At a meeting of the Cape May Court House Chamber of Commerce early in 1941, the need was discussed for a general, voluntary hospital in the county.  Publicity was given this meeting, and after reading of it, Mr. Burdette Tomlin made what was the first contribution to the new hospital building fund.  He donated $25,000 with the understanding that if the amount was not matched by the people of the county before November 1st, his money was to be returned.  In making his contribution, Mr. Tomlin stressed that the hospital must be non-political and for all races and creeds, and should be located within one mile of the intersection of Main and Mechanic Streets in Cape May Court House.  The following week, the County Medical Society endorsed the hospital project and declared its intention of cooperating in a fund-raising campaign.

The people of the county responded with contributions amounting to $36,000.  A short time before his death, Mr. Tomlin contributed another $10,000 and the hospital was subsequently named Burdette Tomlin Memorial Hospital.

Burdette Tomlin was born in Cape May County and began in business using a horse and wagon to buy and sell produce.  He operated a cigar store and a clothing business before starting the New Jersey Silica and Sand Company.  On May 5, 1941 the Ocean City resident deposited $25,000 in the First National Bank of Cape May Court House for a new hospital.  A fundraising campaign ensued and continued through the war years.

“It is true,” said Joseph Millman, Burdette Tomlin Memorial Hospital Foundation president in a 1944 news story, “that construction has not been started and cannot be started due to world conditions. …The day will come, and I hope and believe it will come soon, when materials and equipment will be available…If we are going to be ready, additional gifts must be provided.

Clam bakes in the park, formal galas and generous gifts from local philanthropists combined to provide sufficient funds so when the war ended, construction on the hospital began.  Although he did not live to see it, on October 9, 1950 the vision that Burdette Tomlin challenged the county to pursue, became a reality.  Burdette Tomlin Memorial Hospital opened with 65 beds offering emergency, maternity and surgical services.