Iola commemorates hospital, cancer center
For a short time in the late 1800s, Iola was home to a renowned cancer treatment center started by Dr. George Dale.
Meanwhile, the Iola Hospital lasted from 1920 until 1990 and had several buildings over the years, including the building that currently stands as part of Iola Living Assistance.
The Iola Historical Society unveiled Historic Iola markers No. 15 and 16 – actually one marker, with one story with pictures on each side – Aug. 19 in front of the former Iola Nursing Home, which closed in February, at 185 S. Chet Krause Drive.
Former Iola Hospital employees unveiled the marker. Prior to the unveiling, Iola Historical Society president Cliff Mishler covered the history of the two facilities described on the marker. Former hospital employees and patients also shared stories about the hospital.
The next Historic Iola marker – the Helvetia Town Hall – will be installed and unveiled Thursday, Nov. 5, in front of the original town hall building, which was restored and relocated to the Iola Historical Society’s historic village in 2002.
A complete list of Historic Iola markers and their locations, along with other information about the society and its historic village, can be found at www.iolahistoricalsociety.org.