Business Briefcase: Townsend clinic celebrates 120 years, St. Peter's adds 2 to team

Billings Clinic Broadwater celebrates 120 years

This year, Townsend’s health care facility — now known as Billings Clinic Broadwater — marks 120 years of providing high-quality care to Broadwater County and the surrounding communities.

Like many rural hospitals, the facility has faced its share of challenges. But today, it stands strong, serving its neighbors with dedication and pride, hospital officials said.

In 1905, Dr. J.L. Belcher and Dr. G.W. Gilham founded a small practice in a house on North Pine Street in Townsend. The two purchased the Alice DeCamp residence and staffed it with a registered nurse, calling it The Broadwater Hospital.

Dr. Chas W. Smith came to Townsend in 1900 with his parents from Ohio. In 1903, he returned to Ohio to attend medical school. Over the years, man