This project was supported in whole or in part by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act, administered in California by the State Librarian Made accessible through a grant from the John Randolph Haynes and Dora Haynes Foundation and Photo Friends
Photograph was edited for publication purposes War Department General Order 48 on August 24, 1943 established Van Nuys General Hospital which opened in early 1944. It served as both a general and debarkation hospital. Renamed in honor of Brigadier General Henry Patrick Birmingham, Medical Corps, U.S. Army, Birmingham Veterans Administration Hospital operated until 1950. The site was acquired by Los Angeles City Schools a year or two later and in 1953, Birmingham High School opened. Part of the high school campus was used as an air defense missile battalion headquarters from April 1956 to November 1968. One building and the swimming pool are all that remain from the original hospital. Photograph caption dated April 26, 1950 reads "Stuart Bankhardt Sr., chairman of Valley Birmingham Hospital Committee, is shown outlining efforts being made to retain the hospital in its present Valley site. Shown with him is Mrs. Elizabeth Benson, Gold Star Mother, committee member." The hospital was slated to move from Van Nuys to Long Beach.
Type
image
Format
1 photographic print :b&w ;26 x 21 cm. Photographic prints
Birmingham Veterans Administration Hospital (Los Angeles, Calif.) Men--California--San Fernando Valley Women--California--San Fernando Valley Committees--California--San Fernando Valley Chairs--California--San Fernando Valley Public speaking--California--San Fernando Valley Podiums--California--San Fernando Valley Microphones San Fernando Valley (Calif.) Valley Times Collection photographs
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