More COOL History

On Sunday, June 15^th, 1930, the Asbury Park Press published a full page article about the big, new veterinary hospital in then Deal, New Jersey.  The heading read MONMOUTH NOW BOASTS FINEST DOG HOSPITAL with the subtitle BEST IN THE LAND FOR AILING CANINES. 

About a year after Dr. Wefer and I bought the hospital from Dr. Harry Millar, we were cleaning out some old file cabinets when we came across the cut out newspaper article in a folder.  The folder was just about in the trash when we found it.  The article was pretty well preserved because of how it had been stored out of the sun light.  We put it back in a folder in my desk drawer where it remained hidden for another 24 years. 

In the summer of 2009, I decided to have the article framed for our reception area.  A picture framer who specialized in preservation informed me that the article should be chemically treated to protect and preserve it, so I sent it out to be repaired and de-acidified.  While it was being restored, I decided to contact the Asbury Park Press to see if they had a copy in their archives.  I called the APP, and they said there archives didn’t go back that far, but that it might be found in the Asbury Park Library.  I went down to the AP Public Library and found the microfilm for the 1930 Asbury Park Press.  I spent about an hour scanning through the dates when I realized that the archive had June 14^th and June 16^th, but not June 15^th.  Oh No!  The very friendly and helpful librarian was also perplexed, but then realized that they used to archive the old Sunday APP editions on separate microfilms.  We found the Sunday microfilm, and there it was.

The article is an amazing lesson on the history of the veterinary profession.  At the time, horses were being replaced by automobiles, and veterinarians were branching out, realizing that there might be a market for caring for man’s best friend.  The Millars were true visionaries.  They mandated a level of excellence that still lives in our hallowed halls.

PLEASE read the attached article.  They don’t write newspapers like they used to. 

You can click in the image to enlarge it.  If you still can’t read it, please stop by the office and you can see the original.

Landmark Building

The original veterinary hospital building, now known as Oakhurst Veterinary Hospital, was constructed in 1926 by the Millar family.    It was one of the first veterinary hospitals in the nation constructed specifically to treat small companion animals (dogs and cats.)
The veterinary practice was founded in 1894 by Dr. Harry C Millar.  The Millar practice tradition was continued for three generations.  Dr. Harry Sr. was followed by his son Joe Millar, and then his grandson, Dr. Harry Millar, Jr..  Dr. Harry Jr. sold the practice to Drs. Delaney and Wefer in 1986.  The Millars were leaders and innovators in the veterinary field.  They were one of first veterinary hospitals to have an x-ray machine, and to practice sterile surgery techniques.

Logo Fun - St. Patrick's Day



HAPPY ST. PATRICKS DAY

Colleen, one of our talented technicians, has made "googled" changes to our logo to fit the seasons and special holidays.  We celebrate innovation and attention to detail.  Our support staff loves the work we all get to do, and they get involved.  We encourage our staff to have fun and add energy to the practice.