Virginia "Jennie" Gilmer
Out of Whose Vision, Leadership and Love to Humanity was Born a New Hospital
Virginia "Jennie" Gilmer is widely recognized as the founder of Anderson's first hospital, which over the years evolved into Anmed Health, the largest private not-for-profit health system in South Carolina. Despite less than full support from many of the city's residents, Mrs. Gilmer forged ahead, and construction on the new hospital was begun in 1907. The 25-bed hospital opened on the south side of the present-day Anmed Hospital Center Campus on April 20, 1908.
In 2007, the Scripps Howard Foundation and the Anderson Independent-Mail, in cooperation with the Foothills Community Foundation, sponsored a community wide campaign to raise funds for a memorial honoring Mrs. Gilmer, her vision, and her lasting impact on the community. Sculptor an Wells was commissioned to create this bronze sculpture of the Anmed Health founder. Mrs. Wells worked on the piece for nearly a year using old photographs to capture the likeness and spirit of Mrs. Gilmer with her young child. The sculpture was dedicated on April 20, 2008, to commemorate Anmed Health's 100 years of service to mankind.
Marker can be reached from the intersection of North Fant Street and Greenville Street (South Carolina Highway 81).
Courtesy hmdb.org
