In THE ROSE KEEPER, Clara works as a nurse at Chicago’s fictional “Memorial Hospital,” which is loosely based on MacNeal Hospital in Cicero’s neighboring suburb of Berwyn. I didn’t use the “real” MacNeal Hospital since certain details didn’t suit the narrative, such as the date of founding. But I would have liked to for several reasons, not least of which is because MacNeal Hospital was my birthplace!
In 1919, Dr. Arthur MacNeal. a Michigan native and graduate of Chicago’s Rush Medical School, opened a clinic in his Berwyn home. He is credited as being one of the first physicians to use a vaccine against diphtheria and also had one of the first X-ray machines in the country.

Photo source: https://whyberwyn.com
In 1924 the first 3-story hospital was constructed on the MacNeal property, with the fourth story added in 1929. Subsequent expansions and innovations have brought MacNeal to its current status as a 374-bed, well respected teaching hospital.
Today MacNeal Hospital is part of the Loyola Medicine and Trinity health systems, under the auspices of the Catholic Archdiocese of Chicago.
A side note: To celebrate National Hospital Week in, I’m guessing, 1960 or 1961, I participated as a member of the “royal family” of babies born at MacNeal. I don’t remember a thing about the experience, which is probably just as well. Still, it’s a cherished photo of me and my mom.
I just love your blog. I was born at McNeal too. Did your mom save the brown? You where a gorgeous baby ?
My grandmother was one of the first graduates of the nursing program at St Anne’s Hospital class of 1930 Monica Williams Letarte. Oh the stories she had!
I’m going to need to order this book!
https://cook.illinoisgenweb.org/st-annes-hospital-school-of-nursing/
I did not know you were royalty! Such a cute picture. I could easily tell which mom and baby was you! Cannot wait to read the book!
Thanks, Kathy! I hope you enjoy the story. <3
Do we address you as “royal majesty” now that the facts are out? ? what a great memento.
Haha! Yes, that would be fine. 🙂