Mr. Samuel D. Riddle
Mr. Samuel Riddle was one of Delaware County's most renowned and esteemed citizens. He was known the world over for possessing one of the finest stables of racehorses in the history of of the "Sports of Hings." One need only to mention "Man O'War" and "War Admiral" as irrefutable evidence of this. One of his many outstanding traits was his loyalty to old friends and his pride in living in Glen Riddle and Delaware County. Only his intimates knew of his constant generosity and concern for others. It was not until his death that the public learned that he had planned to leave his entire estate for the support and establishment of a hospital for the people of his community.
Riddle Hospital is that hospital. It stands as a perpetual monument to a man who placed others above himself and, by doing so, performed a great and vital service to his community.
Mr. Riddle bequeathed approximately $2.5 million to build a hospital on 72 acres of land. Several years after Mr. Riddle's death, the final plans for the hospital were prepared and construction started.
With the help fo the community and many interested citizens, later known as the Associated Auxiliaries, the new building with 140 beds and 16 bassinets opened its doors on February 18th, 1963.