(continued) ...Foster's emphasis on excellent heath care was later
recognized by the Army Surgeon General as a model for most Army hospitals
and the "best in the Nation."
By the end of 1941, the United States was totally committed to
World War II, and the Hospital took on new importance, as long term
medical care became necessary for returning soldiers. O'Reilly staff
served over 100,000 patients during the hospital's five years of
operation. Forty-two thousand of those patients were wounded and
injured soldiers. In addition 60,000 military dependents were also
cared for. A few P.O.W.s were also treated.
Once the war ended, the army's need for a hospital of this size
changed. In September 1946, O'Reilly closed as an Army facility.
In February 1947, operation of the Hospital was begun by the United
States Veterans Administration, and was soon serving patients at
the rate of 1800 per year. In August 1952, The Veteran's Administration
closed O'Reilly, beginning several years of idleness and political
wrangling for the property and buildings. In December 1954, the
property was acquired by the General Council of the Assemblies of
God paving the way for the creation of Evangel College
Fifty years later, Smith Park, the Army Reserve, Army National
Guard and Evangel University have replaced most of the 250 buildings
on O'Reilly's original 160-acre site. Some landmarks from O'Reilly
remain; the post chapel was moved and serves as a church at Seminole
and Lone Pine. Southwest Missouri State University's McDonald Arena
was the site of O'Reilly's physical conditioning battalion. At Evangel,
the Administration building facing the flagpole on Glenstone, was
the post headquarters building. Nearby, a few of the former wards
are still linked by original corridors that connected buildings
at the hospital. One of the most striking buildings associated with
the hospital was the Enlisted Men's Service Club, built originally
as the Pythian Home by the Knights of Pythias, a fraternal organization.
The service club was the location of various recreational activities,
including entertainment, parties etc.
The photos in this presentation are owned by Evangel University,
who retain all rights. Inquiries should be made to:
Woodvall
Moore,
Director
Klaude Kendrick Library
Evangel University
1111 N. Glenstone
Springfield,
Missouri 65802
(417) 865-2811
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