NORWICH – An idea that started in July 2012 as UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital celebrated its centennial, has culminated in a history of the hospital, published in time for Norwich’s centennial celebration. UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital’s Auxiliary has published Chenango Memorial Hospital: The 100 Year History of a Rural Central New York Hospital and is pleased that the work highlights much of the city’s history.

Johneen Loftus, long-time Chenango Memorial employee and now a member of the hospital’s auxiliary, researched and put together this book, working with an Auxiliary committee including Betsey Baio, Virginia Chaplin, Linda Mason and Maria Santacrose.

The first half of the 200-page book looks at the hospital’s history from conception through construction and numerous expansions. The lengthy appendix features photos and numerous interesting stories about the hospital as well.

The price of the book is $27, which includes tax. Proceeds from the book’s sale will help the Auxiliary support the hospital’s programs and services. The book is for sale at UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital’s gift shop at the hospital in Norwich. In addition, the following businesses have generously offered to support the Auxiliary by selling the book: Bartle’s Pharmacy in Oxford; NBT in Norwich, New Berlin and Sherburne; and Service Pharmacy in Norwich and Sherburne.

Copies of the book have been donated to the Chenango County historian’s office; Chenango County Historical Society; and the Otis Thompson local history room at the Guernsey Memorial Library in Norwich.