Tri-State School of Nursing
Tri-State School of Nursing
Tri-State School of Nursing
Tri-State School of Nursing
Tri-State School of Nursing
Tri-State School of Nursing
An intimate look at the life of a student nurse during the Great Depression and World War II and the mid-century era. Can you imagine a time when nursing students lived at the hospital, were forbidden to marry as long as they were enrolled, and had to shell peas during “breaks” in the day? Exhibit highlights include vintage nursing uniforms, photographs, year books, personal effects, and a special exposé on a Presidential Tri-State nursing student.
The Tri-State School of Nursing Diploma of Helen Tumlin
Description
Helen Elaine Tumlin graduated from Tri-State Hospital’s Nursing School on February 2, 1945. Her diploma was signed by Tri-State President, Dr. Joseph E. Knighton, Sr., Vice President W. S. Kerlin, MD, Hospital Superintendent Louise G. Fry, and Director of Nursing Mrs. J.C. Willis.
Tumlin was born in rural Jackson Parish, and came to Shreveport to study nursing. Like many Tri-State student nurses during World War Two, Helen fell in love with a handsome young officer. In Tumlin’s case, he was Captain Maynard Galvin, a pilot stationed at Barksdale Air Force Base.
At war’s end following a tour in the Pacific flying a B-25 Mitchell bomber, Galvin returned to Shreveport. In January 1946, Helen and Maynard were married by First Baptist Pastor, Dr. M.E. Dodd at his home. The couple moved first to Kansas City, Kansas and later to booming postwar Texas. Helen began working at St. Mary’s Hospital in Galveston, but later moved to work for Dr. R. Ray Orrill, MD in Beaumont as his clinical nurse.
The Galvin’s war-time romance and marriage would last almost half a century until Helen died in 1995. Maynard passed away in 2003.
Location in Museum
Tri-State School of Nursing ExhibitAge
1945Donor
The Family of Helen and Maynard Galvin
