Washington University School of Medicine Oral Histories
George S. Hecker Oral History
Interviewer
Walter W. Walker MA, MLIS
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Summary
George S. Hecker was interviewed by Walter Walker on December 16, 1969 for approximately 18 minutes. [Interview 1 of 2]
Scope and Content
This interview covers the history of the Barnard Free Skin and Cancer Hospital in St. Louis, its affiliation with Washington University School of Medicine in the early 1950s, and its growth not only as a hospital offering free care to the indigent but also as a clinical and research hospital. Hecker also discusses the dispute between Edgar Queeny, chairman of the Trustees of Barnes Hospital, and the Washington University School of Medicine and its then-dean, Edward Dempsey.
Biographical Information: Interviewee
George S. Hecker was born in the St. Louis area in 1922. He received his bachelor's degree from Amherst College in 1943 and joined the US Army serving three years reaching the rank of captain. He earned a law degree from Yale University in 1949. He returned to St. Louis eventually becoming Senior Partner at Bryan Cave. He co-founded the St. Louis Alliance for the Mentally Ill and the Independence Center in St. Louis. He joined the Board of Trustees and the Board of Directors of the Barnard Free Skin and Cancer Hospital in 1951, serving on both for almost 20 years. In addition, Hecker served as Treasurer of the Washington University Medical School and Affiliated Hospitals (WUMSAH) from 1964 to 1969. He was the great-grandson of Friedrich Hecker, the German democratic leader who fled to the United States after the failed revolution of 1848. George S. Hecker served as the first president of the German American Heritage Society of St. Louis.
Biographical Information: Interviewer
Walter W. Walker became an archivist at the Washington University School of Medicine library in 1964. He received a BS from Hampden-Sydney College, an MA (history) from American University, and a Master’s in Library Science from Case Western University.
Interview Date
1969-12-16
Collection Identifier
OH006
Length
Approximately 18 minutes.
Restrictions
Users wishing to publish (in whole, or in part) content taken from the audio or transcript of this oral history interview must request, sign, and return a Statement of Use form to the Becker Archives. For detailed information regarding publication and use of this oral history, contact the Becker Archives (arb@wusm.wustl.edu).
Recommended Citation
George S. Hecker Oral History, OH006, Bernard Becker Medical Library Archives, Washington University in St. Louis.
Disclaimer
The Becker Archives provides access to this oral history interview as a record of the past. This interview reflects the attitudes, perspectives, and beliefs of the interview participants, which may reflect outdated, biased, and offensive views and opinions. The Becker Archives does not endorse the views expressed in this interview, which may contain materials offensive to some users.
