08/14/2026
Date unkown
Circa late 1930s, most likely around 1937–1939.
A Look Inside the Fisher Body Plant’s Hospital in Janesville
Long before workplace clinics became commonplace, the Fisher Body operation at the General Motors complex in Janesville maintained its own hospital and first-aid facilities for employees.
This photograph offers a fascinating look inside the plant’s first-aid room, which was equipped to handle everything from a bruised finger to minor surgery.
At left, Mrs. Esther Schlueter, the plant nurse, treats a finger injury suffered by Walter Erdman. In the center, Dr. R. M. Baldwin examines Robert Crompton, while George Scott, seated at right, waits his turn.
According to the original caption, Nurse Schlueter worked full time at the Fisher hospital, while Dr. Baldwin divided his time between the Fisher Body and Chevrolet operations in Janesville.
Beyond the automobiles rolling off the assembly lines, thousands of people spent their working lives inside this enormous industrial complex. Photographs like this provide a rare glimpse into the services that existed behind the scenes to care for the men and women who kept the Janesville plants running.
