|
“If it hadn’t been for a train delay in 1893, Dr. Frank Brabec probably would not have located to Perham.” Having a new hospital established in Perham before the turn of the 20th century was not an easy task. One could even say the planning and building of such a facility was “railroaded.” But not in a negative fashion. If it hadn’t been for a train delay in 1893, Dr. Frank Brabec probably would not have located to Perham. Just 21 years after the city was founded, Brabec and a mentor, Dr. Charles Wheaton, toured the area after their return trip to the Twin Cities was delayed several hours by the accident. They had been in Butte, Montana, where Dr. Wheaton had performed surgery on Senator Carter. The medical party was apparently impressed by the area, as it experienced the beauty of the area with its abundance of lakes. Brabec had been born in Watertown, Minnesota, January 31, 1869. He grew up in Hutchinson where his father had established a mercantile business. He graduated from the University of Minnesota as a physician and surgeon. After finishing at the University’s medical school, Brabec served an internship at Asbury Hospital in Minneapolis and St. Joseph’s Hospital in St. Paul. At that time, he came under the notice of Dr. Wheaton, who was thought of as perhaps one of the most brilliant surgeons of the era. Subsequently, Brabec worked closely with his mentor, resulting in the journey to Montana to perform surgery on the member of Congress and – in a sense – accidentally finding a home in Perham. The community at that time was approaching the end of the timber cutting era and emerging as an agricultural town. Settlers were coming into the wild lands to the north and farming was gradually taking the place of lumbering. There was still an abundance of wild game in the wilderness. It was a hunter’s paradise and Brabec took to it with all the enthusiasm of a born outdoorsman. There were few doctors serving the area and few decent roads. A doctor’s practice involved much travel by horse and buggy, often over the tote roads. Such pathways had been left by lumbermen who had carved them through the wilderness. For his use, Dr. Brabec often had several teams of horses stationed in different locations because winter driving severely overtaxed the animals. Neither winter blizzards nor summer heat stopped the good physician from his rounds, as he brought aid to the sick and encouragement to their families. A man of unusual physique and endurance, Dr. Brabec stood up under the arduous demands as few men could. During the memorable flu epidemic of 1918-19, he was constantly on the go for weeks, with little time for rest. Otis Caughey was his faithful driver, resting while the doctor was making his calls, and letting the doctor sleep between stops. During his lifetime, Dr. Brabec made two contributions to Perham which will live after him. One was the securing of St. James Hospital. The other was the addition to the public library in which he took great interest. When Brabec came to Perham, he initially opened an office over the old Claydent’s Drug Store. His office included a small operating room. Mrs. Kemper was hired as a nurse. Soon the demand for his services outgrew the small installation and he persuaded Mrs. Price to open a hospital above an old tavern. This, too, eventually proved inadequate and he urged her to build a small hospital. She did, a red brick building which stands on second avenue southwest alongside the Bauck Building. The doctor’s practice soon outgrew those quarters and the doctor appealed to the Franciscan Sisters to establish a hospital in the community. He also visited the Bishop of St. Cloud to lay before him the needs of this area and opportunities for a successful venture. Arrangements were made and soon the first real hospital building with extensive facilities was erected in 1902. Februaury 11, 1937, Dr. Brabec retired. In 1962, Brabec’s beautiful home across from the Community Hall was sold to Drs. Earl E. and Ivan E. Bigler and they continued their practices at that location until 1976, when they discontinued practice because of ill health. Dr. Brabec was married twice. His first wife died in the early years of their life in Perham. They had a son, Dr. Leonard Brabec, an educator in New York. He later married Louisa Miller at Appleton, Wisconsin. Two children were born to the union, Paul and Kathryn. Dr. Brabec died August 3, 1950, and is buried in his hometown, Hutchinson. “One hundred years of serving a community does not happen without the dedication and hard work of thousands of individuals. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the board members, physicians, employees, and volunteers who have served this hospital and nursing home over the years. It is directly through their hard work and commitment that we are the success we are today.” “I would also like to thank the committee who worked so hard this past year planning all of our centennial events, especially Mert Pary who chaired the centennial celebration.” Chuck Hofius 1910 Dr. Brabec’s new Buick 19 arrived Monday afternoon and is considered one of the finest cars ever received in Perham. It is equipped with everything that can possibly go on an automobile, even to a small mirror placed in the windshield in which he can see anything approaching him from the rear. The doctor’s hindsight will, therefore, be as good as his foresight. Did you know? |