Hospital and Training School for Nurses (135 Cannon Street)

Description

Digital image of an early-20th century view of the Hospital and Training School for Nurses (135 Cannon Street). Engraving illustrated an advertisement in the 1903 City Directory.

From Old Codgers' Charleston Address Book, vol. 2: "1901 thru 1960 - Hospital and Training School for Nurses: One of the most interesting on the street is this one at 135 Cannon which for more than half a century was the hospital and training school for black nurses. Founded by Dr. Alonzo C. McClennan in 1896, the idea grew out of his frustrated attempts to secure practical training for black nurses at other schools in the area. Anna DeCosta Banks was named the hospital's first head nurse when it opened its doors. She later became superintendent of nurses and served the hospital for 32 years. The hospital stayed open for 62 years, finally closing its doors in 1959 when the McClennon Banks Hospital opened in its place on Courtenay Drive. The brick building with its interesting half-octagon turreted facade received a historical marker in 1991 to commemorate its training of black nurses and service to the black community."