FOLEY – On Sunday, April 27, dozens of individuals born at the historic Holmes Memorial Hospital between 1936 and 1958—affectionately known as “Holmes babies”—returned to celebrate the legacy of Baldwin County’s first hospital.

The event, held at the Holmes Medical Museum in downtown Foley, brought together former patients, their families, and community members to honor the hospital’s enduring impact on the region. The facility, once located on the second floor of the building at the corner of Laurel Avenue and McKenzie Street, was established by Dr. W.C. “Buddy” Holmes and his wife, nurse Philomene Holmes.

Among the attendees was former Foley Mayor and retired Baldwin County Probate Judge Tim Russell, who was born at the hospital.

“So many of you have come back,” Russell told the crowd. “That shows your love for this hospital and your love for the city of Foley. This was Baldwin County’s first hospital, and it played a vital role in shaping our community. We wouldn’t be where we are today without the Holmes family.”

Attendees shared memories of the hospital and the compassionate care they received. Harold Leon Givens of Silverhill, born in 1942, recalled a childhood accident that brought him back to the hospital for treatment. He remembered Mrs. Holmes tending to his injuries and the difficulty of the decision she faced in treating him.

“I tell you one thing, and I’m going to say this from the heart—if anyone ever made it to heaven, Dr. and Mrs. Holmes did,” Givens said. “They were so good and they loved everybody.”

Givens also shared how his father paid for medical care with farm goods, a common practice at the time. “These eggs and vegetables were how I was able to get taken care of,” he recalled.

The hospital closed in 1958 following the opening of South Baldwin Hospital, where Dr. Holmes continued his medical service as chief medical officer. The original facility sat largely untouched for decades before community members joined together to restore it as a museum.

Dr. Lynn Yonge, one of the early supporters of the museum project, highlighted the community’s efforts in preserving the historic building.

“When they moved out, the hospital was left virtually intact,” Yonge said. “The city of Foley and so many residents came together to restore it. It’s amazing what you’ve done.”

The Holmes Medical Museum officially opened in 2001 and is now operated by the South Baldwin Museum Foundation. Chairman Bill Swanson emphasized the museum’s ongoing efforts to collect photographs and stories from those born at the hospital or treated there.

“I can’t tell you how happy I am to see everyone here,” Swanson said. “This turnout shows how deeply our community values its history.”

Broox Holmes Jr., grandson of Dr. and Mrs. Holmes, expressed gratitude on behalf of the family.

“We are honored to be a part of this,” he said. “It means so much to see the hospital preserved and celebrated in this way.”

The Holmes Medical Museum is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is free. Visitors are welcome to explore the restored hospital rooms and exhibits that honor the medical pioneers who helped shape Baldwin County’s history.