Wheatley-Provident Hospital facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Wheatley-Provident Hospital |
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Southeast side and front door
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| Location | Kansas City, Missouri |
| Elevation | 817 ft |
| Built | 1903 |
| Original use | St. Joseph's Parochial School |
| Rebuilt | June 1, 1918 |
| Restored by | 1826 Forest Re Holdings LLC |
| Current use | Historical restoration |
| Owner | 1826 Forest Re Holdings LLC |
The Wheatley-Provident Hospital is a very important historic building. It is located at 1826 Forest Avenue in the 18th and Vine area of Kansas City, Missouri. This hospital was started in 1902. It became the first hospital in Kansas City specifically for Black people.
Contents
History of the Hospital
Early Beginnings (1902-1917)
The idea for the hospital began in 1902. Dr. John Edward Perry started a small hospital and a school. This school helped train nurses. In 1910, this early hospital was at 1214 Vine. It was called the Perry Sanitarium and Nurse Training Association.
New Home and New Name (1918)
People worked hard to raise money for a bigger hospital. They collected about $25,000 by 1918. On June 1, 1918, the hospital moved to a new building. This building was at 1826 Forest Avenue. It had been built in 1903 as St. Joseph's Parochial School.
The building was then renamed Wheatley-Provident Hospital. It became Kansas City's first hospital for Black people. Dr. Perry continued to lead the hospital. His wife, Fredericka Douglass Sprague Perry, also helped. She was the granddaughter of the famous Frederick Douglass.
Growing and Closing (1925-1972)
In 1925, the hospital added a special wing for children. This meant they could help even more young patients. By 1971, the hospital had helped over 50,000 people. It closed its doors in 1972.
Becoming a Historic Site and Restoration
The Wheatley-Provident Hospital is now a protected historic place. It was added to the Kansas City Register of Historic Places in 2007. In October 2020, it was also listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
For a while, the building was not taken care of. It was even in danger of being torn down by 2017. But the historic building was saved! Work to fix it up started in 2021. The current owner, 1826 Forest Re Holdings LLC, is making it into office spaces. They hope to rent these offices to medical businesses. This keeps the building's history alive.
See also
- City workhouse castle, another historical building in 18th and Vine
- History of the Kansas City metropolitan area
- List of points of interest in Kansas City, Missouri
