Sisters of Providence established St. Vincent Hospital, the first permanent hospital in Oregon, in 1875, at NW 12th and Marshall. The second St. Vincent Hospital, shown here in 1909, was dedicated in 1895. It was sited on hilly land on NW Westover Rd. between Glisan and Irving Streets. The landmark building ended its useful life in 1971 when all patients were moved to the new Providence St. Vincent Medical Center on SW Barnes Road. This building was demolished in the late 1970s.
(City of Portland Archives)
Tags: History, Portland, Sisters of Providence, St. Vincent Hospital
July 27, 2010 at 6:12 am
I was born in this hospital in 1949. My 9 siblings were all born there between 1947-1964. There was a ‘modern’ 1940′s-1950′s style addition at that time that hid the older part of the hospital in this photo. The lobby had a great view of NW & NE Portland. I think there are some condos or apartments there now.
August 9, 2010 at 8:45 am
Thank you for showing this picture. I was born in this hospital (1966), but never knew what it looked like. I was too young to remember when it was torn down. I only knew of the location of the hospital.
September 1, 2011 at 7:06 am
I was born at this hospital in 1962. Right after it was torn down, and most of the rubble removed, my mom and I stopped by the location, and I picked up a broken piece of wall or floor tile. I like to imagine it might have been in the delivery room – though it’s probably from a lavatory!
October 3, 2011 at 2:47 pm
Some friends and I used to play flashlight tag in the abandoned hospital in the late 70′s. I still have a Chaplains schedule which I found there.
November 3, 2011 at 9:29 pm
My mother was born in this hospital in 1918, and I was born here somewhat later. I would like to see a map that shows exactly where this building stood. Can anyone help?
November 3, 2011 at 9:45 pm
Kathleen,
Try the Sanborn maps. If you have a Multnohmah County library card, you can get free access to the maps.
November 5, 2011 at 5:39 pm
It was great to find this picture! I’m doing a family history and my mother, Eva Gates, was in nurses training here as a young woman of 18 in 1926. In those days, nurses not only trained at the hospital, they lived there too. She had many wonderful memories to share of her time at St. Vincent’s.
November 5, 2011 at 8:28 pm
I found St Vincent’s Hospital on a 1908 Sanborn Map.
Thank you Jim!
March 30, 2012 at 4:51 pm
I was born at ST. Vincent Hospital, August, 1942.
April 26, 2012 at 8:10 pm
I’m doing some family research, too. Happy to find this picture. My grandmother did her nurse’s training here around 1915. Does anyone know how one might go about getting names of students that were in the classes back then?
September 19, 2012 at 1:45 pm
My brothers were born in the old St Vincent in 1944 and I was born there in 1950. I wish I had gone into it again before it was torn down. Are there any photos taken inside! I love walking Westover and looking at the spot where it was located. It must have had a glorious view!
November 9, 2012 at 5:22 pm
Was born here in 1942.
November 24, 2012 at 5:22 pm
I worked swing shift on the 6th floor in the 60′s. The view (especially at night) was fantastic. The hospital was very nice, clean and the layout for the patient rooms was exceptional.
December 31, 2012 at 1:09 pm
My Gr. grandmother died here in 1898, of tuberculosis of the bowels 1 year after giving birth to my Gr. Father, She was a single lady. The child was sent away to oregon home finding soc. Her doctor was (Dr. Wm. Amos) Her name Laura (De Shirley) any one who could know anything about her would be great. It is sad someone would have to die like she did.Our hearts go out to her.
March 2, 2013 at 1:44 pm
I think I was switched at birth in this hospital. I am female, born sept. 12, 1950. The Mother I went home with is Indian. I just had my dna done and am 80% Scandanavian and 20% Central European. There has always been something odd as obviously she is very dark and I am blonde hair and blue eyed. The Dna tells me she is not my biological Mother. Please help. Other babies born on that date to Scandanavian couple?
April 19, 2013 at 10:23 pm
My siblings and I were all delivered there by Dr. Robert Young. My mother was an Orthopedic RN there (on 3 North I believe) for several years. I remember being at the ground breaking for the new St. V’s on Barnes Rd. Mom helped move her floor to the new hosp. and discard unwanted surplus hosp. equipment. Consequently, our family acquired lots of stainless steel basins and cups, nurses desks, rolling surgical stools and basin holders, most of which we still use!