In 1894 five physicians made pledges of $500 each toward the creation of a hospital that would be located midway between Bloomington and Normal. Paul Moratz, a renown local architect, designed the plans for the hospital building. The site, equipment, and building materials were secured with donations from the community and the support of local Protestant churches. The hospital was named to honor a substantial contribution by Abram Brokaw toward the first expansion program in 1901. Over the years several programs, departments, and buildings were added to the hospital. In 1984, Brokaw and Mennonite hospitals merged to create BroMenn.