Thursday, February 8, 2018

Our Past Is Present February 8, 2018

February 8, 2018
            This is “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society.
            Many of us had the pleasure of working with or being aided by the late LaVerne Allen when she worked as a school nurse or at Geary Community Hospital.  In an article written by Brenda Green, a staff writer for the “Daily Union” newspaper in 1986, the author wrote that “Throughout Laverne’s years in nursing she has not only seen many people die, but also seen nearly as many healing miracles.  She graduated from Christ’s Hospital in Topeka, which is now Stormont Vail, in 1940 and “grabbed” the first job she could get.  There weren’t many jobs available, so she accepted a position in Norton at a salary of $55.00 a month and room and board.  The work day was from 7 PM until 7 AM – with perhaps one night off during the month.  She then transferred to Hays, Kansas for about a year, and then went to Key West, Florida.
LaVerne’s nursing career began in Junction City in 1943. The Junction City hospital was then located at Ash and Jefferson Streets before it was renamed Geary Community Hospital, which is now at the corner of Ash and Eisenhower Streets. That hospital opened in 1966.
            LaVerne also worked as a school nurse from 1942 until 1984, when she retired from USD 475.  Sheridan Elementary was the last school in which she worked.  She recalled times when she and her husband, James, a former Junction City Fire Chief were at the movies and her name would flash across the movie screen with instructions for her to call the hospital.  (This was before beepers and cell phones.)  LaVerne also recalled that her personal experiences with losing loved ones had better prepared her to deal with her work and to understand what people go through when they lose someone.”  LaVerne Allen was somewhat of a miracle herself for doing all the good she did for others for many years.  Those are some fond memories of a kind lady – LaVerne Allen.
And… that’s today’s story on “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society.


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