In 1939 under the leadership of Mrs. Helen Laughinghouse Stokes, the FIRST President of the Service League of Greenville,  a free bed in the hospital was established and dedicated in memory of her father, Dr. Charles O’Hagan Laughinghouse.

 

The following quote is from the adopted resolution:

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“It has been through the thought and foresight of our President Helen Laughinghouse Stokes and her desire to help ameliorate the sufferings of those less privileged than ourselves that our Hospital Project was conceived, encouraged, and has been carried on. She, like her father, Dr. Laughinghouse, realized the necessity of hospitalization of worthy poor in and around Pitt County.

Those of us who knew ‘Dr. Charlie’ recall what a fine, unselfish, understanding humane person he was.  Always willing to go day or night to administer to the sufferings of humanity.

We recall also how with others he realized the dire need of s hospital here in Pitt County, and how earnestly and untiringly he worked to make Pitt Community Hospital a realization.

And so at this time, at the wish of every ember of the Service League, it seems fitting and proper, and it is our pleasure to dedicate the bed maintained by the Service League in Pitt Community Hospital ‘THe Dr. Charles O’Hagan Laughinghouse Bed of the Service League of Greenville, North Carolina.

This to be duly recognized by a plaque to hang in Pitt Community Hospital.”

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Also in 1939, the Service League held its first Ball as an annual fundraiser to maintain the Hospital Bed.  Admission in 1940 was $1.50 per couple who wanted to dance and 50 cents for those who didn’t.  The ball was advertised and opened to the public.

The Entertainment band for the 1940 Ball – Dean Hudson and Orchestra

 

 

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