In the Heart of Chinatown

In downtown Boston, in the heart of Chinatown and the Theater District, stands the oldest hospital in the United States. Founded in 1796, and called the Boston Dispensary, the people of Boston funded tickets that enabled the poor to receive services.  One of the original tickets was signed by Paul Revere and is on display at the Massachusetts Historical Society!


Tufts Medical Center faces the "Floating Children's Hospital." A hospital designed after an actual ship that was used for the children from 1894 to 1927.  On July 25th, 1894 a boat became an innovative hospital for poor children. Little was known about treatment but many believed that the cool winds of sea air promoted good health. Reverend Rufus B. Tobey advocated taking sick babies for the therapeutic effects of a day on Boston Harbor. The Boston Herald promoted the idea and donations poured in. The Boston  Floating Hospital was born.  For 33 years the babies and their mothers received care! in 1906 a 170 foot ship was buiilt in Boston and in the 1920's they established a facility for research. In 1931 the Jackson Memorial Building opened.


The streets are alive with the hustle and bustle of people all going in different directions, hurrying to their destination. The Chinese people who live there are fascinating to someone who has never known a great deal about the Chinese. They are small and delicate although some of the younger members have grown tall. The young women are lovely, slender as reeds and hurry by with young men. The children are adorable with alert looking eyes. I sit, perched on the foundation of the building, waiting for my ride and I happily watch the surrounding scene.  The traffic is heavy and pedestrians scurry along the street and to cross the street. There are double buses that run and three lanes of traffic--all in a hurry.


It has been a good day. I did not have to have an infusion to boost my white blood count and my fainting episode was simply checked out and documented.   
I was free to go! 


The older Chinese women are the most interesting. They are very attractive and those who appear to be married, are married to men as short as they are. They are well dressed. Neat and tidy and for the most part in American dress.  


From the confusion of the street rise two buildings, one a children's medical facility and across from it, rising 8 floors, is Tuft's Medical Center where I am a patient.  It is becoming a sort of home away from home. I am acquainted with some of the staff, including my doctors. It is a lot like the street. A lot of people are coming and going


I feel proud of being a patient at Tuft's. I am pleased to be part of a teaching hospital. I consider myself to be very fortunate to have been referred here!