Historical sites that made Goderich: The IODE and Alexandra Marine and General Hospital

By: Kate Smith

Alexandra Marine and General Hospital (AMGH) has been providing quality health care services to the residents of Goderich for well over 100 years.

In the late 19th century, general hospitals emerged as charitable institutions for the sick and homeless poor.

These hospitals offered free treatment to indigent patients, often requiring a nomination or certificate of admission from local officials or contributors.

Respectable individuals who could afford private medical care often avoided hospitals due to the fear of contracting more severe illnesses.

The first hospital in Goderich came to fruition because of the work of women, the IODE and a community ready to raise funds to bring the hospital to life.

The loyalty of women built AMGH. The need for a hospital in Huron County had long been recognised, but it was not until Maud MacDonald, and the IODE took charge until any action was taken.

The idea for a Goderich hospital was conceived in early 1900.

Founded by a woman, before women could vote, the IODE was founded in 1901 by Margaret Polson Murray. This club is older than its male counterparts, the Lions Club and Rotary Club.

It was a revolutionary idea to create a service club during this time.

Despite some challenges, the members of the IODE were not content to let the hospital scheme die.

Initially, IODE’s endeavours were to promote patriotism and assist veterans and their families during the Boer War in South Africa.

In Goderich, five IODE chapters were formed in 1901.

Initially, the earliest goal of all the chapters was to promote a hospital scheme, to treat community members with much-needed medical care.

Tuberculosis was a major concern in the early 1900s, as was the Spanish Flu Pandemic, and so, tireless fundraising efforts were employed, raising money at garden parties, plays and bake sales to meet this demand.

The IODE quickly became a powerful force for volunteerism, patriotism, and community leadership in Goderich.

Beginning with 13 female members, annual membership dues were 25 cents and within the first year the IODE soon grew to six local chapters with a total of 92 members. Ten per cent of dues helped fund Goderich’s first hospital initiative.

The IODE purchased the Shepherd property at South and Britannia for Goderich’s first 14-bed hospital, which opened on December 1, 1905.

IODE purchased the property, a larger and older house, at the corner of Britannia and South Streets. This is where the first Alexandra Hospital, as it was known at the time, came to reside.

From the beginning, the hospital was to be known as the ‘Alexandra Hospital’ in honour of Queen Alexandra, wife of King Edward VII.

She was an advocate for access to healthcare for those living in poverty.

On June 9, 1904, a sod turning ceremony was held for the new hospital on Wellington Street. After giving three cheers for the King, the Wellington Street site was never mentioned again. The high cost of constructing a new hospital building was deemed too prohibitive for the area’s limited means.

Endless fundraising events, included garden teas, card parties, plays and baked good sales.

One carnival held at the old West Street arena raised over $750 for the new hospital.

In 1905, the IODE purchased the Shepherd property on the southwest corner of Britannia and South streets. Not everyone favoured this site, according to Yates.

However, with a large, white-frame house already on the property, all that was required was furniture and equipment.

The hospital opened its doors on December 1, 1905 – the Queen’s birthday.

The first floor had a reception room, nurses’ dining room, operating and sterilising rooms, in addition to a kitchen and pantry.

The lower floor held the men’s public ward and the children’s ward.

The 14-bed hospital was now the pride of the town and the first hospital in Huron County.

It quickly became evident the hospital was not large enough to meet the community’s needs. Its expansion was a dire necessity, according to Yates.

In 1909, the Britannia Street site was deemed too small.

In August 1911, the former home of the late Malcolm C. Cameron, MPP, known as The Maples, was purchased for an expanded hospital.

Yet, the crisis of the Great War delayed the hospital’s re-location until February 1925 where it has remained ever since.

Throughout it all, the IODE was the driving force behind the hospital’s growth, says Yates.

The hospital owes its creation to Mrs. Maud Evelyn Brough MacDonald, who spared neither the time nor energy in furthering the cause.

As Goderich grew, the need for a larger hospital did too.

In 1912, the property known as ‘The Maples’ was purchased by the IODE Ahmeek Chapter for $500. Since then, AMGH has been located on this same site.

Today, AMGH offers services including ambulatory care, cardiorespiratory, diabetes education, dialysis, emergency, laboratory, medical imaging, medicine, mental health outpatient and inpatient, obstetrics, palliative care, inpatient, pharmacy, physiotherapy, speech language pathology, surgical services, registered dietitian services, and social work.

AMGH serves over 60,000 patients in Goderich and surrounding communities, with between 60 and 100 employees ranging in positions from clerks to nurses and doctors and specialists.

Over 100 years later, and the spirit of community support for the hospital has not lost traction. Over 90 per cent of all medical equipment and technology at AMGH Goderich is funded through community support, ensuring that healthcare teams can deliver fast, accurate diagnosis and exceptional care.

Recently, the hospital has undergone significant upgrades. This includes the replacement of a CT scanner and the completion of a refresh to the Mental Health Unit, with more upgrades for the future, including an MRI machine.

This is an ongoing series of historical features to tell the story of Goderich, in each issue of the Goderich Sun, from June 2026 until June 2027, in anticipation of its bicentennial.