Sterling silver souvenir spoon commemorating the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. In 1883 three powerful tornadoes struck Rochester killing 24, injuring 200 and destroying one third of the city. Dr. W.W. Mayo and the sisters of St. Francis treated the wounded at Buck's Hotel in downtown Rochester. The closest hospital was 80 miles away. Sister Alfred and Dr. Mayo conceived the idea of a hospital in Rochester. In 1889 the doors opened with Dr. Mayo, his two surgeon sons, the sisters of St. Francis and 27 beds. By 1920 over 60,000 people were coming to Rochester each year seeking treatment. The Mayo clinic has been on the forefront of discoveries and innovations, making it one of the leading medical institutions in the world. Dr. Mayo's 3000-acre estate, Mayowood, is owned by Mayo Clinic and is open to the public. It is a source of great pride to the citizens of Rochester and the state of Minnesota. The spoon admirably depicts in amazing detail the clinic. Marked sterling on the back of the handle, this collector's spoon is not only beautiful but hisotrical.

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