Community Corner
Step Into Dr. Cooke's Medical Office
Tonsillectomy, anyone? The Holmdel Historical Society opens the 1800s-era building, and medical bag, to the curious
To the delight of the Holmdel Historical Society, a couple hundred people taking the Weekend in Old Monmouth tour stopped to visit the Dr. Robert W. Cooke Medical Office during an open house on April 30 and May 1, 2011.
The oddly diminutive symmetrical 2-story structure sits on 67 McCampbell Road, near the Village Elementary School, and may arguably be the first medical clinic in the United States. It was in use between 1823-1867.
Society President George Joynson and member Art Heath were present when Patch stopped by to check it out. Stepping into the snug three-room office is like walking into a dollhouse. We especially enjoyed coming up and down the extremely steep circular staircase. The explanation of his medical tools left us intrigued, but squeamish. A visit to Dr. Cooke's leaves quite an impression.
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At the Society's meeting Tuesday, May 17, Joynson said interest in the medical office was so enthusiastic that the group may hold Open House twice a year.
