It was a big occasion for the community, who had worked hard over many years to raise the funds to build a public hospital.

It was 1916 and, due to the drain on manpower and resources caused by the war in Europe, it would be another three years before the building was finished. 

But once the doors opened, it became a welcome addition to what was a thriving and quickly growing rural community.

The new hospital was named after local landholder William Arlington Wilson, who donated the land on which it sits. 

It replaced a smaller facility run by the Benevolent Society, which had opened in 1861.

The milestone of the laying of the foundation stone will be marked with a celebratory open day at the hospital on Saturday, which has been organised by staff.

“The hospital has been a big part of Murrurundi over the past 100 years, so we thought it was fitting to celebrate its centenary with the community,” hospital manager Cate Hollis said.

The day will include hospital tours, memorabilia displays, food and market stalls, face-painting, a barbecue and other special events. 

A fashion parade featuring clothing from Muswellbrook’s Country Attic boutique will be held at 2pm and high tea at 3pm, after the burying of a time capsule.

“We invite everyone who has had an association with the hospital over the years to come along, enjoy the day and share their stories,” Ms Hollis said.

Local historian Ray Hynes said there was a hive of activity around town after the hospital opened, with about nine birthing houses cropping up over the next few decades.

“There’ll be a fair bit of memorabilia of equipment that was used in the past,” he said.