Chronology

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1. Reconstruction and the New South · 1866–1899

2. 1890-91 session
   Health or relief action · Chapel Hill The university starts a student medical fee

   Each student paid $5 a year for medical care without further charge. The university's infirmary building followed in 1894.

3. 1894
   Construction or physical change · UNC campus, Chapel Hill The university builds an infirmary

   A small wooden infirmary of five rooms went up on the campus in 1894, where the college physician treated sick students. The 1893-94 catalogue had promised it before the next session, and it was replaced by the larger infirmary of 1907.

4. Early twentieth century · 1900–1944

5. 1907
   Health or relief action · Chapel Hill The university infirmary opens

   A new infirmary with room for about twenty patients and an operating room came into use in 1907. It cost about $20,000 to build and equip.

6. January 1933
   Appointment, election or service · University infirmary (Abernethy Hall), 131 South Columbia Street, Chapel Hill Dr. Eric A. Abernethy resigns as university physician

   Abernethy, appointed university physician in charge of the infirmary after he came home wounded from the First World War, resigned because of poor health and went into private practice in Chapel Hill with his son. Dr. Foy Roberson of Durham took temporary charge of the infirmary.

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Compiled and maintained by the Friends of the Orange County Public Library from county records, the sources named on each card, and the index’s event pages. Last updated October 1, 2026.