Francis G. Swedenburg papers

Collection — Multiple Containers

Identifier: MSS-011

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The collection consists of 34 journals spanning 1890-1937, a doctor’s call book, a record book, and twelve family photographs, clippings, financial documents, and other miscellanea. Swedenburg's record book, kept from 1911 to 1913, notes "several surgeries were executed weekly including appendectomies, tonsillectomies, and surgeries for ovarian cysts, carcinomas, abscesses, and broken bones." In 1912 Swedenburg became associated with Southern Oregon University as his hospital began contributing to nurses training.

Dates

Creation: 1890-1937

Creator

Swedenburg, Francis Gustavus, Dr. (Donor, Person)

Conditions Governing Access

The collection is open for research.

Conditions Governing Use

Creator's literary rights are in the Public Domain. See: http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/NoC-US/1.0/

For fair use/educational reproduction, please provide the following credit: From the Francis G. Swedenburg papers, courtesy of Southern Oregon University Hannon Library.

Biographical / Historical

Francis Swedenburg was one of the many Swedish immigrants to settle in Oregon. He arrived with his family as a youth. He attended the University of Minnesota and graduated from Rush Medical College in Chicago. He began his medical career in March 1907 at the Ashland Sanitarium, joining the founder of the sanitarium, Dr. Joseph Herndon. Dr. Swedenburg became a prominent member of his field. In October of 1907, he secured an office on Main street and later moved to Second street. In 1921, Swedenburg’s friend Jesse Winburn retired in Ashland, and the two purchased the Granite City Hospital and gave it to the city.

Swedenburg’s former home, the Chappell-Swedenburg House has become an Ashland landmark. It was built in 1904 by Charles Chappell. Swedenburg and his family bought and lived in the home from 1919 to 1966. From 1975 to 1980 the house served as the Oregon Shakespeare Festival's exhibit center of historical memorabilia. Later it served as Southern Oregon Historical Society's Cultural Resource Center.

In 1912, Swedenburg became associated with Southern Oregon University as his hospital began contributing to nurses training. Today, Southern Oregon University uses the Chappell-Swedenburg House for the SOU Foundation and Alumni Office and receptions.

Extent

1 Linear Feet (3 boxes)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

Francis Swedenburg was one of the many Swedish immigrants to settle in Oregon. He began his medical career in March 1907 at the Ashland Sanitarium, joining the founder of the sanitarium, Dr. Joseph Herndon. He became a prominent member of his field. The collection consists of 34 journals spanning 1890-1937, a doctor’s call book, a record book, and twelve family photographs, clippings, financial documents, and other miscellanea.

Arrangement

Materials in this collection were arranged chronologically by the archivist. The arrangement of boxes appears as follows. Box 1: Journals and miscellaneous items. This box includes the Doctor's call book and case record book. Box 2: Correspondence, forms, receipts, and other documents.