DR. Placido Ramos Vasquez Hommel
from puerto rico....
Placido Ramos Vasquez Hommel! Many still know him as Doc Hommel, as he practiced General Medicine in Elkader for nearly 50 years.
His trek to settle in Elkader was quite adventurous, to say the least. Born in 1889 in Cayey, a city located in the tobacco center of Puerto Rico, Doc had a strong urge to join the army. At 8 years old, Doc ac
Placido Ramos Vasquez Hommel! Many still know him as Doc Hommel, as he practiced General Medicine in Elkader for nearly 50 years.
His trek to settle in Elkader was quite adventurous, to say the least. Born in 1889 in Cayey, a city located in the tobacco center of Puerto Rico, Doc had a strong urge to join the army. At 8 years old, Doc actually followed American troops when they occupied his hometown during the Spanish-American War.
His magnetism towards the American troops coincided with his dream to become a doctor. Deciding to run away, he shared with his mother his dream to go to America where he’d attain an education and become a doctor. A widowed nurse with her other three children having died of black small pox, his mother, Oliva Vasquez, gave him her blessing to follow the American soldiers. Doc’s father, a photographer by trade, had died when Doc was 21 days old.
Photo above: Young P.R.V., 1905
to neillsville, wisconsin....
Observing that Captain J.W. Hommel had begun to foster Doc, a friend of the Captain’s encouraged him to take Doc home with him to America. Hence, Doc and Captain Hommel sailed to New York via the ship Manitoba. After being decked out in the best clothes, the duo took a train Doc home to Neillsville, WI, where Captain John Hommel and his
Observing that Captain J.W. Hommel had begun to foster Doc, a friend of the Captain’s encouraged him to take Doc home with him to America. Hence, Doc and Captain Hommel sailed to New York via the ship Manitoba. After being decked out in the best clothes, the duo took a train Doc home to Neillsville, WI, where Captain John Hommel and his wife adopted Doc.
According to Doc, “After two and a half years [in America], I had mastered the English language sufficiently to be allowed to continue with my education.” Upon Doc graduating from Neillsville High School, his father encouraged him to go to West Point. Although he passed the academic test, he wasn’t accepted into the prestigious academy simply because of his short stature (5’5”).
Photo above: Neillsville Boys Basketball Team; Doc Standing at Left
to elkader, iowa.
to elkader, iowa.
Doc did not allow his height to limit him, as he captivated on his fast speed when playing on championship basketball and football teams at Carroll College in Waukesha, WI. His education in medicine started with two years at the University of Wisconsin and graduating on his birthday, June 14, 1916, after two years at the University of I
Doc did not allow his height to limit him, as he captivated on his fast speed when playing on championship basketball and football teams at Carroll College in Waukesha, WI. His education in medicine started with two years at the University of Wisconsin and graduating on his birthday, June 14, 1916, after two years at the University of Illinois. Interning at the hospital in Evanston, IL, Doc met his wife, Maud Twining, who was associate superintendent of the hospital.
Doc and Maud were married just before Doc was drafted into the Army in September 1917. He served two year with the Second Division as a regimental surgeon and was commissioned Captain in 1918. In June 1920, Doc and Maud moved to Elkader where he set up his medical practice in the building next to the current library. The couple had two sons.
As he climbed up in age and weaned his medical practice into retirement, Doc adopted several hobbies including painting and carving. Many of his artistic pieces adorned the walls of his home and office.
Photo above: Doc & Maude
Hommel, 1967