OGDEN -- A yearlong celebration of McKay-Dee Hospital's 100th anniversary was marked with the introduction of a book detailing the institution's history.
"One Hundred Years of McKay-Dee Moments" was released during a party Monday night sponsored by the hospital's foundation.
The 188-page book begins with a statement by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and moves into the story of Annie Taylor Dee, who founded the hospital in 1910.
The book was published by McKay-Dee Hospital CEO Tim Pehrson and Chris Dallin, director of public relations, and was produced by Haight Handy Communications in Layton.
"We are very proud of this book," said Steve Handy. "We've been working on it for two and a half years. It's been a tough project, but the results are stunning."
Handy said he conducted more than 30 personal interviews and spent hundreds of hours researching and writing.
David Haight went through thousands of pictures in Weber State University's archives. He took his own photographs, including the picture on the cover of the book, and restored several old photos to their original look.
"We had such a great team of people working with us," Handy said. "Then we called in (Standard-Examiner assistant presentation editor) Tami Martinez, and she helped us pull it all together. The project just got bigger as we went along, but what a thrilling result."
Haight said although the book is 188 pages, it could have gone on forever.
"There's so much to tell. Some of the pictures were just magnificent.
"The original picture of Annie Taylor Dee is actually full length. It's just a beautiful photo."
Rich and Jane Brewer, who attended the event, said they were impressed with the book.
"This hospital is an example of the many generous people in this community," Rich Brewer said.
"I'm really glad they did this while so many people involved in its history are still around to see it."
Dallin said the idea for the book began about four years ago.
"When we started to talk about the 100-year anniversary, we started talking about a book and what should go into the book," he said.
"One hundred years is a long time, and we knew we would be dealing with a lot of information. It's been quite a journey."
Dallin said the book is a limited publication and will not be placed for public sale.
Pehrson said the book is a walk through memory lane.
"It's going to bring back a lot of great memories for a lot of people," he said.
Tim Dee, Annie Taylor Dee's great-grandson, congratulated all of those who were involved with the book.
"You have done a wonderful job capturing both the past and the present," he said.
"And the story is continuing. There will be more great things to come out of McKay-Dee Hospital."
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