Pictured is St. Joseph’s Mercy Hospital, the first medical facility in Webster City. — Submitted photo

As I stroll through our neighborhood after a refreshing rain, the colors are amazing; blue sky, white clouds and the beautiful green grass. It seems so different from a couple of months ago, when our granddaughter came up for a day of sledding on “Hospital Hill.”

That, too, was a day of intense colors; the same blue sky, fresh white snow and a kaleidoscope of brightly hued sleds, saucers, tubes and snowsuits of numerous kids rocketing down the slope.

Add in the scents of the wood fire in the lodge and the steaming hot chocolate provided by volunteers, and that day quickly became my favorite of the first months since we moved to Webster City.

Naturally, the historian in me wondered why the site got its name… perhaps from the effects of kids seeming to defy gravity on their tubes heading down the hill? I had to find out the real reason…

Jacob Funk first arrived in Hamilton County in 1856, settling in Boone Township, south of Webster City. In 1866, he moved into the newly platted Newcastle and became a close friend of WC Willson.

Together, the two men worked at making the area grow; eventually it would be renamed as Webster City. During his 30 plus years here, Jacob was known as a great supporter of individuals and organizations in need.

His life goal was to leave a legacy in Webster City.

The Graphic Herald, dated June 17, 1897 tells of the city band needing $100 to buy new instruments and uniforms.

Funk agreed to match, giving up to $200 for the group. Ultimately, the full $400 was raised, to the enjoyment of all who attended concerts.

In 1902, following the lead of the Young’s (think of our wonderful library), Jacob Funk agreed to fund the first hospital in Webster City. It would later be known as Mercy Hospital.

He donated land on the southwest corner of Ohio Street and Des Moines Street.

The building, with room for 25 patients, was completed and turned over to the Methodist Church for administration. The agreement was finalized in January of 1903, with a proviso that 25 percent of patients would be treated free of charge.

It was assumed that Funk would continue to fund the work through his will, as he had no immediate local family, except a brother and a cousin.

Jacob Funk died suddenly in the Willson Hotel in November of 1903 from a heart attack. He left no will; the law limited the amount of money that could be given away, citing relatives he had back in Pennsylvania, his home state.

The financial woes of the hospital continued through the years despite efforts, some successful, to keep it in operation. It closed in 1929 and became, for a time, a home for the homeless during the Great Depression.

A new facility was built next to the old building in the 1940’s; the original hospital was torn down a few years later. The second hospital was eventually replaced by the current medical center.

Today, Hospital Hill boasts a terrific sledding area in the winter (when there’s snow).

Just before sitting to write this short tribute to Jacob Funk and his benevolence, my wife and I strolled to the hill and made a first flight with our newly acquired drone. The half hour was spent thinking of the wonderful open spot, so near to Our Neighborhood.

You can bet I’ll be looking further into this story and another of the wonderful neighbors I have across the street.