Sheltering Arms Hospital (Athens, Ohio) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Sheltering Arms Hospital
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Sheltering Arms
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 Location in Ohio
Location in the United States
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| Location | 19 Clarke St., Athens, Ohio |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1911 |
| Built by | Charles A. Breining |
| NRHP reference No. | 82003542 |
| Added to NRHP | June 25, 1982 |
The Sheltering Arms Hospital in Athens, Ohio, was once a very important place for healthcare. It started small, as a two-room maternity ward in a home in 1921. Over time, it grew into a full hospital offering many medical and surgical services. The hospital operated at 19 Clarke Street from 1921 until 1970. In 1970, Sheltering Arms moved to a new, bigger building. This new hospital was named the Charles G. O’Bleness Memorial Hospital. Today, it is known as the OhioHealth O’Bleness Hospital, after joining OhioHealth in 2014.
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History of Sheltering Arms Hospital
How the Hospital Started
In the early 1920s, a builder named Charles Breining and his wife, Delia, used their home to help women give birth. This was called a lying-in facility, where new mothers could rest for a few days after their babies were born. A doctor named John E. Rollings Sprague encouraged the Breinings to expand.
In 1921, the Breinings added four more rooms to their home. This expanded building officially became the Sheltering Arms Hospital. It was one of the first hospitals of its kind in Athens County, Ohio. Because of this, Sheltering Arms quickly became a key place for medical care in the Athens area.
Growing Services and Ownership Changes
The hospital continued to grow and offer more services to the community. In 1924, they added diagnostic X-ray imaging, which helped doctors see inside the body. A clinical laboratory was added in 1937. This lab helped doctors perform tests and understand illnesses better.
The Breinings owned and ran the hospital until 1947. Then, they sold it to Dr. Theron H. Morgan. After Dr. Morgan passed away in 1957, he donated the hospital to the community. This was done through The Sheltering Arms Foundation, which had started in 1949. By 1959, the Foundation became the full owner of the hospital.
Moving to a New Location
Eventually, the Clarke Street building became too small for the growing hospital. Local doctors realized they needed a much larger facility. They asked the community for help to build a new hospital. People donated money, and a local banker named Charles G. O'Bleness gave a very generous gift of $1 million. This was a big part of the $1.7 million needed for the new building.
Construction for the new hospital began in December 1967. It was built about half a mile away from the original location. The new hospital opened its doors in 1970. It was named the Charles G. O’Bleness Memorial Hospital in honor of Charles G. O'Bleness, who had passed away in 1969. Today, this hospital is known as the OhioHealth O’Bleness Hospital.
The Original Building Today
The original Sheltering Arms building is a two-story brick structure. It was built in 1911, with several additions made up until 1939. This historic building was recognized for its importance and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. This means it is a special place that should be preserved. Today, the building provides affordable housing for seniors and people with disabilities.
