Thomas L Higgins

Baystate Franklin Medical Center Thomas L Higgins

In 1895, Franklin County Public Hospital (FCPH) was founded by 36 citizens led by Dr. Adams Calhoun Deane. The newly incorporated hospital rented the former home of Rev. Dr. Francis Robbins and served 55 patients in its first year of operation. By 1898, FCPH moved to the larger Converse House and then to purpose-built facilities at 164 High Street in 1910. The hospital trained nurses, including Susie Walking Bear Yellowtail, class of 1927, the first Native American graduate in the United States. In 1968, FCPH opened the architecturally unique Spokes wards. Throughout its history, the Board of Organized Work (now the Baystate Franklin Auxiliary) has supported the hospital with fundraising activities. FCPH became Baystate Franklin Medical Center (BFMC) after joining with Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, Massachusetts, to form Baystate Health in 1986. This book celebrates 120 years of service to Franklin County."