Our History
Baldwin Hospital owes its origin to a local farmer, A. J. Bergslien. He donated $20,000 to the Village of Baldwin in 1936 for the construction of a community hospital. His will stipulated that $18,000 was to be used to build a brick structure and $2,000 was to be reserved for maintenance of the structure. No allowance for furnishings was made.
If the community residents desired to have a hospital, they were responsible for raising funds to furnish the structure. A newspaper account at that time states, “Never has the Village of Baldwin seen this level of cooperation” as the community raised the necessary funds. The open house for the Baldwin Community Hospital was held on December 19, 1936. The magnitude of this farmer’s generosity is realized in the fact that over 5,000 people attended the open house, when the population of Baldwin was slightly over 1,000 residents at the time.
Almost 71 years and numerous construction projects have resulted in a modern 33-bed hospital. Baldwin Hospital prides itself in being able to provide many of the services provided in major metropolitan facilities. Over twenty visiting specialists in over fifteen medical specialties allow us to be an “At Home Hospital”.
Baldwin Hospital has the honor of being named a “TOP 100 HOSPITAL” in the nation in 1995 and 1996.
Baldwin Clinic
Dr. Kunny, who built a clinic in downtown Baldwin in 1937, started Baldwin Clinic. Over the next 17 years, he was joined by Dr. Olson and Dr. Sargeant. In 1954, a new clinic was constructed at the corner of Curtis Street and Highway 63. At this new location, the medical staff consisted of Dr. May, Dr. Olson and Dr. Torkelson. In 1975, Reid Burger, PA-C joined the practice.
A major change occurred in 1983 when Ramsey Clinic purchased the clinic and made major renovations. Under the direction of Ramsey Clinic, the medical staff grew to five providers. Ramsey Clinic – Baldwin continued to exist until January 1998.
Baldwin Area Medical Center
On January 1, 1998, Baldwin Hospital integrated Baldwin Clinic into its organization. Construction was started on a major hospital addition, which included a 32-exam room clinic. The clinic portion of the construction was completed and occupied in July of 1999.
With this construction and integration the two organizations, Baldwin Clinic and Baldwin Hospital, became Baldwin Area Medical Center.
Hospital