Our History

Take a walk through Sullivan County Community Hospital’s rich history.

Summary

Sullivan County Community Hospital opened at 320 North Section Street in 1918 as the Sullivan County Hospital. It was renamed in 1925 to Mary Sherman Hospital after the wife of benefactor Cuthbert Sherman. A major renovation project took place in the early 1960’s, where the south wing was added to the structure. In May of 1998, ground-breaking took place for the current facility at 2200 North Section Street, with grand opening ceremonies taking place in July, 1999.

The name Sullivan County Community Hospital was adopted in May 1999, to reflect the service area of SCCH. The updated, 95,000 square-foot facility better served the healthcare needs of the Sullivan County community as it was on one level and expanded service capabilities for many departments. Since 1999, the hospital has expanded to include many health specialties on an ever-burgeoning health campus that continues to meet the needs of patients of the Wabash Valley.

Our Timeline

1897
1897

Joe Reed (J.R.) Crowder, MD, begins practicing medicine in Sullivan County.

1913
1913

Dr. Crowder opens the Dr. R.H. Crowder Memorial Hospital, named for his father, at Crowder and Johnson streets.

1917
1917

Construction of a new hospital begins on the site of the Knotts’ farm on North Section Street.

1918
1918

Formal opening of the Sullivan County Hospital.

1922
1922

Laboratory services are added.

1923
1923

Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Davis present the hospital with an automatic elevator as a memorial to their son, Roscoe.

1925
1925

Mr. Cuthbert J. Sherman gives the hospital $30,000, in memory of his wife Mary, to provide an addition. The County Commissioners appropriate $12,000, the building is remodeled and a new portion added on the south end of the building. The name is changed from the Sullivan County Hospital to The Mary Sherman Hospital; Dr. J.R. Crowder and Dr. G.D. Scott install a modern x-ray plant in the hospital.

1934
1934

The hospital has a capacity of 45 beds and 5 cribs for infants, and 938 cases were admitted to the hospital.

1962
1962

The west wing is built and opened in May. Rooms continue to be equipped by citizens, organizations and firms of the community. This wing includes a new laboratory, kitchen cafeteria, Emergency Room, X-ray Department, Surgery and Central Supply Units and Obstetrical Unit.

1992
1992

Major renovations and updates are completed to Mary Sherman Hospital, including an Outpatient Department, updated Surgical Services, and CAT scan.

1998
1998

Mary Sherman Hospital honors pioneering female physician, Dr. Betty Dukes, dedicating the Dr. Betty Dukes Obstetrics Center. Construction begins on the new Sullivan County Community Hospital.

1999
1999

Sullivan County Community Hospital opens its door in July.

2004
2004

SCCH Fitness Center opens its doors in October.

2013
2013

Sullivan County Community Hospital acquires Sullivan Family Practice and renames it Family Practice Associates.

2014
2014

Family Practice Associates QuickCare Clinic opens in May. Lakeside Family Medicine opens on the SCCH campus in September.

2017
2017

Turning Leaf Behavioral Health for seniors opens in November.

2018
2018

Renovations to SCCH Emergency entrance, rotunda, Respiratory Department, and Laboratory are completed.

2023
2023

Sullivan County Community Hospital breaks ground on new professional office space.