Professional Life
She returned to Danbury in May 1886 and set up her own practice. The Danbury News Times reported this in a short article:
Dr. Annie K. Bailey having finished her term of service in one of the New York hospitals, offers her professional services to the public. The doctor has devoted much time to the work of specialists, and has provided herself with a liberal outfit for good and thorough work. Diseases of women and children, skin, throat, ear and those requiring electrical treatment will receive especial attention. — Danbury News
Dr. Keeler was not the first woman doctor in Danbury, but she was likely the third —- she was preceded by Drs. Sophia Penfield in 1871 and Adelaide Holton in 1880. Annie Keeler, with other members of the local medical community, formed the Training-School for Nurses in April 1894. This group became the Graduate Nurses' Association in November 1902. Dr. Keeler hosted the group's meetings in her home for decades, and, in 1903, she was elected an honorary member alongside other notable early supporters, including Dr. Sophia Penfield, Miss Julia Converse, Mrs. S. W. Cutler, Mrs. Anna G. Moody, and Miss Hattie E. Crocker. Dr. Keeler was also given the office of `special presiding officer', which was treasurer, chairperson, and secretary all rolled into one very busy role.
Dr. Keeler's first office was in `Judd's Block', then at her home at 3 Chapel Place. By 1891, she lived and worked out of her home at 12 Chapel Place.
Dr. Keeler also kept office hours outside of Danbury. In October 1888, The Newtown Bee noted in their Bethel, CT, tidbits column, “Dr. Annie K. Bailey has an office in A. S. Lacey's house and is there Tuesday and Friday.”
By 1900, Dr. Keeler and her mother lived at 12 Chapel Place in Danbury. This was both their home and Dr. Keeler’s office.
Advertising
Below are three newspaper ads for Dr. Keeler's services from the 1880s.
1886-07-31 South Norwalk Sentinel Ad
A Lady Doctor at Danbury, Connecticut.
Dr. Annie K. Bailey, Physician and Surgeon.
Office Judd's Block, Main Street.
Office hours - 10 to 12 a.m. and 2 to 4 p.m.
1887-01-07 The Brewster Standard
Dr. Annie K. Bailey, Physician & Surgeon, Danbury, Conn.
Office--Judd's Block, Main Street.
Office hours--10 to 12 a.m. and 3 to 4p.m.
1888-07-06 Newtown bee Ad
Dr. Annie K. Bailey, Physician and Surgeon.
Office -- No. 3 Chapel Place, near First Congregational Church, Danbury, Conn.
Hours--10-12 a.m, and evenings
Specialties--Catarrh of the nose and throat, diseases of the skin, diseases of women and children.
All other diseases treated according to the latest and best methods.
Sources
- “[...having finished her term...]” The Brewster Standard, 25 June 1886, June 1886.
- “Official Reports of Societies: Regular Meetings, Danbury, Conn.” The American Journal of Nursing, vol. XVI, 1903, p. 644.
- “Removal Notice.” Newtown, Connecticut, Bee, June 1888.
- Danbury City Directory; U.S. Census Bureau, 1900 United States Federal Census.
- “Bethel.” Newtown Bee, Oct. 1888, p. 6.