Mary Bridge Children's Hospital. Typical two bed ward with chenille bedspreads. The beds are separated by a glass partition so that the young patients can see each other. The partition has a curtain that the nurse can draw closed when needed. The wards contained 2 or 4 beds, with the same charge for each. 14 beds were kept available for the indigent, as mandated by the Rust trust. The rooms were painted in soft pastels. Each room had its own tiled toilet room and separate wash stand. A modern night stand stood by each bed. The trays at the foot of the beds can be raised or lowered to hold meals. A guest room was available in the administrative area for out of town mothers of critical patients, who wanted to remain close by. (TNT 3/27/1955, pg. A13- A17)

Mary Bridge Children's Hospital (Tacoma); Hospitals--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Occupational therapy ward at Mary Bridge Childrens' Hospital in August of 1955. A solemn eyed young girl finishes her lunch, or dinner, in her hospital crib with her meal on a bedtray. Tucked in around her are her doll and books and coloring books. Children too ill to leave their beds receive toys, games, coloring books and reading material, brought by volunteers from the Tacoma Orthopedic Association. For the child who must lie flat on his back, Tacoma Public Library furnished a ceiling projector to show cartoons. Once a week, they also sent a librarian to read to the children in their rooms. Photograph ordered by the Tacoma Orthopedic Assoc. (TNT 8/14/1955, pg. A-12)

Mary Bridge Children's Hospital (Tacoma); Physical therapy--Tacoma; Sick children; Cribs (Children's beds);

Occupational therapy ward at Mary Bridge Childrens' Hospital. Marilyn Wagner, the Occupational Therapist in white, helps a boy, Jimmie, in a wheelchair hook a potholder. Nine year old Jimmie has broken his leg, but right now he isn't thinking about the cast; he is showing Marilyn Wagner the blue and white potholder that he will take home from the hospital for his mom. There are two kinds of therapy available in the hospital- Functional therapy involves activities that promote healing and Diversional therapy- such as Jimmie's, promotes mental happiness. A painting of native Americans weaving baskets, by Ruth Byers, adorns one wall. Photograph ordered by the Tacoma Orthopedic Assoc. (TNT 8/14/1955, pg. A-12)

Mary Bridge Children's Hospital (Tacoma); Physical therapy--Tacoma; Wheelchairs; Wagner, Marilyn;

After years of striving, the Tacoma Orthopedic Guild's dream of a children's hospital in Tacoma was finally being realized. The cornerstone of a $900,000 hospital was laid on June 9, 1954. Representing the many workers of the project were: (l-r) Mrs. Michael Yuscko, Mrs. Roscoe Smith, Mrs. Roy Elstrom and Mrs. C.H. Kane. Funding for the hospital came from the Orthopedic Guild, the estate of Dr. A.W. Bridge, and interest on the Rust trust.

Mary Bridge Children's Hospital (Tacoma); Hospitals--Tacoma--1950-1960; Cornerstone laying--Tacoma--1950-1960; Yuscko, Michael--Family; Smith, Roscoe A.--Family; Elstrom, Roy--Family; Kane, C.H.--Family;