File:William Schnauffer III, M.D. (1903-1950).jpg

Summary

In our current times, we appreciate our medical care givers more than ever. In 1932, William Schnauffer III, M.D. (1903-1950) founded Schnauffer Hospital in the space above his brother West's garage at the foot of E. A Street and Maple Avenue. The building is still there as an apartment house. The only staff was the founder's uncle, Dr. Levin West, who administered anesthesia. Later, Dr. William Carpenter, from Lovettsville, was also brought in to perform this service.

The original hospital grew to 10 beds, staff included, before the need for expansion led to the dedicated hospital on the corner of W. B Street and N. Virginia Avenue in 1937.

The hospital closed in 1946 after Dr. Schnauffer moved to Frederick when he bought the "Spite House" on Church Street, commuting between home and hospital.

Dr. Schnauffer is remembered as "a good administrator; being kind, helpful, patient and with a nice bedside manner." Some of the nurses included the first, June Shewbridge Jones, who served for the duration of the hospital's time. Other early nurses were Mary Jane Watson and Katherine Coffman Smith.

Please let us know what and who else you remember about the hospital.

Sadly, Dr. Schnauffer died on his 47th birthday.

(Photo and information courtesy of the City of Brunswick, MD History Commission)