Ruth “Ma” Potter (1886-1965) was a Susanville institution of sorts. In the early 1930s, the Utah native, opened a maternity home at 1603 Main Street, the current location of Rite Aid. She continued on until 1963, when she finally retired. It should be noted that her home was moved to South Street in 1966 to make way for United California Bank. There is a plaque in the sidewalk at Rite Aid marking the site.
During the time when Potter’s was in operation, one was either born there or at Riverside Hospital, the latter no longer exists. While my three siblings were born at Potter’s, I decided to be different or difficult, whatever the case may be, and was born at Riverside Hospital.
Yet, on the other hand, it would be fun to have a reunion of sorts of all those who were born at Potter’s. Let me know what you think?
I can not remember the name of the st. on the west side of Potters Mat. But just north of 1st St. 2nd house on same side of st. was where I was born in 1936. With the help of a midwife called Ma Skeens ( name may be spelled wrong). I don’t think Potters was opened at that time . But in 1938 my sister was born at potters. Mrs,Potter had a granddaughter by the name of Vicky Potter who was also born in 1938. I have wondered for years if that granddaughter had something to do with her starting the Potter Mat. Is there any one out there that can tell us more about Ma Potter and or Ma Skeens ?
That must be where my brother was born because I remember it was some kind of maternity home in Susanville. That was in 1940. I am glad I was born in the Westwood Hospital a year earlier. Susanville was always the Westwood rival. Somehow, that just did not seem right. I wish I could somehow get a look inside the old Westwood Hospital before it gets torn down or otherwise demolished.
It would be amazing to have a reunion of all of us born at Potters. I was born Nov 1936…lets do it!
My brother, Richard Kinsey, was born 27 Aug 1950, and I was born 9 Feb 1947, at Potter Maternity Home. My family lived at 911 North St. Is that even still there? He now lives in Utah and I live in Arkansas.
Colleen,
Thought I would check in personally. Would you happen to know how to obtain birth information in regards to kids that were born her?
Best,
Emily
Hello, I looked up 911 North Street, Susanville on Zillow and it indicated another house was built at that address in 1989.
Also, an update on the Potter Maternity Home:
Potter’s Maternity Home Ruth “Ma” Potter (1886-1965) was a Susanville institution of sorts. In the early 1930s, the Utah native, opened a maternity home at 1603 Main Street, the current location of Rite Aid. She continued on until 1963, when she finally retired.
Do you happen to know much about this facility? My father was born here and adopted the day of birth. Trying to go about finding his birth mother. Any advice or knowledge welcome.
Best,
Em
Hello All,
My father was born here in 1952 and I am curious if anyone here may know how to get my hands on original birth records. Any information or response will be greatly appreciated. Hope this message finds you safe and well.
Best,
Em
feel free to email me at emilycambra82@gmail.com
I was born at Grandma Potter’s in July 1955. All of my siblings were also born there. I think it would be fun to have a reunion.
I was born December 4th 1953 at Potters.