Looking into the Past to Save our Future.
Willingdon’s once booming hospital looms ahead of me; I have no idea what to expect or what I will find. I knew this once illustrious site had to have had a beautiful life. What I didn’t expect was how far back it would be entrenched in the community’s history.
Traveling to this sleepy hamlet has always been a fascinating experience. Much like Hairy Hill, most of the original structures are still standing. Their conditions vary from building to building; but walking the streets you are instantly transported to a much different time. Go back 89 years to 1931; the local door to door doctor of the time – Dr.V.B Goretsky saw an increasing need to have a permanent health care facility and along with it the professional help. Goretsky contacted the Ukrainian Catholic church for help. (specifically, its compassionate priest Ft. Ambrose Wynnk) Through father Wynnk, the sisters of Mary Immaculate were contacted; and in 1935 four strong willed and amazing women were sent to the financially poor village.
What gets interesting is how challenging the adventure would be for the original four sisters. Right from the start, they were met with the economic crisis and adversity of the
great depression. The sisters brought their care and compassion to a small weather-beaten house, which they rented out for $20 a day. Almost immediately after arriving and setting up their medical unit in the house, the village approved the construction of a newer larger hospital. Finding the funds for each stage of the construction was difficult, but some how they managed – and the project moved along. Then in October of 1936, with the hospital almost done, tragedy struck. The entire building was razed by fire.
Most people that we know would be defeated by such incredible events. Yet the sisters battled it out and reached out to the community for help. A mere one year later, in the fall of October 1937 – the new hospital was finished. The transfer of personnel and equipment could now begin, and so opened the doors of the Willingdon General Hospital. This beautiful building is still standing and can be seen on the far north west side of hospital grounds.
With the growth of Willingdon and its surrounding communities, came the need yet again for a larger medical facility. 25 years later, on October 3rd, 1962, the brand-new hospital opened its doors. Its name was also changed in the process to the: Mary Immaculate Hospital. The hospital had an amazing lifespan, helping thousands of people along the way. The sisters originally developed a motto they stood by which was coined “the 3 C’s” Courtesy, cooperation, and communication.
With our communities today, facing such trying times, I believe we can all lead by example to what the sisters laid out so many years ago – believing in community and having resolve in one another helped pull them through some harrowing moments. To all of the health care workers on the front lines risking their well being, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for trying your best and applying the 3 – C’s in your everyday routine.
Flash forward to the spring of 2020 and this once vibrant building now sits eerily quiet. No longer do we hear the footsteps of nurses and doctors; but now the low echoing shrill of a cool spring breeze. Standing outside the emergency entrance, I knew I was going to teleported once again back in time.
Entering any abandoned building comes with it’s sets of challenges. What will I find inside? Do I have adequate lighting to explore safely? A plethora of thoughts inhabited my way of thinking standing in the massive emergency entrance. A hospital is no small undertaking, especially when you want to document what is left on camera.
My first steps inside were seamless. A few minutes into walking down a connecting hallway and the theme of the buildings state was presented; when I turned the corner, my audible gasp surprised even myself. Looking down the throat of what was once a busy ward, were beds and mementos of the past strewn about.
The first rooms echoed similarities from buildings built in its time. The Pastel colors, and the ringed light fixtures brought me back to my exploration of Kitsault’s Hospital. The warmth and care that was put into the building, hides now behind layers of peeling paint and the broken eyes of its windows.
Moving further inward, I felt like I was walking onto the set of the walking dead episode one. Rick Grimes our hero, wakes up from a coma only to find himself in an abandoned hospital; not far off from the same condition I was standing in presently. Vandals have really left their imprint on the building. Smashed out glass, tagged walls and blown out lighting isn’t the send off this old lady deserved - but unfortunately received.
Crossing by the main entrance, led into a stunning passage that would eventually connect to the newer hospital. Along the journey I noticed two doors that looked larger than life. These portals opened to the breathtaking chapel. Sunlight poured in through the blue stained-glass window, creating an ethereal glow. It’s a stunning visage, and I am happy most of the details remained intact – vandalism aside.
Heading to the original hospital via said passage, felt like another time warp. Architecture slowly morphed, lighting and colors along with it. Three levels of exploration awaited. The lower half seemed to be what was once the housing for staff. Main floor was examination rooms and offices. The upper level was a storage attic and possibly another set of accommodations for staff or patients. The original hospital is now 83 years old and has stood the test of time. Walking the halls, you felt a positive energy from this place, which was the exact opposite I was expected to have in an abandoned hospital. It was a place of love, compassion and courtesy – the graffiti covered walls would never diminish this perception.
At the end of the adventure, I was left awe struct in what was arguably one of the most exciting explorations I have done in Alberta. The photos speak for themselves about the frustrating state this building is in. I implore anyone who decides to take on the exploration to air on the side of caution – there are uneven floors slathered in broken glass and dim lighting in most corridors. This site has a stunning history, it should be kept in the memories of its fellow residents and health care workers of times past.
Exploration from early 2020