This may be sufficient for an introduction at this time when we would pause hesitatingly and reluctantly on the threshold of that severest of seasons-winter, and almost unthinkingly ask what it has in store for us, that season when there is more pain, sickness and misery, than at other times, on account of climatically conditions, that season when we should all have the greatest charity toward our fellow men, and the spirit of charity especially toward those who are the most needy, I am going to introduce the topic of this article-"A Consideration of the Founding of a Hospital in Morrisville" by Dr. George L. Bates.

Through the energy of Dr. George L. Bates and the philanthropic support of Alexander Hamilton Copley, Copley Hospital - the idea introduced in 1908 - became a reality in 1932.

Copley Hospital opened its doors, in September 1932, replacing "the old Wheelock Place" on Washington Highway near the upper end of Maple Street in Morrisville, Vermont.

In May 1933, the Copley Hospital Auxiliary formed. It's mission remains to this day to raise funds for Copley Hospital.

In 1948, Copley Hospital admitted its 10,000 patient.

Thanks to community support, a new facility was built further down Washington Highway. Its doors opened in November 1958. The former hospital later became a nursing home.

A new wing opened in October 1968, providing 22 more patient beds for a total of 54 beds.

In 1973, Copley Hospital partnered with Johnson State College to begin JSC's on-campus Health Service for college students.

1980 marked the 50th anniversary of Copley Hopital. Vermont Governor Richard Snelling attended the January celebration. According to coverage in the News & Citizen, Snelling praised the "'town meeting of this community hospital' and "emphasized the community control of Copley Hospital and the containment of costs achieved by the hospital thus far."

Same-day Surgery and Cancer Therapy were introduced in 1981; a precursor to the robust Outpatient Services Center Copley now offers.

In July 1982, the New York Times credited Copley Hospital as an important factor in drawing skilled specialists to the area in a lengthy feature article entitled "As Physician Supply Swells, More Doctors Choose Life in Rural America." An excerpt: "A major attraction for these doctors is Copley Hospital, now a modern 54-bed facility with the latest in nuclear medicine, ultrasound diagnostic devices and the like."

Always a not-for-profit community hospital, Copley continues to provide a unique blend of quality, compassionate, personalized, state-of-the-art medical care in a small, warm, friendly environment.

Over time we have grown as the community has grown and changed to meet the changing needs of those we serve. Now with more than 65 specialists, Copley provides a full range of both inpatient and outpatient care, including 24-hour emergency services and the Copley Birthing Center.

Recently, Copley has been named a Top 100 Critical Access Hospital for three years in a row; has been named a HealthStrong hospital for the last several years and has been named one of the Top 50 hospitals in New England based on patient satisfaction.

Exceptional Care. Community Focused. That's Copley.