STE. GENEVIEVE – The Sainte Genevieve Museum Learning Center has opened a new display, and at the heart of the display are three well-known physicians that practiced in Ste. Genevieve over 60 years ago–Doctors Gerald DeGenova, Reed Marts and Joseph Lutkewitte. These three physicians, along with some very motivated residents, started a grass-roots effort to build a hospital in Ste. Genevieve. After nearly a decade of planning, organizing, fund raising and grant finding, plus the passing of bond issues, the hospital opened in April, 1969.
The backdrop for the display is office furniture nearly a hundred years old. Physicians in the early 20th century typically operated out of the front room or parlor of their home or had a two-room office located in an office building. Wooden cabinets, not all that different from furniture found in the home at the time, outfitted many a doc’s office. The furniture in the display was used by Dr. DeGenova in his early days of practice in the 50’s. He handed down the furniture to his daughter Anne who used the grouping in her medical practice for many years.
Dr. Steve Pautler, Ste. Genevieve County Memorial Hospital (SGCMH) CEO, reflected on the newly-opened museum display.
“It’s neat to see that legacy and to see what healthcare was even before there was a hospital here,” said Pautler. “It was before my time here, of course, but the names of those three physicians live on. They were much beloved by the community, and each loved the community in their own way for many years. The hospital was founded by people who wanted to have a full spectrum of care in the community, and we’re blessed by having an even greater commitment today.”
Pautler said healthcare has come a long way in the past 50 years.
“We’ve gone from a handful of physicians that did everything back then to having so many physicians and specialists that are a great resource for a community this size.”
Hospital services have grown tremendously, and employee numbers have grown from a mere 13 back in 1969 to almost 500 today.
“We’re one of the biggest employers in the county,” said Pautler. “We have nearly a 40-million-dollar payroll each year. Many of our employees and practitioners live here, shop here, worship here and raise their families here. I consider that to be a huge commitment to the community not only for the general health, but the economic health and vitality of the community going forward for many years to come.”
Research suggests that museums provide more than just a shelter for historical artifacts and educational displays. They are also places where visitors can escape the fast-paced world around them.
Pautler agreed and said health is at the heart of a community, but there’s a lot more that a hospital can give to a community, so the hospital’s sponsorship of the museum’s Gathering Hall was entirely fitting.
“We work with the community in so many ways,” he said. “During COVID, it’s ironic that at a time when we had to be separated, we came together in ways that we never had dreamed about even a few years ago. The hospital has always been a gathering place—for births, the passing of life and everything in between. The Gathering Hall at the museum is a place where people can gather, go on a tour and experience things, especially as a family. It’s very exciting to work with and support such a great place like the museum where so many people have put their hearts and souls into creating it. We’ve got that same passion for healthcare, and I think we all have that passion for our community. It’s great to be able to support the museum in that way.”
To coincide with the opening of the physician’s display and show its appreciation for the hospital’s support, The Sainte Genevieve Museum Learning Center is offering all SGCMH employees half-price admission through the month of July.
“I guarantee if you go to the Museum you will learn things you never knew,” said Pautler.
July museum hours are 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For more information on the museum and summer activities, visit stegenmuseum.org.