Rita blessed the young married family of James E. and Isabelle G. (McGowan) for less than 30 months, the first half at their 2077 8th Ave. (by W. 113th St.) residence. Her mom and dad were married in Manhattan on the 17th day of November 1917. The birth of Rita the following year was essentially a one-year wedding anniversary gift.
About the picture of the four (4) children stting on the steps up to the house.
Our brother Jimmy has advised that it appears to have been taken at Larry and Annie McElroy's 580 Hunterspoint Avenue, Long Island City, house. This address is more or less at a triangular point with the southern Dutch Kills border, northern Blissville border, southwest Sunnyside, and the northeastern portion of Old Calvary Cemetery with western Laurel Hill bordering its eastern side, all at one time were part of Long Island City. Rita’s dad, James, had lived at this residence when he registered for the draft of World War I on June 5th, 1917.
Now, as to the children sitting on the steps:
3rd Step: foreground Mary "May" Cullen and cousin Rita McElroy.
1st Step: foreground James "Sonny" Cullen and younger brother Francis "Frank" Cullen Jr.
It was possibly taken late summer of 1920. The picture may have been taken at a birthday party for May Cullen held on Saturday, September 4th, 1920 as May would have turned 6 the Thursday before, September 2, 1920. Using an architectural standard step rule of thumb of a maximum 8 inch riser height, including tread thickness, and a 10 inch tread (2R+T = ≤ 26), a rough take-off would be that May appears to have been around 45 inches tall [8 + 4 (say, her kness are in line with ½ of next riser), 8 of 10 inches (not fully seating back on stair tread) + 8 for next step height and, say, another 8 in. for the rise to the door + about 10 in. above top step, less her shoe heel ≈ 45 inches). This fits the average (μ) age height for a 6 year old girl (typical μ weight would be around 45± pounds).
Using the same rough estimating methodolgy, 22 month old Rita appears to be around 34 inches tall (3R = 3*8 = 24 + 10 in., note her right foot on its’ toes), around the average 33 inches for a two year old. Typical weight would be around 26 pounds. Looking at both girls, these relative measures appear to fit.
A child’s birthday party would explian why all four children are so nicely dressed. They certainly don’t appear to have been playing outside in a yard or in the street. Certainly doesn’t appear to be everyday play outfits they’re wearing. Is that a birthday dress May is wearing?
From how they’re dressed, we know that it was a somewhat warm day. On that Saturday, the 4th, the high for the day was 79⁰ F , with the mean temp at 69⁰ F. So, this would fit. I did receive the picture from my paternal cousin, May’s eldest son, Matthew Napoleon. But the picture has no notations as to the particulars of the picture itself. However, such an event as a birthday party would explain why it was held onto and passed down and be shown here nearly 95 years later. Sunday, the 5th, was also a nice day with a high of 78⁰ F and mean of 69⁰ F. So, it may have been either day.
Incidentally, the NYSE stock market would have been closed Saturday, the 4th of September 1920, as it was the Saturday before Labor Day. NYSE use to open for a partial day of trading on Saturdays. It was discontinued in 1952. The 4th was also one week from the birthday of May’s mom.
Toddler Rita would return to Heaven the following spring.
Mary Ellen L. Haskins Cullen, a widow, had married Larry and Annie McElroy's oldest son Johnny McElroy the end of the summer before, on 09/14/19.
Frank Cullen Sr. had passed on the year before on 11/10/1918.
BACKGROUND NOTES: The 1920 Census records Larry and Anna McElroy, as age 62 and 65 respectively. I believe the age 65 is a written transposition of 56, which would then tie-in to age at time of death on Annie’s certicate. The only child recorded as still living at home was Owen, age 22, the youngest. As mentioned, their eldest son, Johnny, had already married Mary Ellen Louisa Haskins-Cullen at the end of the summer of 1919 on the 14th of September. Mary “Mae” had lost her first husband Francis “Frank” J. Cullen the fall before (11/10/1918) causal to the Spanish Flu. For specifics, refer to memorial for Francis J. "Frank" Cullen, Sr. 102083959.
As noted foregoing, their address at this time is 530 Hunterspoint Ave, it was noted within the census as along Laurel Hill, Queens, NY. Dates reported within the 1920 Census are as of January 1st, 1920. The Population Schedule that lists them appears on frame 72 of reel 1230. Had the 1920 Census been conducted in June, there would be no national recording of Rita’s earthly being.
In January of 1920, the James and Isabelle McElroy family were residing at 2077 8th Avenue, by West 113th Street, off the northwest corner of Central Park, just west of St. Nicholas Avenue. This area is Central Harlem. Rita was 14 months old.
The birth of Rita’s baby sister Clare was on January 20, 1920, five (5) days later their father, James, would pass on from broncho pneumonia (refer to his memorial for disease details). Subsequently, the family moved to 356 West 119th Street, just blocks away.
Unfortunately, like her dad, Rita became strickened with broncho pneumonia in March of 1921. She was admitted to St. Luke’s Hospital in Manhattan on the 31st of March. Here she suffered until 2:20 A.M., Tuesday, the 19th of April 1921. Her attending physician was Dr. H.J. Stewart who signed off on her death certificate. As with other McElroy family members who departed around this time, Isabel (McGowan) McElroy employed the services of undertaker Fred Simons of 428 West 34th Street. Fred Simons had spelt her name as Isabell.
The history of St. Luke’s is long and hallowed. Here are just some select highlights from its 150 year timeline to provide an insight to the calibre of hospital where Rita was treated. In 1858, St. Luke’s was initially located at 5th Avenue between 54th and 55th Streets. In 1884 Robert Abbe, MD, joined the staff. He was a noted surgeon, radiologist, colleague and friend of Mme. Curie. He is mostly credited in the U.S. with founding radium therapy. He remained there for some 44 years. By 1897, Francis Carter Wood, MD joined St. Luke’s. He was a surgeon, pathologist, friend and also a collaborator of Mme. Curie. He was a pioneer in diagnostic and therapeutic X-ray use, specifically focusing on cancer causes and treatment.
In 1896, St. Luke’s relocated to 113th Street between Amsterdam Avenue and Morningside Drive. Hence, it was only blocks away from the McElroy residences. Very specific to their daughter Rita’s case is that adecade before, back in 1910, Dr. Hans Zinsser, joined the staff. He was a co-author of a well-known bacteriology textbook. As a matter of fact, subsequent editions were retitled “Zinsser Microbiology”, remaining for decades a classic text in the field.
Rita was interred at Calvary Cemetery that Thursday, the 21st of April. Here her remians joined her father, James, who was interred just over a year before, as well as, James’ brother, Uncle Owen, who, suffering from tuberculosis, had passed on the month before Rita. Two and a half (2-1/2) years later her dad’s brother Johnny joined them. Johnny’s passing left Mary Ellen L. Haskins Cullen McElroy a widow again – now with six (6) young children.
About the picture of the four (4) children stting on the steps up to the house.
Our brother Jimmy has advised that it appears to have been taken at Larry and Annie McElroy's 580 Hunterspoint Avenue, Long Island City, house. This address is more or less at a triangular point with the southern Dutch Kills border, northern Blissville border, southwest Sunnyside, and the northeastern portion of Old Calvary Cemetery with western Laurel Hill bordering its eastern side, all at one time were part of Long Island City. Rita’s dad, James, had lived at this residence when he registered for the draft of World War I on June 5th, 1917.
Now, as to the children sitting on the steps:
3rd Step: foreground Mary "May" Cullen and cousin Rita McElroy.
1st Step: foreground James "Sonny" Cullen and younger brother Francis "Frank" Cullen Jr.
It was possibly taken late summer of 1920. The picture may have been taken at a birthday party for May Cullen held on Saturday, September 4th, 1920 as May would have turned 6 the Thursday before, September 2, 1920. Using an architectural standard step rule of thumb of a maximum 8 inch riser height, including tread thickness, and a 10 inch tread (2R+T = ≤ 26), a rough take-off would be that May appears to have been around 45 inches tall [8 + 4 (say, her kness are in line with ½ of next riser), 8 of 10 inches (not fully seating back on stair tread) + 8 for next step height and, say, another 8 in. for the rise to the door + about 10 in. above top step, less her shoe heel ≈ 45 inches). This fits the average (μ) age height for a 6 year old girl (typical μ weight would be around 45± pounds).
Using the same rough estimating methodolgy, 22 month old Rita appears to be around 34 inches tall (3R = 3*8 = 24 + 10 in., note her right foot on its’ toes), around the average 33 inches for a two year old. Typical weight would be around 26 pounds. Looking at both girls, these relative measures appear to fit.
A child’s birthday party would explian why all four children are so nicely dressed. They certainly don’t appear to have been playing outside in a yard or in the street. Certainly doesn’t appear to be everyday play outfits they’re wearing. Is that a birthday dress May is wearing?
From how they’re dressed, we know that it was a somewhat warm day. On that Saturday, the 4th, the high for the day was 79⁰ F , with the mean temp at 69⁰ F. So, this would fit. I did receive the picture from my paternal cousin, May’s eldest son, Matthew Napoleon. But the picture has no notations as to the particulars of the picture itself. However, such an event as a birthday party would explain why it was held onto and passed down and be shown here nearly 95 years later. Sunday, the 5th, was also a nice day with a high of 78⁰ F and mean of 69⁰ F. So, it may have been either day.
Incidentally, the NYSE stock market would have been closed Saturday, the 4th of September 1920, as it was the Saturday before Labor Day. NYSE use to open for a partial day of trading on Saturdays. It was discontinued in 1952. The 4th was also one week from the birthday of May’s mom.
Toddler Rita would return to Heaven the following spring.
Mary Ellen L. Haskins Cullen, a widow, had married Larry and Annie McElroy's oldest son Johnny McElroy the end of the summer before, on 09/14/19.
Frank Cullen Sr. had passed on the year before on 11/10/1918.
BACKGROUND NOTES: The 1920 Census records Larry and Anna McElroy, as age 62 and 65 respectively. I believe the age 65 is a written transposition of 56, which would then tie-in to age at time of death on Annie’s certicate. The only child recorded as still living at home was Owen, age 22, the youngest. As mentioned, their eldest son, Johnny, had already married Mary Ellen Louisa Haskins-Cullen at the end of the summer of 1919 on the 14th of September. Mary “Mae” had lost her first husband Francis “Frank” J. Cullen the fall before (11/10/1918) causal to the Spanish Flu. For specifics, refer to memorial for Francis J. "Frank" Cullen, Sr. 102083959.
As noted foregoing, their address at this time is 530 Hunterspoint Ave, it was noted within the census as along Laurel Hill, Queens, NY. Dates reported within the 1920 Census are as of January 1st, 1920. The Population Schedule that lists them appears on frame 72 of reel 1230. Had the 1920 Census been conducted in June, there would be no national recording of Rita’s earthly being.
In January of 1920, the James and Isabelle McElroy family were residing at 2077 8th Avenue, by West 113th Street, off the northwest corner of Central Park, just west of St. Nicholas Avenue. This area is Central Harlem. Rita was 14 months old.
The birth of Rita’s baby sister Clare was on January 20, 1920, five (5) days later their father, James, would pass on from broncho pneumonia (refer to his memorial for disease details). Subsequently, the family moved to 356 West 119th Street, just blocks away.
Unfortunately, like her dad, Rita became strickened with broncho pneumonia in March of 1921. She was admitted to St. Luke’s Hospital in Manhattan on the 31st of March. Here she suffered until 2:20 A.M., Tuesday, the 19th of April 1921. Her attending physician was Dr. H.J. Stewart who signed off on her death certificate. As with other McElroy family members who departed around this time, Isabel (McGowan) McElroy employed the services of undertaker Fred Simons of 428 West 34th Street. Fred Simons had spelt her name as Isabell.
The history of St. Luke’s is long and hallowed. Here are just some select highlights from its 150 year timeline to provide an insight to the calibre of hospital where Rita was treated. In 1858, St. Luke’s was initially located at 5th Avenue between 54th and 55th Streets. In 1884 Robert Abbe, MD, joined the staff. He was a noted surgeon, radiologist, colleague and friend of Mme. Curie. He is mostly credited in the U.S. with founding radium therapy. He remained there for some 44 years. By 1897, Francis Carter Wood, MD joined St. Luke’s. He was a surgeon, pathologist, friend and also a collaborator of Mme. Curie. He was a pioneer in diagnostic and therapeutic X-ray use, specifically focusing on cancer causes and treatment.
In 1896, St. Luke’s relocated to 113th Street between Amsterdam Avenue and Morningside Drive. Hence, it was only blocks away from the McElroy residences. Very specific to their daughter Rita’s case is that adecade before, back in 1910, Dr. Hans Zinsser, joined the staff. He was a co-author of a well-known bacteriology textbook. As a matter of fact, subsequent editions were retitled “Zinsser Microbiology”, remaining for decades a classic text in the field.
Rita was interred at Calvary Cemetery that Thursday, the 21st of April. Here her remians joined her father, James, who was interred just over a year before, as well as, James’ brother, Uncle Owen, who, suffering from tuberculosis, had passed on the month before Rita. Two and a half (2-1/2) years later her dad’s brother Johnny joined them. Johnny’s passing left Mary Ellen L. Haskins Cullen McElroy a widow again – now with six (6) young children.
Rita blessed the young married family of James E. and Isabelle G. (McGowan) for less than 30 months, the first half at their 2077 8th Ave. (by W. 113th St.) residence. Her mom and dad were married in Manhattan on the 17th day of November 1917. The birth of Rita the following year was essentially a one-year wedding anniversary gift.
About the picture of the four (4) children stting on the steps up to the house.
Our brother Jimmy has advised that it appears to have been taken at Larry and Annie McElroy's 580 Hunterspoint Avenue, Long Island City, house. This address is more or less at a triangular point with the southern Dutch Kills border, northern Blissville border, southwest Sunnyside, and the northeastern portion of Old Calvary Cemetery with western Laurel Hill bordering its eastern side, all at one time were part of Long Island City. Rita’s dad, James, had lived at this residence when he registered for the draft of World War I on June 5th, 1917.
Now, as to the children sitting on the steps:
3rd Step: foreground Mary "May" Cullen and cousin Rita McElroy.
1st Step: foreground James "Sonny" Cullen and younger brother Francis "Frank" Cullen Jr.
It was possibly taken late summer of 1920. The picture may have been taken at a birthday party for May Cullen held on Saturday, September 4th, 1920 as May would have turned 6 the Thursday before, September 2, 1920. Using an architectural standard step rule of thumb of a maximum 8 inch riser height, including tread thickness, and a 10 inch tread (2R+T = ≤ 26), a rough take-off would be that May appears to have been around 45 inches tall [8 + 4 (say, her kness are in line with ½ of next riser), 8 of 10 inches (not fully seating back on stair tread) + 8 for next step height and, say, another 8 in. for the rise to the door + about 10 in. above top step, less her shoe heel ≈ 45 inches). This fits the average (μ) age height for a 6 year old girl (typical μ weight would be around 45± pounds).
Using the same rough estimating methodolgy, 22 month old Rita appears to be around 34 inches tall (3R = 3*8 = 24 + 10 in., note her right foot on its’ toes), around the average 33 inches for a two year old. Typical weight would be around 26 pounds. Looking at both girls, these relative measures appear to fit.
A child’s birthday party would explian why all four children are so nicely dressed. They certainly don’t appear to have been playing outside in a yard or in the street. Certainly doesn’t appear to be everyday play outfits they’re wearing. Is that a birthday dress May is wearing?
From how they’re dressed, we know that it was a somewhat warm day. On that Saturday, the 4th, the high for the day was 79⁰ F , with the mean temp at 69⁰ F. So, this would fit. I did receive the picture from my paternal cousin, May’s eldest son, Matthew Napoleon. But the picture has no notations as to the particulars of the picture itself. However, such an event as a birthday party would explain why it was held onto and passed down and be shown here nearly 95 years later. Sunday, the 5th, was also a nice day with a high of 78⁰ F and mean of 69⁰ F. So, it may have been either day.
Incidentally, the NYSE stock market would have been closed Saturday, the 4th of September 1920, as it was the Saturday before Labor Day. NYSE use to open for a partial day of trading on Saturdays. It was discontinued in 1952. The 4th was also one week from the birthday of May’s mom.
Toddler Rita would return to Heaven the following spring.
Mary Ellen L. Haskins Cullen, a widow, had married Larry and Annie McElroy's oldest son Johnny McElroy the end of the summer before, on 09/14/19.
Frank Cullen Sr. had passed on the year before on 11/10/1918.
BACKGROUND NOTES: The 1920 Census records Larry and Anna McElroy, as age 62 and 65 respectively. I believe the age 65 is a written transposition of 56, which would then tie-in to age at time of death on Annie’s certicate. The only child recorded as still living at home was Owen, age 22, the youngest. As mentioned, their eldest son, Johnny, had already married Mary Ellen Louisa Haskins-Cullen at the end of the summer of 1919 on the 14th of September. Mary “Mae” had lost her first husband Francis “Frank” J. Cullen the fall before (11/10/1918) causal to the Spanish Flu. For specifics, refer to memorial for Francis J. "Frank" Cullen, Sr. 102083959.
As noted foregoing, their address at this time is 530 Hunterspoint Ave, it was noted within the census as along Laurel Hill, Queens, NY. Dates reported within the 1920 Census are as of January 1st, 1920. The Population Schedule that lists them appears on frame 72 of reel 1230. Had the 1920 Census been conducted in June, there would be no national recording of Rita’s earthly being.
In January of 1920, the James and Isabelle McElroy family were residing at 2077 8th Avenue, by West 113th Street, off the northwest corner of Central Park, just west of St. Nicholas Avenue. This area is Central Harlem. Rita was 14 months old.
The birth of Rita’s baby sister Clare was on January 20, 1920, five (5) days later their father, James, would pass on from broncho pneumonia (refer to his memorial for disease details). Subsequently, the family moved to 356 West 119th Street, just blocks away.
Unfortunately, like her dad, Rita became strickened with broncho pneumonia in March of 1921. She was admitted to St. Luke’s Hospital in Manhattan on the 31st of March. Here she suffered until 2:20 A.M., Tuesday, the 19th of April 1921. Her attending physician was Dr. H.J. Stewart who signed off on her death certificate. As with other McElroy family members who departed around this time, Isabel (McGowan) McElroy employed the services of undertaker Fred Simons of 428 West 34th Street. Fred Simons had spelt her name as Isabell.
The history of St. Luke’s is long and hallowed. Here are just some select highlights from its 150 year timeline to provide an insight to the calibre of hospital where Rita was treated. In 1858, St. Luke’s was initially located at 5th Avenue between 54th and 55th Streets. In 1884 Robert Abbe, MD, joined the staff. He was a noted surgeon, radiologist, colleague and friend of Mme. Curie. He is mostly credited in the U.S. with founding radium therapy. He remained there for some 44 years. By 1897, Francis Carter Wood, MD joined St. Luke’s. He was a surgeon, pathologist, friend and also a collaborator of Mme. Curie. He was a pioneer in diagnostic and therapeutic X-ray use, specifically focusing on cancer causes and treatment.
In 1896, St. Luke’s relocated to 113th Street between Amsterdam Avenue and Morningside Drive. Hence, it was only blocks away from the McElroy residences. Very specific to their daughter Rita’s case is that adecade before, back in 1910, Dr. Hans Zinsser, joined the staff. He was a co-author of a well-known bacteriology textbook. As a matter of fact, subsequent editions were retitled “Zinsser Microbiology”, remaining for decades a classic text in the field.
Rita was interred at Calvary Cemetery that Thursday, the 21st of April. Here her remians joined her father, James, who was interred just over a year before, as well as, James’ brother, Uncle Owen, who, suffering from tuberculosis, had passed on the month before Rita. Two and a half (2-1/2) years later her dad’s brother Johnny joined them. Johnny’s passing left Mary Ellen L. Haskins Cullen McElroy a widow again – now with six (6) young children.
About the picture of the four (4) children stting on the steps up to the house.
Our brother Jimmy has advised that it appears to have been taken at Larry and Annie McElroy's 580 Hunterspoint Avenue, Long Island City, house. This address is more or less at a triangular point with the southern Dutch Kills border, northern Blissville border, southwest Sunnyside, and the northeastern portion of Old Calvary Cemetery with western Laurel Hill bordering its eastern side, all at one time were part of Long Island City. Rita’s dad, James, had lived at this residence when he registered for the draft of World War I on June 5th, 1917.
Now, as to the children sitting on the steps:
3rd Step: foreground Mary "May" Cullen and cousin Rita McElroy.
1st Step: foreground James "Sonny" Cullen and younger brother Francis "Frank" Cullen Jr.
It was possibly taken late summer of 1920. The picture may have been taken at a birthday party for May Cullen held on Saturday, September 4th, 1920 as May would have turned 6 the Thursday before, September 2, 1920. Using an architectural standard step rule of thumb of a maximum 8 inch riser height, including tread thickness, and a 10 inch tread (2R+T = ≤ 26), a rough take-off would be that May appears to have been around 45 inches tall [8 + 4 (say, her kness are in line with ½ of next riser), 8 of 10 inches (not fully seating back on stair tread) + 8 for next step height and, say, another 8 in. for the rise to the door + about 10 in. above top step, less her shoe heel ≈ 45 inches). This fits the average (μ) age height for a 6 year old girl (typical μ weight would be around 45± pounds).
Using the same rough estimating methodolgy, 22 month old Rita appears to be around 34 inches tall (3R = 3*8 = 24 + 10 in., note her right foot on its’ toes), around the average 33 inches for a two year old. Typical weight would be around 26 pounds. Looking at both girls, these relative measures appear to fit.
A child’s birthday party would explian why all four children are so nicely dressed. They certainly don’t appear to have been playing outside in a yard or in the street. Certainly doesn’t appear to be everyday play outfits they’re wearing. Is that a birthday dress May is wearing?
From how they’re dressed, we know that it was a somewhat warm day. On that Saturday, the 4th, the high for the day was 79⁰ F , with the mean temp at 69⁰ F. So, this would fit. I did receive the picture from my paternal cousin, May’s eldest son, Matthew Napoleon. But the picture has no notations as to the particulars of the picture itself. However, such an event as a birthday party would explain why it was held onto and passed down and be shown here nearly 95 years later. Sunday, the 5th, was also a nice day with a high of 78⁰ F and mean of 69⁰ F. So, it may have been either day.
Incidentally, the NYSE stock market would have been closed Saturday, the 4th of September 1920, as it was the Saturday before Labor Day. NYSE use to open for a partial day of trading on Saturdays. It was discontinued in 1952. The 4th was also one week from the birthday of May’s mom.
Toddler Rita would return to Heaven the following spring.
Mary Ellen L. Haskins Cullen, a widow, had married Larry and Annie McElroy's oldest son Johnny McElroy the end of the summer before, on 09/14/19.
Frank Cullen Sr. had passed on the year before on 11/10/1918.
BACKGROUND NOTES: The 1920 Census records Larry and Anna McElroy, as age 62 and 65 respectively. I believe the age 65 is a written transposition of 56, which would then tie-in to age at time of death on Annie’s certicate. The only child recorded as still living at home was Owen, age 22, the youngest. As mentioned, their eldest son, Johnny, had already married Mary Ellen Louisa Haskins-Cullen at the end of the summer of 1919 on the 14th of September. Mary “Mae” had lost her first husband Francis “Frank” J. Cullen the fall before (11/10/1918) causal to the Spanish Flu. For specifics, refer to memorial for Francis J. "Frank" Cullen, Sr. 102083959.
As noted foregoing, their address at this time is 530 Hunterspoint Ave, it was noted within the census as along Laurel Hill, Queens, NY. Dates reported within the 1920 Census are as of January 1st, 1920. The Population Schedule that lists them appears on frame 72 of reel 1230. Had the 1920 Census been conducted in June, there would be no national recording of Rita’s earthly being.
In January of 1920, the James and Isabelle McElroy family were residing at 2077 8th Avenue, by West 113th Street, off the northwest corner of Central Park, just west of St. Nicholas Avenue. This area is Central Harlem. Rita was 14 months old.
The birth of Rita’s baby sister Clare was on January 20, 1920, five (5) days later their father, James, would pass on from broncho pneumonia (refer to his memorial for disease details). Subsequently, the family moved to 356 West 119th Street, just blocks away.
Unfortunately, like her dad, Rita became strickened with broncho pneumonia in March of 1921. She was admitted to St. Luke’s Hospital in Manhattan on the 31st of March. Here she suffered until 2:20 A.M., Tuesday, the 19th of April 1921. Her attending physician was Dr. H.J. Stewart who signed off on her death certificate. As with other McElroy family members who departed around this time, Isabel (McGowan) McElroy employed the services of undertaker Fred Simons of 428 West 34th Street. Fred Simons had spelt her name as Isabell.
The history of St. Luke’s is long and hallowed. Here are just some select highlights from its 150 year timeline to provide an insight to the calibre of hospital where Rita was treated. In 1858, St. Luke’s was initially located at 5th Avenue between 54th and 55th Streets. In 1884 Robert Abbe, MD, joined the staff. He was a noted surgeon, radiologist, colleague and friend of Mme. Curie. He is mostly credited in the U.S. with founding radium therapy. He remained there for some 44 years. By 1897, Francis Carter Wood, MD joined St. Luke’s. He was a surgeon, pathologist, friend and also a collaborator of Mme. Curie. He was a pioneer in diagnostic and therapeutic X-ray use, specifically focusing on cancer causes and treatment.
In 1896, St. Luke’s relocated to 113th Street between Amsterdam Avenue and Morningside Drive. Hence, it was only blocks away from the McElroy residences. Very specific to their daughter Rita’s case is that adecade before, back in 1910, Dr. Hans Zinsser, joined the staff. He was a co-author of a well-known bacteriology textbook. As a matter of fact, subsequent editions were retitled “Zinsser Microbiology”, remaining for decades a classic text in the field.
Rita was interred at Calvary Cemetery that Thursday, the 21st of April. Here her remians joined her father, James, who was interred just over a year before, as well as, James’ brother, Uncle Owen, who, suffering from tuberculosis, had passed on the month before Rita. Two and a half (2-1/2) years later her dad’s brother Johnny joined them. Johnny’s passing left Mary Ellen L. Haskins Cullen McElroy a widow again – now with six (6) young children.
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