Hospital Ground Break

Eventful Moment The first spadeful of earth for LibbyÕs new St. JohnÕs Lutheran Hospital was turned at ceremonies held at the new hospital site Sunday, May 13. The new structure will have 29 beds and cost an estimated $235,000, all but $75,000 of which has already been raised. Shown here from left are the Rev. Arthur O. Werfelmann, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church, who acted as master of ceremonies, and George Neils, Walter Neils and Howard E. Ahlskog, members of the hospital board. Parker Studio photo from the May 24, 1951, files of The Western News.