In recognition of the 125th anniversary of the chiropractic, September 18 has been proclaimed Chiropractic Founder’s Day by the state of Iowa and the city of Davenport, home to Palmer College.
While Mabel was evangelizing chiropractic—and the role of women in the profession—so too were the women all across the land raising their voices for equal rights and protections under the law. This not only energized Mabel—but it also provoked her into action.
following the advice to move her husband to a cold, dry climate, they relocated to Saskatchewan, Canada and Almeda Haldeman, D.C. became the first chiropractor in Canada, and one of the first female chiropractors in the world.
Together, Dr. Dave, Bittner, Braunstein, and Long not only preserved the tradition and identity of Palmer, but also ushered in a new chapter for the first chiropractic school in the world. Soon, a championship rugby team was gaining notoriety nationally, a marketing plan was rallying chiropractors and patients alike, donations were being made by alumni, and grants were being awarded by large foundations like Ford and Kellogg. Today, more than 21,406 individuals and foundations have made a financial gift to Palmer College since its inception as a nonprofit.
Dr. Strang has witnessed a lot of change in his 42 years of teaching.
“We still see a lot of students from legacy chiropractic families, but we’re seeing even more students who weren’t previously exposed to chiropractic. They’re seeking a field where they can provide holistic care for their patients; they seem to come to us already recognizing the innate power of the body.”