History

The clinic that would become Polinsky Medical Rehabilitation Center opened for business in January 1951 after years of volunteer effort, primarily led by the tireless Ruth Bagley, who was a member of the Duluth Junior League. The group interviewed doctors and social service workers around the country. Bagley found the center a home in downtown Duluth and served as president of its first board of directors.

The first office included donated equipment. Proceeds from a community variety show paid staff salaries. Offices were renovated and spruced up by volunteer union members. In spite of its modest beginnings, the Duluth News Tribune called it a “quiet triumph.”

First named the Duluth Rehabilitation Center, the clinic has moved several times and assumed different titles over its six decades. In 1968, the center was officially renamed in honor of Nat G. Polinsky, an immigrant who became owner of Minnesota Woolens Inc. and served as one of the center’s board members. He had been moved by stories of patients’ recoveries, and his wife made a large donation in his honor after his death. At about the same time, the center moved to a larger and more modern location at 530 E. Second St., where it remains today.

A connection to the former Miller-Dwan Medical Center was constructed in 1970. In 1986, the Polinsky board voted to affiliate with the Benedictine Health System. Today, Polinsky Medical Rehabilitation Center is part of the SMDC Health System.