. To honor their pledges to the hospital's expansion plan, volunteers worked in the gift shop, the flower shop and the snack bar. Frances Wolpaw's (1963-1965) term in office ushered in the first of many art shows and sales. Local artists were featured and the event was well supported. Succeeding Frances Wolpaw to the presidency was Mildred Hollander (1965-1967). The Auxiliary pledged $ 1,050,000 to build a House Staff Residence. It took almost a decade before this pledge was fulfilled, but through the dedicated work of the volunteers the pledge was honored. Each year volunteers were honored at a luncheon, and in February 1964 the first Recognition Day Supper for evening volunteers was held. The Tenormore Club was established to recognize those volunteers with ten or more years of service. The Auxiliary also voted to underwrite the Reach to Recovery program at the hospital. Reach to Recovery was a rehabilitation program for women recovering from radical mastectomies.

Martha Gross (1967-1969) served as president at a time when the Auxiliary was obligated to pay down their pledge to the construction of the new staff residence building. This was accomplished by serving more than 30,000 patrons at the snack bar, manning the gift shop and the new book shop, providing grooming services to patients through the Bedside Beauty program, and other fund raisers. The Auxiliary boasted more than 600 in-house volunteers. Following in Martha Gross' footsteps, Annette Lushser (1969-1971) assumed the president's job. During her term in office the Auxiliary experienced another name change and became the Women's Auxiliary of the Mt. Sinai Hospital of Cleveland. Membership had risen to more than 5000 women. In 1970 Volunteer Recognition Week was observed for the first time through the efforts of a newly established Voluntary Advisory Council. A Teen Board for younger members was also instituted. It was also in 1970 that the hospital's School of Nursing graduated its last class. Over the years the Auxiliary had worked hard with the school's administration to provide the school's students with recreational, social, and scholarship opportunities. When Marjorie Grodin (1971-1973) took office the pledge made in 1965 of more than one million dollars for the new staff residence had reached the halfway mark towards its goal. In addition to dues, travel tours which netted the Auxiliary $100 for each person booking a tour, the gift shop, flower shop and snack bar revenues, helped meet their goals. Additionally, several new fundraisers were introduced, the Gifterrific Sale held during the December holiday season; and the International Art Show also produced good revenues while providing a weekend of extraordinary art and elegance. Sinaidippity, a silent auction of goods and services donated by Auxiliary members and hospital staff was popular. A new service was provided to the membership in the form of a membership directory. The Yellow Book as it came to be known became very popular.

By the time Dolores Hartzmark (1973-1975) took office the Auxiliary had paid down their house staff residence pledge so that just $158,000 remained to be paid. Volunteers surpassed 60,000 hours of in-house time by 700 volunteers. In addition to fund raising, the Auxiliary continued their education series by offering informative discussions by hospital staff doctors on the latest advances in medicine. Sinaidippity II realized a profit of $7,000. The final payment on the $1,000,000 pledge was made in February 1975.

June Biskind (1975-1977) oversaw another change in identity for the Auxiliary. In April 1976 the organization became known as the Mt. Sinai Hospital Auxiliary of Cleveland, and men were now encouraged to join the Auxiliary. No sooner had the group paid off the largest pledge ever undertaken by a hospital auxiliary in the United States, then they undertook another to pay f or a new Xeroradiographic Suite that would offer the latest in mammography technology. The pledge of $91,000.was paid off in seven months. In January 1996 when a new Kidney Dialysis Center was needed, the Auxiliary pledged $98,000 toward its development. The Opening Meeting in September 1976 featured Dr. Sonya Friedman, prominent speaker on women's health issues, thus addressing the group's education aims, "Operation Face Lift," the refurbishing of waiting rooms on the fourth and fifth floors of the hospital was accomplished with monies from the Remembrance Fund and Remembrance Card sales. In September 1976, when it was determined that the hospital blood bank needed to be relocated, and brought up to current standards, the Auxiliary pledged $98,000 towards the project.

Florence Leider (1977-1979) and her volunteers added to Mt. Sinai's patient comfort by replacing cubicle curtains and drapes in all patient rooms ($90,000) and another $200,000 to refurbish private patient rooms on the hospital's fourth and fifth floors. All this was accomplished with profits from the many venues operated by the Auxiliary within the hospital. Additionally, the group funded the position for an assistant to the Director of Patient Representatives, who would work nights and weekends to help patients and their families. A new Yellow Book was published, and a new major project, co-sponsored by Auxiliary and Jr. Auxiliary, was added to the fundraising ventures. Known as the "The Fur Elephant Sale" the show featured new and gently used furs and fur trimmed items of apparel. In a short time the fur sale would become a tradition, held the weekend after Thanksgiving. Lucille Levin (1979-1981), during her term of office, was able to accomplish many projects that added to the comfort of the hospital's patient population. The hospital took over the operation of the Snack Bar in April 1980 and incorporated it into the food service program. The Auxiliary retained the profits from its operation. An influx of Russian immigrants into the neighborhoods served by Mt. Sinai necessitated the use of translators, especially in the OutPatient Department. The Auxiliary was able to provide three volunteers who were fluent in Russian. The purchase of a patient orientation film for $11,000 was intended to put the new patient's mind at ease. The Auxiliary in conjunction with the hospital set up a speaker's bureau featuring physicians and other staff members as speakers. When the hospital undertook a major construction project in 1981, the Auxiliary pledged $500,000 to Mt. Sinai's Living Heritage Fund to build the Lobby floor of the six stories Acute Care Pavilion. The new addition would house the Auxiliary's shops and offices. Dorothy Fuldheim, noted author and television commentator was the featured speaker at the Annual Spring Meeting in April 1981.

May 1981 saw the Auxiliary name change that would closely identify it with the hospital's new name, The Mt. Sinai Medical Center. The Auxiliary's name became the Mt. Sinai Medical Center Auxiliary.

Judy Friedman (1981-1983) was the first president to preside over the newly named Auxiliary. During her two-year term volunteers worked at the Snack Bar, the Flower Shop, the Book Mart, and other revenue generating Auxiliary endeavors. The Fur Sale and the International Art Shows continued to draw crowds who generously supported the fundraisers with their attendance. Dues, contributions to the Remembrance Fund, and purchase of Remembrance Cards, added to the treasury.

The first major event in the presidency of Barbara Kest (1983-1985) was the opening of the new Acute Care Pavilion in October 1983. New office space for the Auxiliary was included in the pavilion lobby and a newly combined gift and flower shop, named Gifts and Greenery also occupied space in the new lobby. Once again there were meetings held regarding a merger between the two Auxiliaries. A Sabbath tape featuring Rabbi Hillel Silver was produced for use over the in-house television network. The 1983 Fur Sale netted $58,000 profit despite problems with the local furrier institute. In April 1984, the Auxiliary took part in Mt. Sinai Hospital's Women's Wellness Week. Remembrance Fund monies allowed the purchase of 117 bulletin boards for use in patient rooms in the new Acute Care facility. A treat for the membership at the Mid-Year Meeting was a performance of the Cleveland Ballet on January 17, 1985. In March both Auxiliary Boards agreed to a merger of the two Auxiliaries, producing one stronger organization. Most of the Junior Auxiliary's projects would be continues such as the bib and afghan programs. The Spring Luncheon in May 1985 celebrated the Auxiliary's 50th Anniversary

Ruth Mellman (1985-1987) and her Board had to deal with the complexities of the newly combined organizations such as new bylaws reflecting the goals of both groups, additional board positions and chairmanships, and difficulties retaining members. A number of membership telethons were held, and for a time this produced new members. Medical Monday programs, designed to inform and educate the membership, gave way to Prescriptions for Good Medicine. The Auxiliary's major fundraisers, the Art Show and the Fur Sale netted more than $40,000 in 1985. There was some thought to holding the fur sale without the input of the local furrier's institute due to growing conflicts between the two groups.

Karen Schenkel (1987-1989) oversaw much change in the Auxiliary. Bylaws were updated and new fundraisers explored. The Opening Meeting featured Gloria Steinem as guest speaker. The Auxiliary had made the final payment of $100,000on the $500,000 pledges towards the Acute Care Pavilion and were now searching for new projects to undertake. The hospital requested an ambulance to bring people from Beachwood and surrounding communities to Mt. Sinai Hospital, if needed. Cost of the unit was $82,000. The hospital's Audio-Visual Department requested $50,000 to upgrade and improve equipment including that which was used to provide TV access for patients. There was also a request for $47,000 towards the salaries of three part-time employees to staff the surgical and intensive care lounges. The Ohio Hospital Association held a meeting in Cleveland and the Auxiliary participated in that function. In May of 1988 the Jewish Hospital Auxiliary convention was held in Cleveland. The Auxiliary hosted the convention. Community involvement was accomplished through the Maternity Matters program and the Children's Health Fair in 1987 and 1988. The International Art Show was not held in 1988 due to scheduling problems, but preparations were already underway for International Art 1989. A Monte Carlo night was held as a fundraiser and was well received.

Mary Ann Hexter (1989-1991) succeeded Karen Schenkel to the president's chair. The Arts International Show celebrated its twenty-fifth Anniversary with a gala at Severance Center. Silver Splendor was a glittering success. Patient's rooms received wall clocks and calendars paid with funds collected through the Remembrance Fund. The Auxiliary' pledge of $110,000 facilitated the purchase of a state of the art mammography system; the Senograph Mammography was useful in the early detection of breast cancer. The pledge was paid off in 1990, as was a pledge of $ 90,000 for a flow cytometer used in to analyze the characteristics of cancer cells. $200,000 was pledged for the construction of a five bed Geriatric Special Care Unit. All this was made possible by the Auxiliary's ability to raise funds. In the summer of 1990 a Nursing scholarship fund was set up with interest from the Life Membership Fund. The scholarship of $5000 a year would enable Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) at Mt. Sinuate earn a Nursing degree.

Barbara Franklin (1991-1993) and her board had many things on their agenda; The Opening Meeting in October of 1991 presented General Norman Schwarzkoph as guest speaker. In April 1992 a program on Living Wills was co-sponsored by the Auxiliary. The event was presented to a sold out audience. The importance of the role of the law in healthcare matters necessitated a committee on legislation to be formed. Mt. Sinai Hospital was building again, this time an off campus site in Beachwood, Ohio. The Integrated Medical Campus (IMC) was designed to offer all aspects of diagnosis and treatment that did not require over night stays in the hospital. The Auxiliary was asked to pledge a $500,00 Leadership Gift toward the construction of the facility's lobby. A gift of $100,000 to purchase two vans that would transport patients and family members between the IMC and the hospital was also pledged. Additionally, the Auxiliary contributed $60,000 to fund a two -year pilot project; the Prenatal Care Incentive Program, an outreach program targeted at the surrounding community of lower income families, to encourage good prenatal care, in the hopes of lowering the incidence of high risk pregnancies. The International Art Show committee produced an "Ad Book" to cover expenses of the show which was most successful. Held at the Ohio Design Centre, the proceeds netted $60,000.

Hermine Kahn (1993-1995) and her board were called upon by the hospital to fund several projects during her term as president. In 1994 the Auxiliary approved pledges of $160,000 for a heart lung machine and $100,000 for renovations to the main lobby of the hospital. The Opening Meeting in November addressed the topic "What Every Woman Needs to know About HIV." The Art Show continued to be the major fundraiser, and the Ad Book Committee raised more than $50,000 to fund the project. In 1995 the organization recognized the need for restructuring and set up a committee to address this need. The Strategic Planning Committee's job was to search for and identify the areas most in need of change or restructuring. This project would continue into the next president's term.

Beth Curtiss (1995-1997) and the board were entrusted with the job of implementing new changes in the Auxiliary. A new mission statement was developed and new objectives for the Auxiliary. A major service project was developed with the Mt. Sinai Center for Breast Health and the Susan B. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation to promote the need for more research, and an awareness program in the community. The board continued to fund the Nursing Scholarship program with $5000 grants. In 1996 Mt. Sinai Health Care System was sold to Primary Health Systems (PHS), a for-profit hospital company. The sale brought about major changes in the hospital-Auxiliary relationship. As the organization struggled to redefine itself, the more than three thousand members were assured that the Auxiliary would continue the legacy of health care concerns for the needy. A change in status with government tax agencies was a major concern. The auxiliary had operated as a non-profit group under Mt. Sinai Hospital's tax exempt status. This was no longer possible with PHS. Newly revised bylaws had to be change once again to reflect the organization's new status. During this time the group operated as The Auxiliary: An Affiliate of the Mt. Sinai Health Care Foundation until the group established itself as an independent charitable organization. Family health issues would be the main focus of the Auxiliary, including the Kids Health Fest, the ongoing Musician-in-Residence program at the hospital, and a program of grant funding for relevant health care issues. At the Spring Luncheon held on June 9, 1997, the Auxiliary's new name was announced. Mt. Sinai Community Partners would carry on the Auxiliary's traditions. The International Art Show, postponed in 1996 was shelved as a fundraiser. Active membership declined. Deborah Bogart Rossman (1997-1999) took the helm of the new organization, a new committee was formed. The Grants and Allocations Committee would review all requests for project funding and determine who would receive funding. The Auxiliary continued to operate gift shops at the two PHS facilities, paying rent for the space occupied. They also opened another gift shop at the Mandel Jewish Community Center in Beachwood. Ohio. The Auxiliary's commitment to patient comfort and outreach projects in connection with hospital projects continued. The board had been streamlined as a result of the Strategic Planning Committee's recommendations. Grants to the Jewish Family Services Association, $10,000, Planned Parenthood of Cleveland, $10,000, and Cuyahoga County Board of Health were among the first monies disbursed. By 1999 membership had declined to about 2500 individuals.

Susan Rubin (1999-2003) faced many difficulties when she assumed the presidency. The declining number of active volunteers made it difficult to function efficiently. The three gift shops were closed, and activities were centered on the allocation of grant monies and fundraisers aimed at supporting agencies that were in harmony with Mt. Sinai Community Partner's goals. In March 2003 the board of Mt. Sinai Community Partners moved to dissolve the organization and establish a number of legacy grants. Recipients of the grants were the Center for Human Genetics at University Hospitals of Cleveland, and The Gathering Place, a community based wellness center focused on the needs of people with cancer and their support network The Legacy grants totaled more than two million dollars. The Mt. Sinai Health Care Foundation endowed the Mt. Sinai Commemorative Chair and Professorship at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine and an annual nutrition lecture series, the Mt. Sinai Auxiliary Lecture Series; thus recognizing the Auxiliary's century of dedication and service to the community. A final meeting of the membership was held on May 23, 2003.

The Mt. Sinai Junior Auxiliary

When membership size and the number of women involved in the Auxiliary became unwieldy, a Junior Auxiliary was established in 1949. The Junior Auxiliary provided the opportunity for young women to develop leadership skills that would serve them well in the Senior Auxiliary and other organizations in the community. Each Junior Auxiliary president served for one year. Joanne Liebow (1949-1950), Mrs. John Roth (1950-1951) who resigned early and was replaced by Elaine Rocker (1950-1951) set the tone and goals for the new organization. Membership stood at 380 women, who served the hospital as volunteers. The HomeWork group sessions made toy bags, bookmarks, puzzles, and yarn dolls for the children's ward and physical therapy department. The Junior Auxiliary provided the Nurses' home with new drapes and bed spreads for 100 of its rooms. Pictures of newborns were taken and then offered to new parents as a new fundraiser for the group, netting a 25% profit. It was decided at this time to combine all major fund raising efforts with the Senior Auxiliary. Sally Cohn (1951-1952) Mitzi Verne (1952-1953) replaced by Barbara Reich (1952-1953) inherited hard working volunteers from one another. The photography project netted enough monies to fund the ongoing work of the Homework groups and other projects. The Junior Auxiliary voted to join the Federation of Jewish Women's Organizations in January 1952. The 1952-1953 president's annual report refers to the first joint fundraiser with the Senior group; the proceeds going to the refurbishing of the Nurses' Residence. Members numbered 450. The group had also decided to focus on the Maternity Pavilion as their long-range project. A new topic in the hospital world, socialized medicine, was discussed at a meeting in February 1952. The Gift Cart was added in 1952-1953 as a fundraiser, and 48 comfortable lounge chairs were purchased for the Maternity Pavilion. The Chart, published by the Senior Auxiliary now featured a Junior Auxiliary page..

Daurine Guren(1953-1954) finished out Barbara Reich's term before beginning her own, and Barbara Sobel (1954-1955) and Sue Klarreich (1955-1956), served the next two terms. In 1953 $4,000 was raised for new equipment for the Out Patient Eye Clinic. The newborn photography project raised more money each year, allowing the Junior group to continue on with its projects. $2600 was contributed to the cost of furnishing four new private rooms in the maternity ward. Gift Cart revenues, a children's event at the Fairmont Theater that showed a profit of $1100 and the on going newborn photography added to the treasury. The film, My Cap is My Crown, a Nurse recruitment film was viewed for the first time. During Sue Klarreich's term the hospital announced a $5,000,000 expansion plan. The Junior Auxiliary pledged $25,000 over a seven-year period for specific items in the new maternity wing. Membership had reached more than 800 individuals. Sustaining projects such as the gift cart and the newborn photograph project added revenues. Volunteer hours in a five- month period, from October 1955-March 1956 totaled 2,421 hours.

Lois Butler (1956-1957), Annette Lusher(1957-1958), and June Biskind(1958-1959) , presided for the next three years. The first payment on the $25,000 pledge to the hospital, a check for $5,000.00,.was met by a second in the spring of 1957 by another in the amount of $6,000. The joint Junior-Senior meeting in February 1956 featured advice columnist Ann Landers. During Annette Lusher's term in office the hospital pledge was reduced by a payment of $7,000. A Valentine's Day project, the production and sale of Valentine cards won local and national praise for its innovation. The Auxiliary celebrated its tenth anniversary with about 900 members, who contributed more than 4,000 hours of volunteer service in a one- year period. Numerous fund raising projects, including the collection of State tax stamps, continued to generate the monies necessary to carry out the projects carried on by Junior Auxiliary members.

Dolores Hartzmark (1959-1960), Marlene Bruder (1960-1961) and Marlene Siegel (1961-1962) and their volunteers worked diligently to make possible the many things that the Junior Auxiliary undertook. The Hospital Development Fund pledge was fulfilled during Dolores Hartzmark's term in office, and a new pledge of $20,000for a High Humidity Room in the Pediatrics Ward was undertaken. Also during her term, volunteers boasted more than 3,000 hours of service to the hospital. The Gift Cart, stocked with necessities from the Gift Shop toured the hospital five days a week. Candy sales during the holidays totaled $3500. A very successful pre-natal class was set up in Marlene Bruder's presidency. The Stork Club, a series of lectures by hospital doctors and sponsored by the Auxiliary, educated expectant parents who would deliver their baby at Mt. Sinai, what to expect from a newborn. Marlene Siegel's main goal for her term in office was to re-establish the service element of the Junior Auxiliary's aims. A new committee was set up. The Breast Feeding program looked to help new nursing mothers. Auxiliary members with nursing experience worked with the hospital staff to make breast feeding a comfortable experience. The final payment on the pledge for the High Humidity Room in Pediatrics was met, and a new one for $50,000 was pledged by the Executive Board toward the construction of a new Psychiatric Division and an endowment to cover the cost of a position in the Psychiatric Department.

Sally Wertheim (1962-1963), Elayne Fisher(1963-1964), and Rita Saslaw (1964-1965) during their years as president accomplished much in the way of innovative programs. The 1963 Opening Meeting in September featured a guest speaker from the Psychiatric Department. His topic," Who is Woman-What is She?" was well received. The work of the Breast Feeding Committee and the Pre-natal Committee added to the success of the organization. Ten thousand dollars of the $50,000 pledge was given to the hospital from profits of the newborn photography project, candy sales, the gift cart, children's theatre party, and membership dues. The fifteenth anniversary of the Junior Auxiliary was celebrated in 1964. A new fundraiser was introduce; an antique show held in October, that produced a profit of $1,100. The topic of the Opening Meeting's program that year was "Your Suburban Child.." The panel consisted of several Doctors from the hospital. An updated version of "My Cap is My Crown, was underwritten by the Auxiliary to use in the recruitment of nursing school candidates Another payment of $10,000 was made to the $50,000.00 pledge. The Opening meeting in the Autumn of 1964 "Sex and the Married Woman " was a sell out. A kid's party was held at the Vogue Theatre. The Stork Club committee was a success and the second antique show was held that also featured art works for sale. Another $11,000 was turned over to the hospital on the $50,000.00 pledge.

Boots Strauss (1965-1968). Carol Gray (1966-1967) , and Gloria Fried ( 1967-1968) were the next three presidents to serve. The 1966 Mid-Winter meeting focused on Vietnam, a topic of growing interest at the time. Mt. Sinai physician Dr. Alexander Miller delivered his speech " A Vietnam Report". As a volunteer with the United States Department of State's Agency for International Development in that country, Dr. Miller's talk was an insightful view of conditions in Vietnam. As the pledge had been paid down to just under $3500, the Auxiliary took on another project; that of furnishing the new Resident's and Intern's Dormitory, at a cost of $40,000. Plans for the second annual art show were underway, and the Nursing Mother's committee was a continuing success. Mt. Sinai Hospital celebrated the 50th Anniversary of the hospital's opening on East 105th Street. The Junior Auxiliary boasted 900 members, with many of them supporting projects that provided income to the Auxiliary. The Third Annual Art Show was held in January 1967 at John Carroll University. A new movie, Sammy Sinai Goes A Zooing, produced for use in the Pediatrics ward, was previewed at the Mid-Winter Meeting. In less then two years $29,500 of the hospital pledges had been paid off. Sandra Levy(1968-1969), Sandra Schwartz(1969-1970),and Phyllis Fine (1970-1971), guided the organization for the next three years. A joint Volunteer Recognition Day was held in January of 1969. A children's show was held featuring the movie "Five Weeks in A Balloon. More than 500 children attended, Profits from the sale of holiday candy, fruit baskets, and cheese trays added to the treasury. Plans for the 4th Annual Art Show were underway. In February 1969 the final check honoring the pledge to furnish the dormitory was handed over to the hospital, and the Board voted to pledge $100,000 towards the construction of a new Pediatric Outpatient Clinic. In-house service projects focused on the Pediatrics Division and maternity patients, especially the work of the Nursing Mother's Committee, and a aeries of pre-natal lectures. International Art '70 was called the event of the year in Cleveland. A major project in the 1970-1971 administration was the compilation and production of a cookbook, From our Kitchen.

Sue Danford (1971-1972), Rhoda Goodman (1972-1973), and Karen Rosenfeld (1973-1974), all played a role in the affairs of the Junior Auxiliary during the early 1970s. The Opening Meeting in the fall of 1971 was a discussion centered on the every day problems of married life. A new fundraiser, the Gifterrific Show debuted in October. The new Pediatric Outpatient Clinic Opened in November. . International Art "72 was held at the Somerset Inn during January 1972. Expectant parents heavily attended the Stork Club meetings; the HomeWork committee prepared tray favors for use on patient trays, and Auxiliary members painted a mural on the walls of the Pediatric waiting room. The Opening Meeting in October 1972, entitled "A Culinary Carousel" was attended by more than 400 members and their guests. At the Opening Meeting on September 21,1973, building on the enthusiasm of the previous year's culinary theme, the program, " Women's Lab, Kitchen Chemistry" drew a large crowd. HomeWork committee members assembled Raggedy Ann and Andy puppets for Pediatric patients. The theme of International Art '74 celebrated the Junior Auxiliary's 25th Anniversary. At the Spring Luncheon in May 1974 a final check was presented to the hospital that fulfilled the $100,000 pledge made in 1969. The mural in the Pediatrics waiting room done by Junior Auxiliary Volunteers was finished.

Mady Friedman (1974-1975), Jill Kasdan(1975-1976) and Marcia Schumann (1976-1977) provided guidance and expertise in the next three years. The Opening Meeting on September 24, 1974 presented a "Sinai Sampler" featuring an exhibition of experts in many fields, including tennis, cake decorating, and hair styling. International Art '75 was held at the Beachwood Country Club. The Mid-Year Meeting held in the Winter of 1975 presented a panel discussion "Husbands-The Stress Years" which featured Cardiologists, and Psychologists from the hospital staff. The Stork Club was now meeting three times a year. The Board pledged $20,700 for a fetal heart monitor, diagnostic unit for the Chemistry Lab, and the salary for a Patient Relations Assistant. A new cookbook, As You Like It, was published during Jill Kasdan's term. Another fundraiser, "A Night At The Races," netted a profit of $1,147. The organization had 530 members. The Opening Meeting during theWinter of 1976 presented a program entitled "Separation Through Illness and Death." $12,000 was pledged to be used for electric treatment tables in Physical Therapy, a microscope for the School of Medicine, and radiant electric heaters for use in the newborn rooms. Members volunteered to work at the Ohio Hospital Association's meeting held at Mt. Sinai Hospital. "Separation Anxiety-How Will Your Child React?" was the subject of the program presented at the Mid-Year Meeting on March 24, 1976. The Sunny Sinai puppets were featured at the Ohio Hospital Association's meeting in Cincinnati, the Stork Club was meeting on a regular basis, and the Art Show profit was more than $10,000. The Auxiliary set a record for fund raising that year. During Marcia Schumann's presidency profits were realized from a garage sale, a member's day at Geauga Lake, and another "Night At The Races." The Opening Meeting on September 22, 1976 featured Sonia Friedman, popular women's doctor. New chairs for the prayer room were purchased and the comfort cart was re-instated as a fundraiser. "Saving Your Marriage," was the topic of the program at the Opening Meeting in the Fall of 1977. New construction of a parking garage was underway, the first Yellow Book was published containing names and addresses of Auxiliary members and $60,000 was pledged to purchase a Television hookup for patient rooms. Profits were realized from a "Night At The Races" ($1750) a garage sale ($345), and the International Art Sale ($8500),

Barbara Lurie( 1978-1979), Eileen Jacob (1979-1980), and Lindie Pearson (1980-1981), fought dwindling membership and a decrease in volunteer hours. Despite aggressive membership drives, totals stayed beneath five hundred. Barbara Lurie's team introduced the first fur sale in cooperation with the Cleveland Fur Institute. Members of the hospital's Senior Auxiliary also participated in the project, which realized a $14,000.0 p0rofit. The fur sale and the art show would become the two major fundraisers that were a joint project of both Auxiliaries. Television personality Barbara Walters was the guest speaker at the 1979 Opening Meeting. Senior Citizen volunteers were taking the comfort cart out on Thursday afternoons under the direction of Auxiliary members. The annual fur sale held the weekend after Thanksgiving showed a $21,000.00 profit that was split 0with the Senior Auxiliary. Membership still hovered around the 500 mark. In Lindie Pearson's term as president, after viewing a movie on child car safety, the Board voted to purchase infant car seats that would be loaned to parents when taking their baby home from the hospital. The Opening Meeting that year featured journalist Carl Stern as guest speaker. Fur sale profits were $28,000.00 split between the two Auxiliaries. Profits from the fur sale and art show enabled the Junior Auxiliary to provide services to the hospital with fewer members.

Mary Ann Hexter (1981-1982), Faye Sholiton (1982-1983) and Terry Zappola (1983-1985), were the last three women to serve as presidents of the Junior Auxiliary. Under Mary Ann Hexter the organization changed its name in August 1981 and became the Mt. Sinai Medical Center Junior Auxiliary. As the hospital continued to grow in size, a pledge of $100,000 over three years was made by the Board; the monies to be used to construct an acute care pavilion through the Shared Intensive Care Opportunity building project. Profits from the art show ($21,000) and the fur sale ($12,900) helped to meet the pledge. Tray favors were no longer assembled by hand, but were now printed in the hospital's print shop and cut out by the HomeWork committees. Changes in the fur sale negotiations with the Cleveland Fur Institute resulted in a smaller share of the sale's profits. Four hundred people packed the Opening Meeting in October 1982 to hear movie critic Gene Siskel speak. Most of the Auxiliary's fundraising projects were profitable including the children's events. The art show projected a 700 plus ticket sale, the fur show produced good returns. In October 1983 the new Acute Care Pavilion, built in part with Junior Auxiliary funds was dedicated. The Mid-Year Meeting was dropped for lack of interest, and the first discussions of a possible merger with the Senior group were heard at Board meetings but were tabled for later consideration. Opening Meeting in 1983 presented a program "A Practical and Light-Hearted Approach to Discipline." The Senior Auxiliary announced the opening of a new combined store named Gifts and Greenery. The Mid-Year Meeting returned with a program devoted to a healthy heart through diet and exercise. A payment of $20,000.00 was made toward the Acute Care Pavilion pledge. On January 7, 1984 the majority of the membership voted for merger with the Senior Auxiliary. On January 25th the Auxiliary Advisory Board and the Junior Executive board met to work out the mechanics of the proposed merger. It was decided to keep in place some of the Junior Board's projects such as the Stork Club, the newly organized Knitting Nannies group, the distribution of bibs and afghans to newborns, the coloring book project, sibling preparedness program and the art show. A motion to merge on June 1, 1985 was proposed, and at the Spring Luncheon in May the merger was accepted by the membership, The Junior Board, after thirty-five years of service to the Mt. Sinai community became one with its senior sister

The Mount Sinai Hospital School of Nursing The Mount Sinai Hospital School of Nursing 1915-1970, was a three year diploma school that offered young women the opportunity to prepare for the certification and licensing necessary in the State of Ohio to practice in the Nursing profession. Founded as a non-sectarian institution, it had close personal and professional ties to Mt. Sinai Hospital. In the 1960s, when it became necessary to offer a four- year Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree the School affiliated with Kent State University. More than 1400 women graduated from the School, many of them staying at Mt. Sinai Hospital to pursue their careers. The last class graduated in 1970.

Alumnae Association of the School of Nursing Mt. Sinai Hospital of Cleveland The Alumnae Association of the School of Nursing, founded in 1920, was open to all graduates of the Mt. Sinai School of Nursing. The organization's constitution provided for the inclusion of Nurse's who trained at the Jewish Women's Hospital, precursor of Mt. Sinai Hospital.

click here to view the Encyclopedia of Cleveland History entry for Mount Sinai Medical Center

Scope and Content

The Mount Sinai Hospital Records, Series II, 1915-2004 and undated, consist of agendas, annual reports, budgets, bylaws, certificates, contracts, constitutions, correspondence, financial statements, handbooks, ledgers, legal briefs, minutes, newsletters, newspaper clippings, notebooks, play scripts, reports, resolutions, rosters, scrap books, histories, publications, speech texts, surveys, and tax records.

This collection is of value to researchers studying the healthcare industry and the role of volunteers in the day to day operations of a major hospital, Mt. Sinai Hospital, in Cleveland, Ohio. Patient comfort was a primary goal of the Mt. Sinai Auxiliary for more than sixty years. The Auxiliaries, both Senior and Junior, were also a source of revenue for major hospital projects, especially in funding new construction, contributing more than $5,000,000.00 over time from various fund raising projects. Changing demographics in the community surrounding Mt. Sinai Hospital are illustrated in the type of programs the Auxiliaries offered to meet their commitment of service to the community. Of special interest is the fate of the Auxiliary after the hospital was sold to a for-profit organization, and how the sale affected the volunteer pool largely made up of women from Cleveland's Jewish community. Records from the hospital's School of Nursing and the accompanying alumnae association reflect concerns in the Nursing field and the interactions between the Auxiliary groups and Mt. Sinai Hospital. The role of women in the philanthropic community is well documented in this collection.

Statement of Arrangement

Restrictions on Access

Acces s to materials in Containers 18 and 19, Folders 424 through 450, is restricted until August 29, 2050.

The researcher should also consult MS 4840 Mount Sinai Hospital Records; MS 5143 Mount Sinai Hospital Records, Series III; and PG 4919 Mount Sinai Hospital Photographs.

All photographs have been removed to PG 4919 Mount Sinai Hospital Photographs. All audio-visual materials have been moved to the WRHS audio-visual collection.

Indexing Terms

The following terms have been used to index the description of this collection in the library's online public access catalog.

Subjects:

Preferred Citation

[Container ___, Folder ___ ] MS 4919 Mount Sinai Hospital Records, Series II, Western Reserve Historical Society, Cleveland, Ohio

Acquisition Information

Gifts of the Mount Sinai Health Care Foundation and Barbara Franklin, President of the Auxiliary, 1991-1993.

Processing Information

Processed by Patricia J. Stahley in 2004.

Detailed Description of The Collection