By ADRIENNE HARRISON

City of Bainbridge Communications Director

Since 1991, the City of Bainbridge has had a tradition of selling commemorative ornaments of historic building in the downtown area created by Mary Barber Cox. Cox is an accomplished artist that has volunteered her incredible talent every year to make each ornament a treasure. This year, she has done it again with the 2011 ornament depicting Riverside Hospital.

Riverside Hospital was built and operated by the late Dr. J.D. Chason, his brother Dr. Gordon Chason, Dr. R.F. Wheat and Dr. Willie Lee Wilkinson. The hospital, which opened its doors shortly before the Armistice in 1918, was located on the corner of Donalson and Water Street, where the Decatur County Senior Center is currently located. The Flint River provided access to both Riverside Hospital and Bainbridge Hospital for people in rural areas and nearby towns, making Bainbridge a healthcare center for the tri-state area.  When Memorial Hospital was opened in 1960, Riverside Hospital closed as a private hospital. However, Mrs. H.H. Felty took over the facilities and established The Fidelis Nursing Home.

Ornaments are now on sale at City Hall in the Community Development Office, 107 S. Broad Street. Individual ornaments are $8, or you can buy the entire set of Bainbridge ornaments for $168. You can also purchase your ornament at Holiday Open House on Sunday, November 20. Cox will be in Willis Park signing ornaments during the event.

For more information on this year’s ornament or Holiday Open House, call

By ADRIENNE HARRISON

City of Bainbridge Communications Director

Since 1991, the City of Bainbridge has had a tradition of selling commemorative ornaments of historic building in the downtown area created by Mary Barber Cox. Cox is an accomplished artist that has volunteered her incredible talent every year to make each ornament a treasure. This year, she has done it again with the 2011 ornament depicting Riverside Hospital.

Riverside Hospital was built and operated by the late Dr. J.D. Chason, his brother Dr. Gordon Chason, Dr. R.F. Wheat and Dr. Willie Lee Wilkinson. The hospital, which opened its doors shortly before the Armistice in 1918, was located on the corner of Donalson and Water Street, where the Decatur County Senior Center is currently located. The Flint River provided access to both Riverside Hospital and Bainbridge Hospital for people in rural areas and nearby towns, making Bainbridge a healthcare center for the tri-state area.  When Memorial Hospital was opened in 1960, Riverside Hospital closed as a private hospital. However, Mrs. H.H. Felty took over the facilities and established The Fidelis Nursing Home.

Ornaments are now on sale at City Hall in the Community Development Office, 107 S. Broad Street. Individual ornaments are $8, or you can buy the entire set of Bainbridge ornaments for $168. You can also purchase your ornament at Holiday Open House on Sunday, November 20. Cox will be in Willis Park signing ornaments during the event.

For more information on this year’s ornament or Holiday Open House, call (229) 248-2000.