Whittaker Memorial Hospital facts for kids
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Whittaker Memorial Hospital
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Whittaker Memorial Hospital, September 2012
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 Location in Virginia
Location in the United States
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| Location | 1003 Twenty-Eighth St., Newport News, Virginia |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1943 |
| Architect | Moses, William Henry; et al. |
| Architectural style | Modern Movement |
| NRHP reference No. | 09000794 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | September 30, 2009 |
The Whittaker Memorial Hospital is a special old building in Newport News, Virginia. It used to be a hospital that helped many people. This building has a rich history, especially for the African-American community in the area.
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What is Whittaker Memorial Hospital?
The Whittaker Memorial Hospital building was first built in 1943. Later, more parts were added in 1957 and 1966. It was designed with cool styles called Moderne and Art Deco. These styles were popular for buildings around that time.
The hospital building has a unique "T" shape when you look at it from above. It was built with a strong concrete frame. Its walls are made of yellow and brown bricks, laid out in stripes. The middle part of the building is three stories tall, and the sides are two stories high.
A Hospital for the Community
The Whittaker Memorial Hospital first opened its doors in 1908. It was created to serve the African-American people living in Newport News. At that time, many hospitals did not treat everyone equally. This hospital was very important because it provided medical care to those who might not have received it elsewhere.
What makes this hospital even more special is that African-American doctors started it. Also, African-American architects designed the building. This shows the amazing talent and determination within the community.
From House to Hospital
Before the big building was constructed in 1943, the hospital was in different places. It first started in a house called the James A. Fields House. Then, in 1915, a wooden hospital building was built for it. The 1943 building was the last and largest home for the hospital.
The Whittaker Memorial Hospital helped people for many years. However, it eventually closed down in 1985.
A Place of History
Because of its important history, the Whittaker Memorial Hospital was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2009. This is a special list of places in the United States that are important to history. Being on this list helps protect the building and remember its story.
