While the men of the community purchased properties and began the process of moving from a storefront clinic (the Free Dispensary), to a large home on Jaques St. (dubbed "Jaques Folly" because of the way the home was constructed as a private residence but converted for use as a hospital), and later on to the hospital complex on the corner of E. Jersey St. and Reid St. that existed until the formation of Trinitas Hospital in 2000. The Ladies' Aid Society rose up to fill in the gaps and provide the things that were needed that were in support of the overall effort.

A home was secured at 13 Spring St. for nurses who were in training and who were sent out into homes in the community to provide care to underwrite a portion of their tuition. The Ladies' Aid Society gathered the funds and donations of furniture and food that were needed by the nurses, and they worked tirelessly to obtain food for the patients. They formed committees to raise funds for specific purposes. They organized groups of women to sew pillowcases and sheets so they could be used for longer periods of time. They organized into a large number of "Circles." They organized a Circle to provide flowers in various locations like patient rooms, lobbies, clinics, and the Nurse's Home. Essentially, they were the glue that held everything else together and made going to the hospital for treatment and care a more home-like experience.

Although the exact date the Ladies' Aid Society merged or transformed into the Auxiliary is not presently known, further research is needed to determine when this transition took place. Regardless of when the move was made, the Auxiliary took the baton and ran with it into a future that was changing at rapid speed. Hospitals like the General extended their care from the campus and brought it into the community with satellite events, Health Fairs and other endeavors. The Auxiliary was hard at work, expanding into areas that helped Elizabeth General Hospital and Dispensary, Elizabeth General Hospital and Elizabeth General Medical Center continue the mission of service to the community.

One of the more visible entities the Ladies and the Auxiliary operated was the Terrace Cafe. Located to the right of the hospital's main entrance, it was a place where people could congregate, have a cup of coffee or a light meal and meet other friends and family members who were there to see or assist a loved one. It was also a place where people could find an Auxilian to lend an ear to hear their hopes, fears of a sick relative or the joy of a new child being born. Many twins, triplets and quadruplets added to the joy of the moment. To many, it was a place of solace and a place where, for a moment, one could gather their composure before seeing a loved one in a time of pain, in sedation, or preparing for a life-changing surgical procedure.

Info needed here on Volunteer Services in relation to the Ladies' Aid Society and the Auxiliary or seen as a separate entity? Foundation in relation to fundraising events, Elizabethtown Healthcare Foundation, etc.

This information was last reviewed or updated on October 15, 2024. Adjustments may be made to this page as new information is added, making this a continual work in progress.