The Bauxite Hospital
By Cody Berry
Since our exhibit at the Gann Museum is about Bauxite, I wanted to share some information about their hospital. Construction began on the Bauxite Hospital in 1910 by what became the Aluminum Company of America, also known as Alcoa. The reported cost was $11,000, and by 1944 it was considered one of the best hospitals in the state.1 In 1919, Dr. E.A. Buckley oversaw the Bauxite Hospital, which was “the only hospital in the county” at the time.2
Dr. Buckley was not from Saline County; he was born on March 6, 1884, in Oakland, Louisiana and was raised on a plantation there until he was 12 years old. He later graduated from the University of Tennessee’s medical department before he moved to Strong, Arkansas. In January 1919, Dr. Buckley moved to Bauxite to work for the Bauxite Manufacturing Company.3 In August 1944, the Pick and Shovel, reported several improvements to the Bauxite Hospital. Extensions and additions made to the hospital in 1943 transformed it into “a new and completely modern unit,” according to the company newspaper.4
The Bauxite Hospital building was extended to accommodate segregated waiting rooms, a dentist’s office, an examination room, and an X-Ray room. That section had lead walls and doors with an equipment operator’s room included. The receiving platform in the rear of the building was extended, and an approach ramp was constructed. New lighting was installed, and the interior rooms were repainted and replastered or covered with wallboards.5 Despite all these changes, the Bauxite Hospital fell into disuse after WWII. It served as a doctor’s office until it was torn down in 1964.6
Citations:
1 Ginger Fox English, “Bauxite Hospital – One of the Best in the State,” Miner Memories, p. 40-41. This story was originally published in The Saline Courier, in April 2012.
2 “Story of the Town of Bauxite, Its Product, Its People and Schools,” Benton Courier – Centennial Edition, March 25, 1937, pp. 40-41.
3 “Story of the Town of Bauxite, Its Product, Its People and Schools,” Benton Courier – Centennial Edition, March 25, 1937, p. 42.
4 “Bauxite Hospital One of the Best in State,” Pick and Shovel, Vol. 1, No. 2, August 1944.
5 “Bauxite Hospital One of the Best in State,” Pick and Shovel, Vol. 1, No. 2, August 1944.
6 Ginger Fox English, “Bauxite Hospital – One of the Best in the State,” Miner Memories, p. 40-41. This story was originally published in The Saline Courier, in April 2012.