These words were spoken 39 years after one of our own doctors had been featured in Life Magazine.
It was reported that Gueydan bulged at the seams and was buzzing with excitement on March 8, 1952. Life Magazine was in town to feature the story of Dr. George Logan Gardiner, Sr., country physician, pioneer, and humanitarian.
According to the 1952 article “Old Doc” settled in Gueydan in 1915 and soon had to earn his worth. Within two years an influenza epidemic struck Gueydan. According to historians and Life Magazine he traveled by buggy from patient to patient’s home for 10 days without rest.
He was a man without prejudice. Rich, poor, black or white he would cure the sick and delivered babies. In fact the 1952 article states over 2000 babies were delivered by Dr. Gardiner’s hands.
Folks lined the Main Street for the grand parade, posed for Life Magazine photos, attended High Mass dressed in suits and furs, and listen while dignitaries of the town honored “Old Doc”.
Not really old by today’s standard Dr. Gardiner was only 67 years old when he was honored. He passed away only three years after the tribute on November 28, 1955.
Gueydan was fortunate to have Dr. Gardiner’s son Dr. George Logan Gardiner, Jr. as the General Practitioner for decades.
Dr. Logan took over the practice with the same gusto that his father had. Dr. Logan himself was honored more than once during his lifetime.
The Gueydan Hospital was eventually closed, but through hard work and determination from the public and The Vermilion Parish Hospital District #3 board, Gueydan has been lucky and able to sustain The Gardiner Community Health Center.
Today, the health center is fortunate to have Gwen Klorer as the Health Care Provider.
Klorer and the staff at The Gardiner Community Health Center are a great example and tribute to the memory of the two “Doc” Gardiners and the health care that has been provided to the area since their hard work.
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