Hundreds of healthy people went to the hospital Saturday to celebrate Nostalgia Day as part of Rideout Memorial Hospital’s 100th anniversary Saturday.

The Marysville hospital was started in 1907 when local aristocrat Phebe Rideout donated her home for such a facility in honor of her husband, Norman Dunning Rideout, and her son, Norman Abbot Rideout. Over the next 100 years, a hospital was built, expanded and joined with Fremont Medical Center to form Fremont-Rideout Health Group.

Nostalgia Day turned the clock back 100 years to when the hospital was founded, with hot dogs, watermelon and women in period bathing suits.

Baywatch 1907 was one of a collection of booths run by hospital employees. The Intensive Care Unit and Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit workers sold soda wearing nothing but their bathing suits. Since this was 1907, their tops left a lot to the imagination, with only a hint of scandalous forearm. The bottoms were even more risque – displaying their calves.

Liesel Buchner, director of critical care, said the idea came from their need for comfort on a summer day. It was either that or the long and heavy dresses of the early 19th century.

“It’s August and we knew it was going to be hot, so we said, ‘Let’s get into bathing costumes,’” Buchner said.

When patients get their bills after a stay in the hospital, they get a sour look on their face. For an ironic take, the billing department of the hospital sold pickles. Sherry Sokolowski promoted the healthy effects of Vitamin C, the weight loss potential of vinegar and the best part about pickles.

“After all, I can’t have a hamburger without a pickle,” Sokolowski said.

Another event will be held in December to celebrate the 100-year anniversary of the hospital. The Centennial Celebration will feature a Frank Sinatra tribute accompanied by a 10-piece orchestra. Seating is limited. For reservations, call 751-4070 .

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