This fall, the Columbia County Health System will celebrate its 50th birthday. Legally known as "Columbia County Hospital District #2," its humble beginnings were driven by residents who understood the value of health care and were determined to improve their rural communities, including Starbuck. Columbia County has a strong history supporting health care.

Dayton Hospital began in 1909. The hospital was at the home adjacent to the Baptist Church, known today as Community Bible Church, across the street from the Post Office on Second Street. In 1919, Dayton Hospital moved to a site on East...