The Providence Hospital

The Providence Hospital , erected in 1891 and demolished in 1968 sat on the hill overlooking the east end of Wallace. The grounds were impeccably maintained, and elk and bears were often visitors to the grounds. I best remember this hospital from having my tonsils out during the Thanksgiving weekend of my first grade year. OK, no big deal, right? Well, if one was not Catholic, quite frankly, this hospital was more than a little frightening with the statues and the Sisters in full habit.

So, here is the story. I got an infection after the surgery and became somewhat delusional. Please remember that I was only 6 years old. So, I come to after the surgery, and low and behold, standing right in front of me was a figure dressed an black in what looked liked a flowing robe, Well, I thought for sure that I had died and gone to hell. (;) Thank goodness the "figure" turned out to be one of the Sisters and not the angel of death.

It is too bad the Providence was torn down, It was an integral part of the history of Wallace. Man, I miss the old Wallace.