We hear much about Obamacare in our country. There was a long time in Altenburg when you could say the people experienced Fischercare. Theodore Fischer was the doctor for this area from 1933 to 1979. He graduated from Washington University School of Medicine in 1927, finishing at the top of his class. That is about when the photo above was taken. He spent his years of internship at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit Michigan before returning to his home town to set up his practice. He officially retired in 1979, but stories tell that he continued to provide his medical help for people beyond that time. He died on September 17, 1986 and is buried in the Trinity, Altenburg cemetery. Many, many people living in Altenburg today will tell you that Doc Fischer delivered them into this world. The story is also told that for much of his career, the cost for delivering a baby was $25.
The city of Frohna had its version of long-time medical care too, and it could be called Palischcare. But that’s a story for another day.
I’m also a 1940 baby delivered by Dr. Fischer at home to George C. Oehlert & Lena M. Hemmann – Oehlert on 1-14-1940.
My name is Beverly Lafayette (nee Petzoldt), I am a 1948 Dr. Fischer Model. He delivered me at the hospital on Halloween. My parents, Helen and Willard Petzoldt, had just moved into a new house they had built in Altenburg two days before. He was the only doctor in town, glad we had him for all those years.
Thanks for the comment. My name is Gerard Fiehler, I am a 1952 Dr. Fischer Model. You will have to visit the Museum and Research Library here in Altenburg.
I’m one of those people who was delivered by Dr. Fischer. I was always told by my parents that it was Thanksgiving Day when they contacted him (11-23-1944). He was planning to go to a football game but stopped by their home in Old Appleton to make a delivery. He delivered me, Janet Bodenschatz Weber, on that day and then headed to the game. So glad he still made house calls on holidays!
My name is Gerard Fiehler, I am a 1952 Dr.Fischer Model. You should check out the Research Library at the Museum here in Altenburg.