03/28/2026
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OSF Saint Clare Medical Center
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- OSF Saint Clare Medical Center
OSF Saint Clare Medical Center is a part of OSF HealthCare, an integrated health system owned and ope
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530 Park Avenue E
Princeton, IL
61356
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Our Story
Perry Memorial Hospital is a critical access hospital with over 100 physicians on staff, working to provide quality care that meets the needs of the surrounding rural community.
HISTORY - Prior to the existence of Perry Memorial Hospital, most healthcare occurred in patient’s homes, with little opportunity for nursing care or medical treatment and supervision. Physicians would often travel great distances to treat patients, and sometimes had to convert rooms in their own homes to house acutely ill patients. As of 1893, the Bureau County Medical Society counted 40 physicians as members.
In 1903, two brothers--Dr. L.D. Hickman and Dr. H.V. Hickman--purchased a home on Park Avenue East and used it to open the Princeton Hospital. The hospital focused on x-ray and surgery services using state-of-the-art equipment. However, due to personal illness, financial problems, and lack of support, the brothers closed the hospital after only one year.
In 1905, the hospital was purchased and operated by Dr. Blackburn as a private hospital. He ran the hospital successfully for three years before it closed again. Miss Cox purchased the hospital from Dr. Blackburn, and ran it for two more years until a smallpox epidemic broke out. Two patients died from the epidemic, and the hospital closed for the third and final time.
