Widely-Known Physician Came to Boyertown in 1908; Was 62 Years Old Monday; Identified with Many Civic Activities
Dr. Charles B. Dotterrer, of Boyertown, long one of the outstanding medical practitioners in Berks County, on Monday, January 12th marked the 62nd anniversary of his birth, while on January 11th, he marked the 35th anniversary of beginning a medical practice in Boyertown. With the exception of the 19 months of service in the Medical Corps with the A. E. F., overseas, as a member of the 317th Field Hospital with the 80th Division of the U. S. Army, Dr. Dotterrer has given his service year in and year out, unflinchingly, to the people of this community. And his service has not been limited to this immediate area in this long period of time, in that many of those who have consulted him came from distant points, a high tribute to his ability to give succor to those afflicted.
Since he opened an office in Boyertown, Dr. Dotterrer has gained a wide reputation by reason of his attendance in maternity cases, so that, in view of the fact that he has averaged attendance at least two births each week, the total births represent a number almost equal to the present total population of Boyertown.
Dr. Dotterrer, who was born near Hill Church, in Pike township, the son of John W. and Elenora Dotterrer, and after attending the rural school in that township and later Perkiomen Seminary, graduating, with high honors, as a medical student from the Medico-Chirurgical College, Philadelphia, in 1902, began the practice of medicine, first in Frederick and later in Zieglersville, Montgomery County, before coming to Boyertown in 1907. It was just a year later that Dr. Dotterrers skill and medical knowledge as well as his readiness for service, was put to the supreme test, and this as consequence of the fire which, on Janaury 11[sic], 1908, destroyed the Rhoads Opera House, causing the death of a hundred and seventy-three[sic] persons, and the injury to hundreds of others who were in the auditorium at the time. The doctor was on the fire-fighting apparatus of the Keystone Steam Engine Company, which, while en route to the fire, struck a tree at the corner of Chestnut street and East Philadelphia Avenue and was disabled. The doctor, despite the accident, hurried to the burning building, aided in the rescue of many and while attending as many as possible gave directions to others who aided in the rescue work.
While Dr. Dotterrer has not kept a definite record of the many calls at his office or of those which he made at the homes of afflicted, the fact that during the past year, these calls numbered over 12,000, serves to give some idea of his busy life, and, and the confidence that those ill or injured have in his ability to give medical or surgical aid.
Notwithstanding these facts, the well known physician has been a factor in the development of the civic life and general advancement of Boyertown as a community. In this he has a most enviable record.
Fraternally, Dr. Dotterrer is a member of the F. and A. M., Norristown Chapter, No. 190, R. A. M.; Reading Lodge of Perfection. He is a Pas Master of Perkiomen Lodge No. 367, I. O. O. F., and also affiliated with Boyertown Lodge No. 708, I. O. O.F. He was founder of Boyertown Nest, No. 22 Orioles and was the originator of the idea of the present home on North Washington Street. He was supreme treasurer of the Order at one time.
For many years he was identified with the Board of Health and both the Berks County Medical Society, the Penn State Medical Society and the American Medical Association. For years he was state medical examiner for the schools in Boyertown and vicinity, and was identified with the Red Cross.
On December 17, 1904, Dr. Dotterrer married Mary Elizabeth Wagner, daughter of Michael and Amelia (Reller) Wagner, of Obelisk, PA They have no children.
Dr. Dotterrer personally directs the operation of his farm in Pike township, his birth place, which was secured by his grandfather from William Penn. Mr. and Mrs. Harvey Drumheller, caretakers, reside on the farm. Another of his hobbies is deep sea fishing, which he pursues during the seasonable months. Characteristic of Doctor Dotterrer is the flower in his coat lapel. His fondness for flowers may be seen in the fact that a fresh bouquet always graces his desk, usually red carnation, his favorite bloom.
He served as a National delegate to the Democratic convention held in Houston, Texas, the year Al Smith was candidate for President of the United States.
His first office in Boyertown was located at 16 West Fifth Street, where he practiced for several years before moving into the home now occupied by Mrs. Harvey Dierolf at 110 North Reading Avenue. After residing there several years he built the spacious home he now occupies at 143 College Street. His business office was then moved into the former Rhoads building now know as the Engle and Renninger apartments. From there he moved into the second floor office in the former post office building on East Philadelphia Avenue., where He has practiced for the past 25 years. During his period of service in the United States Army, he donated the use of these rooms to the Boyertown branch of the American Red Cross.
Dr. Dotterrer served two terms as Burgess of Boyertown, 1914 to 1918 and 1922-1926 and for some years prior thereto was councilman.
Submitted by Betty.
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