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As part of BWH’s BluePrint celebration, BWH Bulletin features this special section to explore the past, present and future of the institution. Throughout 2013, you’ll find a new fun fact, story, photo or tradition in each issue of Bulletin. You can also find information about BluePrint, including a tool kit, milestones and events, at BWHPikeNotes.org/BluePrint. Questions? Email BWHBluePrint@partners.org.
This photograph from 1965 or 1966 depicts the Brigham Coffee Shop, which opened on July 16, 1946. A project of the organization, Friends of the Peter Bent Brigham Hospital, the shop was staffed by volunteers and served not only coffee and pastries, but also sandwiches, soup and soda fountain drinks.
According to the 1950 Annual Report: "The Coffee Shop is in such demand that we cannot possibly meet the [hospital's] needs. Day after day, so many people stand to eat their lunch, beside filled tables, that as many more turn away to go elsewhere."
Today, the BWH Cafeteria certainly sees its fair share of activity. According to Karen Purdy-Reilly, director of Food Services, the cafe seats about 250 people and averages about 4,000 transactions per day, including 400 cups of coffee. The Brigham Coffee Shop would be proud.