Dr. Frank Boston, posing in his WWI-era U.S. Army uniform.
One of the great parts of being Mayor is that I often come into contact with people who are willing to share our community’s rich history with me and their first person perspectives of how the community has changed over time. It is always enjoyable to sit with residents and learn about their perspectives and how this community has shaped their life and how they, in turn, have shaped our community. I often find these stories instructive and insightful into how we might continue to shape our future as we change over time. One of these instructive stories is about Doctor Frank Boston who was essential to the development and creation of both Lansdale Hospital and the Volunteer Medical Service Corps (VMSC) right here in Lansdale.
Dr. Boston was a WWI veteran of African American heritage in the 317th Infantry, where he held the title of First Lieutenant in the Army Medical Reserves. After completing training, Boston served in France until the end of his service, attaining the final rank of Major. Upon his return to the states, Boston opened Elm Terrace Hospital, which would later be renamed North Penn Hospital. In addition, he started one of the first emergency response units in the area known as the First Aide Emergency Squad which is now known as VMSC.
To this day, VMSC uses the logo that Boston helped design.
Many of you likely have never of heard of Dr. Frank Boston. He is not a well-known local historical figure. The most public celebrations of Boston’s contributions to our community can be found in Abington-Lansdale Hospital in the basement café area where they identify him as one of the key board members that helped shape the hospital. In addition, there is a sculpture of Boston at the First Baptist Church. While appropriate in both cases, it seems unequal to the contribution he made to the community. It is undeniable that Boston helped make Lansdale what it is today, and very likely saved many lives in the process. Thus, it is past time that we celebrate and honor such a brave resident of our community in a more public and appropriate way.
I am proud to say that a small committee has been working on finding new ways around our community to recognize Dr. Boston. On October 17 at 10 a.m. at the Lansdale Baptist Church, this committee will be coming together to celebrate the life of Dr. Boston, his accomplishments, and all the first responders that he has inspired since that time. It is the hope of the group that we can continue to support the legacy of Dr. Boston and all the passion and inspiration he brought to Lansdale.
Lansdale has such a rich history with connections to many larger national narratives that are important to framing the way we both see ourselves and our role in our country. It is incumbent upon all of us to share these stories with the community, and if possible, the world. We all benefit from the expansion and sharing of knowledge by creating a richer community that embraces the past while looking to build upon it into the future. We can do that through embracing the history of people like Dr. Boston, and Lansdale will be better for it long into the future.
I look forward to continuing to see how this project develops and all the ways we can honor such a great community member from our past.
(Mayoral Musings is a weekly op-ed column submitted to North Penn Now, courtesy of Lansdale Borough Mayor Garry Herbert.)
See also:
Mayoral Musings: Downtown Parking Issues
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Mayoral Musings: Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Notorious Forever
Mayoral Musings: Emergency Rent And Utility Coalition Provides Relief For Local Families
Mayoral Musings: Emergency Electric Grant Program May Help Borough Residents Behind On Power Bills
