Did you know that Black History Month was named to discover unknown or neglected black contributions. President Gerald Ford officially recognized Black History Month in 1976, calling upon the public to “...seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history”. The story of Lansdale's own Dr. Frank Boston is of one of those unsung heroes whose story is long overdue.
All throughout February, join the Borough as we share stories and facts about Dr. Boston and his impact not only on Lansdale but all around the region. If you don't know who Dr. Boston is, here are a few facts to start off:
- Dr. Frank Boston (1890-1960), a WWI veteran who is one of the first African Americans to start both a hospital and ambulance corps almost 100 years ago that both are still in business and thriving
- The Boston family has been in this area since before the American revolution. Our ongoing historical investigation has now taken us back to Samuel Boston 1760-1820 (Sarah Boston), who we also believe may be a Free African Society signer (as Samuel Baston)
- Both Dr. Frank Boston and Dr. S. Clifford Boston served in WWI, following the steps of their father before them
- It was after WWI that Dr. Frank Boston started the ambulance corps, known as the Volunteer Medical services Corps (VMSC) and the hospital, which became the Abington-Lansdale Hospital, part of Jefferson Health Systems
- Dr. Frank Boston died in 1960 and a monument was built at 7th & Broad Streets as the Hospital refused to allow his supporters to hang his portrait
