Category Archives: Rush Archives

The Rush Archives, a department of the Library of Rush University, is the official archival agency of Rush University Medical Center and Rush University.

by

From the Archives: Nursing Through the Years

In celebration of National Nurses Week, we look back at photos from the Rush Archives from the nursing programs and hospitals that eventually became part of Rush University Medical Center.

Presbyterian Hospital School of Nursing capping ceremony, 1956
Three nurses at work in the Presbyterian Hospital infant nursery around 1905. One nurse is bathing newborns, while two others prepare an incubator for a premature baby.
Presbyterian-St. Luke’s nursing students, 1966
Nurses from St. Luke’s Hospital Training School for Nurses take a cocoa break in 1900
St. Luke’s School of Nursing Students, Schweppe Memorial Entrance, 1948

by

From the Archives: First Electrocardiograph, 1913

Electrocardiograph1913

Chicago’s first electrocardiograph was installed 100 years ago at Presbyterian Hospital, which later became part of Rush University Medical Center.

Renowned heart specialist and Rush Medical College graduate James B. Herrick, MD, was instrumental in securing the equipment through a gift from Mrs. Cyrus McCormick, Sr., a noted Chicago philanthropist.

She also helped the hospital acquire an improved model in 1915 and provided substantial funding for research in heart disease.

According to the 1939 issue of the Presbyterian Hospital Bulletin, “It was with the aid of these instruments that Dr. Herrick made his first notable discoveries about coronary thrombosis and started on the trail which has brought fame to himself and immeasurable benefit to humanity.”

Electrocardiography measures the heart’s electrical activity and helps detect abnormalities.

by

From the Archives: ‘The Thrills of Television,’ 1949

PresbyterianChildren502

This photo appeared in the April 1949 issue of the Presbyterian Hospital Bulletin. The caption reads: “Through the generosity of two members of the Children’s Department Committee of the Woman’s Board, patients in that department now enjoy the thrills of television.”

Presbyterian later became part of Rush University Medical Center.

by

From the Archives: Christmas Caroling, 1938

NursesSingingCarols1939

This image, which appeared in the December 1939 issue of the Presbyterian Hospital Bulletin, shows student nurses singing carols in a hospital corridor on Christmas morning, 1938.

“Care is taken not to disturb any seriously ill patients,” the caption explains, “but all others seem to regard this as a happy way of ushering in the Christmas day that is to be spent in the hospital.”

Presbyterian Hospital later became part of Rush University Medical Center.