George Owen Knapp Memorial Fund

George Owen Knapp, a philanthropist and influential man of his era, was President of Peoples Gas Light and Coke Company in Chicago, and founder of Union Calcium Carbide Company. He had a special focus on medical care in his philanthropic efforts. Originally a resident of New York, Knapp relocated to Santa Barbara later in life, where he was instrumental in the growth of Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital.  In retirement, he spent time in the Crescent City area, and, noticing a lack of access to healthcare in the region, established the Seaside Hospital, also known as the Knapp Hospital, in 1931. The hospital served the community for over 60 years. Mr. Knapp passed away in 1945 at the Cottage Hospital in Santa Barbra. This fund carries on Mr. Knapp's philanthropic spirit by supporting charitable needs in Del Norte County, especially in the area of healthcare. 

Donate to George Owen Knapp Memorial Fund