Written in stone, metal, wood…
The names of individuals and events are written in stone, metal, wood and plastic on plaques throughout the old Maitland Hospital buildings. Some plaques are still in place in the hospital. Some are in storage. Some are in the care of the Maitland and District Historical Society. Some have disappeared.
A small selection of the plaques - along with some trophies and ribbons - was on display in the exhibition A Conspicuous Object - The Maitland Hospital at the Maitland Regional Art Gallery.
The plaques mark the opening of buildings on the site, and contributions and donations from individuals and groups. They are commemorative. The challenge is to link the plaques to the events and people they remember. There is also a challenge in deciding what to do with the plaques once the hospital has transferred to its new site.
The following are the plaques in the hospital and those in the care of Maitland and District Historical Society. They are listed chronologically by the date of the event and/or the date the plaque was created and installed.
Notice the different styles and forms of the plaques, and the changes over time.
Plan of the hospital site providing identification of different buildings to assist with locating plaques still in place in the hospital in 2021. (With thanks to hospital engineer, Bruce Pritchard)
For a timeline of the construction of different buildings visit Jigsaw of buildings.
‘This tablet is erected to commemorate the laying of the foundation stone of The Maitland Hospital by E. Denny Day P.M. 26th January 1846’
(Maitland Hospital Collection 2)
In storage.
For more details see A stolen stone and an empty beer bottle.
‘Dr Pierce Memorial Bed’
(Maitland Hospital Collection 27)
In storage.
The plaque commemorates Dr Robert Pierce (1841-1889) an honorary surgeon at The Maitland Hospital. He was also benefactor and namesake for the Pierce Memorial Nurses’ Home, and an alderman and mayor of West Maitland Council.
‘In memoriam Thomas Evans, friend of the sick and the poor, the widows and orphans. 1847 - 1892’
(Maitland Hospital Collection 31)
On the wall in the hallway between buildings J and K.
The plaque was put in place in October 1903 at the same time as the foundation stone for the 1905 building was laid (see below).
Thomas Evans (c1812-1892) was a founding member of the Maitland Benevolent Asylum and subsequently of The Maitland Hospital. The dates on the plaque refer to his association with The Maitland Hospital: from 1847 until his death in 1892.
‘This stone was laid by Neville D. Cohen Esq, President, 28th October 1903’
(Maitland Hospital Collection 33)
On the southern outside wall of Building J.
The foundation stone for Building J which opened in 1905.
Neville Cohen was the eldest son of David and Julia Cohen. His father was the namesake for the Maitland based wholesale and retail business David Cohen and Company. Neville Cohen was President of the Maitland Hospital Board in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
‘Thos E. Pyman, per columns of Maitland Mercury, 1904’
This ward was furnished for children by the nephews & nieces of ‘Uncle Tom’.’
(Maitland Hospital Collection 307)
In Building K.
Thomas Pyman (1862-1936) was a teacher at Largs Public School and a member of The Maitland Hospital Committee when, in 1904, he initiated a fundraising campaign through the local newspaper.
For more details see ‘Uncle Tom’.
‘This tablet is erected to commemorate the opening of the public wards by Hon J.H. Carruthers, 22nd March 1905’.
(Maitland Hospital Collection 32)
On the southern outside wall of Building J.
For further references to the 1905 opening view ‘A gold key.’
‘This stone was laid by the Hon. R.J. Stuart-Robertson M.L.A. Minister for Public Health 5th October 1927’
(Maitland Hospital Collection 346)
In storage.
The foundation stone for the first nurses’ home at The Maitland Hospital. The building was demolished in the early 1990s.
‘Lindsay Entrance. The approximate location of the former Lindsay Drive.’
(Maitland Hospital Collection 34)
To the left of the High Street entrance between Buildings E and K.
In 1935 the hospital’s ambulance drive was named ‘Lindsay Drive’ in honour of the hospital’s engineer William Lindsay who oversaw the beautification of the hospital grounds during the 1930s.
‘Alexander Ward. This ward has been endowed in perpetuity by the Alexander family of Tocal, Paterson, June 1932’
(Maitland and District Historical Society)
‘This stone was laid by The Hon. R.W.D. Weaver M.L.A. Secretary for Public Works and Minister for Health, 19th December 1932.’
(Maitland Hospital Collection 19)
Building D, opposite the cafeteria.
The foundation stone for Building D with its private wards and ‘latest practice in hospital construction’.
‘The wireless equipment in this hospital has been provided by means of Community Singing Concerts of the Australian Broadcasting Commn and voluntarily installed by members of the Australian Postal Electricians Union. Funds controlled by the Hospital Saturday Fund of N.S.W. 1934.’
(Maitland Hospital Collection 24)
In storage.
There were three community singing events to raise the £200 required.
The plaque was originally located near the then accounts office.
‘The private automatic telephone system throughout this hospital was installed in memory of late Edward Peter Capper and Mary Pearson Capper. Installed February 1935.’
(Maitland Hospital Collection 26)
In storage.
The Capper family were long-term supporters of The Maitland Hospital. The challenge is that given names are repeated across the generations. This plaque is commemorating Edward Capper and his first wife Mary Pearson (nee Owen). The plaque also memorialises the large Capper store that operated on High Street from 1888 to 1971.
‘Isolation wards were furnished in memory of the late Edward Peter Capper, Mary Pearson Capper and Isabel Grace Hyne Capper, February 1935.’
(Maitland Hospital Collection 30)
Building L wall next to the entrance.
Isabel Capper was the daughter of Edward and Mary Capper.
‘Cohen memorial fence erected 1935’
(Maitland Hospital Collection 35)
Fence facing High St outside Building K.
The fence was built as part of the 1930s beautification of the hospital. It commemorates members of the Cohen family who were strong supporters of the hospital. David Cohen and Company was a significant business in Maitland from the early 19th century.
‘To commemorate the centenary of the hospital His Excellency The Lord Wakehurst K.C.M.G. unveiled this tablet on 7th November 1942.’
(Maitland Hospital Collection 22)
Next to former entrance to Building I.
1842 was the year when the Maitland Benevolent Asylum was established. This institution morphed into the Maitland Hospital in the late 1840s.
‘Behind this tablet the records of the centenary celebrations were placed on the 7th November 1942.’
(Maitland Hospital Collection 29)
In storage.
The original location of the plaque - and of the centenary documents - is currently unknown.
‘His Excellency Lieut. General Northcott C.B., M.V.D, Governor of New South Wales unveiled this tablet on 11th September 1947, commemorating the opening of the operating theatre block.’
(Maitland Hospital Collection 21)
Next to former entrance to Building I.
‘Addison Ward Commemorating the memory of A.G. Addison Esq, President of The Maitland Hospital 1932 - 1947.’
(Maitland Hospital Collection 23)
Building I, outside the entrance to the ward.
‘Aquarium the gift of the Maitland Girls’ High School December 1957’
(Maitland and District Historical Society)
The aquarium was possibly the one in the children’s ward.
‘Infirmus eram et me visitavit. Presented and erected by The Hospitals’ Association of New South Wales in recognition of the services rendered by Cecil Lawson Robinson O.B.E. to the hospitals of the state as an executive member and president from 1951 - 1958. 1st October 1958. G.N. Fuller, President.’
(Maitland Hospital Collection 28)
In storage.
Cecil Robinson was a member and, for a time, President of the Board of Directors of The Maitland Hospital in the 1950s/1960s.
‘This stone was set by The Hon W. F. Sheahan QC, LLB, MLA, Minister for Health, on 13th November 1959 .
Milton Morris MLA, Member for Maitland.
C. L. Robinson OBE, Chairman, Board of Directors.
Dr H Selle, C B Stinson, E. H. McIntyre Hospitals Commission of NSW.
E. H. Farmer, Government Architect.’
(Maitland Hospital Collection 303)
Next to the western front entrance of Building F - the R.L. Williams Building.
Foundation stone for the nurses’ residence.
‘The R L Williams Memorial Nurses Home to commemorate the memory of R. L. Williams, Secretary and Chief Executive of the Maitland Hospital 1933 - 1960’.
(Maitland Hospital Collection 304a)
Next to the eastern front entrance of Building F.
‘This building was officially opened by the Hon. W.F. Sheahan QC, LLB, MLA, Minister for Health on 2nd December 1960.
Milton Morris MLA, Member for Maitland
C. L. Robinson OBE, Chairman, Board of Directors
Dr H Selle, C B Stinson, E. H. McIntyre Hospitals Commission of NSW
E. H. Farmer, Government Architect.’
(Maitland Hospital Collection 304b)
Next to the eastern front entrance of Building F.
Plaque to mark the opening of the nurses’ residence.
‘Energy station officially opened by The Hon K. J. Stewart MLA, Minister for Health, on 23rd March 1970.
Milton Morris MLA, Member for Maitland
J. W. Benson, Chairman, Board of Directors
Dr Roderick McEwin, Chairman, Health Commission of New South Wales
B.M. Geraghty, Regional Director of Health, Hunter Region
T. W. Thomson, Government Architect.’
(Maitland Hospital Collection 306)
Outside wall of boiler building, northern back of the hospital.
‘Local anaesthetic equipment donated in his memory by the relatives and friends of Geoffrey Braz. Died 4-2-1973, aged 20.’
(Maitland Hospital Collection 25)
In storage.
‘These workshops were officially opened by The Hon K .J. Stewart MLA, Minister for Health, on 23rd March 1978.
MA Morris MLA, Member for Maitland.
E.W. Benson, Chairman, Board of Directors.
Dr Roderick McEwin, Chairman, Health Commission of New South Wales.
B. M. Geraghty, Regional Director of Health, Hunter Region.
J.W. Thomson, Government Architect.’
(Maitland Hospital Collection 36)
External wall of Block M.
‘Robert Brown Wing Obstetrics Intensive Care. This building was officially opened by The Hon K. J. Stewart MP, Minister for Health, on 20th October 1978.
The Hon M.A. Morris MP, Member for Maitland
Dr Roderick McEwin, Chairman, Health Commission of New South Wales
Mr E. W. Benson, Chairman, Board of Directors
Mr B. M. Geraghty, Regional Director of Health, Hunter Region
J. W. Thomson, Government Architect.’
(Maitland Hospital Collection 299)
Robert Brown was the Chief Executive of The Maitland Hospital from 1960 to 1981.
‘The Maitland Hospital Chapel was established as a result of the efforts of the Hospital Auxiliary in raising funds throughout the community. Dedicated 24th April 1992. Officially opened by Mrs Freda Bailey, President Hospital Auxiliary.’
(Maitland Hospital Collection 56)
Building H, chapel.
The Maitland Hospital redevelopment was officially opened on Friday 26 July 1996 by the Hon Andrew Refshauge MP, Deputy Premier of New South Wales, Minister for Health and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs’
(Maitland and District Historical Society)
‘Relatives Room has been furnished by The Maitland Hospital Auxiliary 1996’
(Maitland and District Historical Society)
‘The Freda Bailey Memorial Chapel in recognition of Mrs Freda Bailey OAM for her long and distinguished voluntary service to The Maitland Hospital 1958-1997. December 1997.’
(Maitland Hospital Collection 387)
Building H, chapel.
‘The Maitland Dialysis Unit was officially opened by The Hon Craig Knowles, Minister for Health of New South Wales on 3 December 1999 in the presence of Mr John Price, Member for Maitland, and Ms Carol Abela, Chairperson, Hunter Health.’
(Maitland Hospital Collection 20a)
Building J, Level 1, Dialysis Unit
‘In memory of the late Clifford Annesley Paton for his support and generous donation to The Maitland Hospital.’
(Maitland Hospital Collection 355)
Building D.
Clifford Paton (1918-1999) was born in Maitland and, apart from service during the Second World War, lived in Maitland. He was a textile machinist. His association with The Maitland Hospital has yet to be determined - apart from clearly being a generous supporter.
‘The electric chairs in this Dialysis Unit were donated by the Lions Clubs of Branxton, East Maitland, Kurri Kurri, Maitland and Rutherford; The Lioness Clubs of East Maitland - Beresfield and Rutherford. Assisted by the Australian Lions Foundation and Lions NSW/ACT Save Sight and Healthcare Foundation. December 2009.’
(Maitland Hospital Collection 20b)
‘The Maitland Hospital Volunteers proudly supporting Junior Medical Officers Activity Room.’
(Maitland Hospital Collection 301)
Building E, Level 3 - Education.
Undated.
‘Welcome to The Maitland Hospital Sensory Garden’
Sponsors and Supporters are listed.
(Maitland Hospital Collection 17)
Building D.
Photographs of the plaques taken by Tom Healy and Janis Wilton.
Related stories:
For a plan and information about the various hospital buildings see A jigsaw of buildings.
For plaques in the care of Maitland and District Historical Society see Take what you want.
Originally posted: 26 April 2021
Updated: 26 October 2021