We are incredibly proud to celebrate 120 years of dedication to health and wellness. Over the years, we have expanded the depth and breadth of our service offerings to meet the ever-changing healthcare needs of our local communities. As we celebrate this milestone, we reflect on past years and events that shaped the Perham Health we know today. Here are some interesting facts you may not know about our history!

• Perham, at one time, had its own insurance. The community’s first physician, Dr. Frank Brabec established a unique system in the early 1920’s. For $25, a “subscriber” could make as many office calls as necessary, and was entitled to whatever surgery was needed – without any extra charge.
• Approximately 100 members of the Franciscan Order were missioned at the Perham facility through approximately eight decades.
• The St. James Hospital once had its own dairy herd. After production was discontinued, the barn was sold to Harry Hofland in 1958 and he moved it to a new location east of Perham.
• St. James Hospital, built in 1902 with Alex Nelson as the genral contractor, was named in honor of the Rev. James Trobec. He was the bishop of the St. Cloud Diocese.
• After completion of the then new hospital in 1959, St. James Hospital was used as a nursing hme for almost a dozen years. Other uses of the old, renovated healthcare facility were either school-related or portions of it were used for offices until the mid-1980s. After it was determined that it would be too costly to renovate. The St. James building was demolished in 1993.
• Between the years of 1903-1971 there were 14 members of the Franciscan Sisters who served as hospital administrators.
• In 1958, Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Wasche became the parents of a third set of twins born in St. James Hospital. Joan and Joyce joined Bernice and Robert, age 11 and Stephen and Stella, age 3.

The Franciscan Sisters opened the doors of St. James hospital in 1902. They established the traditions and values that are time-honored today. We are grateful to be celebrating this milestone year and honored to continue serving all who come to us for care.

We look forward to celebrating as a community on August 11 and 12! Save the date and watch for more details to come.

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