Test your knowledge of Samuel Merritt University and our community with fun Centennial Trivia!
- Do you know who this man is?
Dr. Samuel Merritt
- What significant contributions did he make to the Oakland community?
In addition to being a prominent physician and surgeon, Dr. Merritt was a pioneer in the lumber trade in Oakland, a shipsman, a real estate developer (responsible for more than 125 buildings such as the old Grand Central Hotel, and transforming a slough into a lake known now as Lake Merritt), a civic leader having organized the California Mutual Marine Insurance Company; the first president of the Mountain View Cemetery Association; an original director of the Oakland Bank and Saving; a member of the first University of California Board of Regents and the Mayor of Oakland. Dr. Merritt also is responsible for the creation of Samuel Merritt Hospital through a bequest.
- What was his occupation?
See answer to above.
- What is the significance of the years 1905 and 1909?
Construction began on Samuel Merritt Hospital in 1905 and was completed in 1909.
- Who was Catherine (Mrs. Seward) Carcelon and what role did she play in the establishment of Samuel Merritt Hospital?
Catherine Carcelon was Dr. Merritt's sister to whom Dr. Merritt left the principal part of his estate, with the understanding that she in turn would provide the means whereby his dream of building an endowing a hospital in Oakland would be come to pass.