The Lunch Club on Tuesday met at the popular Cottage Farm on the Belmont road and, after a fine chicken lunch, listened to a debate on a serious subject — the closing of the hospital. Dr. J. W. Sifton read a copy of an announcement which had been posted at the Cottage Hospital to the effect that no patients who cannot be moved by May 14 would be accepted. This notice was signed by the board of directors. Dr. Sifton said he supposed the public realized that Hood River is now without hospital facilities.

Dr. Dumble said the reason why the hospital is to be closed is that the directors have decided they do not want to continued the proposition. Some time ago, the hospital was the subject of criticism, he said, and at that time the board decided to close the hospital at the first opportunity. After the death of Dr. Dutro, the board held a meeting and Drs. Brosius and Watt voted to close the hospital. They hold the majority of the stock and their decision is final. There is nothing person about the matter. This hospital has been as good as the people of Hood River could support. — Hood River News, May 16, 1924