1924 Colored Detroit, 24-25 (Dr. Alexander L. Turner)
- Identifier
- DBB-ITM-00011
- Source
-
Arthur Turner and Earl R. Moses, eds., Colored Detroit: A Brief History of Detroit’s Colored Population and a Directory of Their Businesses, Organizations, Professions and Trades (Detroit, 1924). Pages: 24-25.
- Date
- 1924
- Source Type
- Profile
- Activity
- hospital
- Principal
- Turner, Alexander L.
- Location
- 2508 Brush St
- Transcriber Comment
- Turner's profile appears on p. 24-25. An ad for his office appears repeatedly on other pages in the same publication.
- Illustration Description
- Contains a portrait photo of Alexander L. Turner on p. 24 and a photo of the interior view of his private doctor’s office located at 2508 Brush St on p. 25.
- Transcript
-
DR. ALEXANDER L. TURNER
A Leading Negro Physician and Surgeon of Detroit
Dr. A. L. Turner may in many respects be regarded as one of the leading physicians in the country. Although a physician and surgeon, his special field is that of General Surgery.
Preparation
Beginning his college work at Buchtel College (now Akron University), Akron, Ohio, Dr. Turner left that institution before completing his course, leaving because he demanded equal opportunity for all students. Being the only colored student there at that time (he was also the first colored student ever to attend that institution), and finding prejudice rife, he left the institution, finally graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Michigan. Four years more were spent at Ann Arbor where his professional work was completed, leading to the degree of Doctor of Medicine. ... Since leaving the University of Michigan Dr. Turner has completed at Freedman's Hospital, Washington, D. C., a Post-Graduate course in General Operative Surgery.
A Successful Practitioner
Dr. Turner has practiced in Detroit for over ten years. He has practiced freely for ten years in Grace and Woman's Hospitals.
Besides being a charter member, he claims to be the founder of the Dunbar Memorial Hospital. He was that institution's first Secretary and one of the first Trustees. It is known that during that institution's infancy and hardest struggles he paid out of his own resources, some of the bills incurred by the institution. The Board of Trustees appointed him surgeon to the hospital at its founding. Since then no other has been honored with that appointment.
Has Two Assistants
By hard work, perseverance, attention to business, plus ability, he has built up a lucrative practice in Detroit. He has two assistants and a chauffeur constantly employed, all of whom are encouraged in every way to improve and advance; proper remuneratory provision being made as an extra inducement.
Special Field
Dr. Turner's special field of work is that of General Surgery. He is recognized as being especially capable in that field, recognition coming from some of the oldest institutions in the city.
Besides being a successful surgeon, he has been active in various forms of race uplift work. This work has been both general and specific—aid having been given in many cases to deserving aspiring students, five of whom are among Detroit's most successful and profitable professional and business men of today. As early as 1911, he began a chain of drug stores, the chief motive of which was to give employment to professional men of his race; and out of this project there has grown a powerful group of stores, owned and operated by colored men, which is second to none in the country.
A man of Dr. Turner's ability and one exercising civic interest as he does, is indeed an asset to any community. Negro Detroit is proud of him—and certainly not without justifications.
[illustration]
Interior View of Dr. Turner's Office.
An interior view of a section of the office and consultation room of Dr. Alexander L. Turner located at 2508 Brush St. This is one of the best appointed physicians' suites found anywhere in the country. The accompanying photograph shows Dr. Turner at his desk, while in the foreground is seen one of his two assistants. - Title
- 1924 Colored Detroit, 24-25 (Dr. Alexander L. Turner)
- Resource class
- Documentation