The death of a 9-year-old girl in 1902 changed the course of
history in San Benito County.
The death of a 9-year-old girl in 1902 changed the course of history in San Benito County.
That girl was Hazel Hawkins. She died of appendicitis after a two-day buggy ride from Hollister to the nearest hospital in Monterey County. After her death, her grandfather, Thomas Hawkins, made a commitment to build a hospital in Hollister.
Hawkins, then 66, was one of the most powerful men in the county. He was president of the Bank of Hollister and one of the shareholders of the San Justo Association and founders of the town. Two years after his “Little Sunshine” died, Hawkins began plans to build a hospital.
The 1906 earthquake halted construction of the hospital. Hawkins was quoted at the time as saying “Build it to last.” A year later, the hospital was finished. According to newspaper accounts at the time, hundreds gathered at 910 Monterey St. for the dedication of the building on Nov. 23, 1907.
At the dedication, Hawkins spoke lovingly of his granddaughter.
“I do not even claim the conception of this work,” he said. “It is said in Holy Writ: ‘And a little child shall lead them.’ So from the beautiful and unselfish life of the little girl whose name adorns these portals, came the inspiration for all that has been done.”
A portrait of Hazel Hawkins has hung in the lobby of Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital ever since.
