Photo: Dr. Harwood L. Hollis

As we continue research for the “Doctor’s of Sandy Creek/Lacona” book I will share some of the research in this column.

Dr. Harwood Hollis Dies in His Office

A feeling of shock and deep loss settled over this community Monday afternoon, April 28, 1947 as word came of the sudden death of Dr. Harwood Hollis, 53, at his office in the village of Lacona. He was superintendent of the Oswego County Sanatorium at Orwell since the retirement of his father, Dr. LeRoy F. Hollis, who died about a year ago.

Dr. Hollis who had been in apparent good health, was at the sanatorium throughout the morning, making his regular visits to patients and performing other duties. He had just returned to his office in Lacona when he was stricken. News of his death came as a deep shock to his fellow workers and patients at the institution, as well as to his many friends and acquaintances throughout the country.

It was said at the sanatorium that Dr. Hollis had been working very hard in carrying out his manifold duties and that during the late winter storms he had taxed his strength in making regular trips between Lacona and Orwell.

In addition to his wide medical practice Dr. Harwood was active in all the worthwhile activities connected with his community. This included being a director and later president of the First National Bank of Lacona; member of the school board and Lacona Village Board; active member and official of the Methodist Church; member of the Oswego County Health Association, in which he was very active; a past master of the Sandy Creek Lodge No. 564, F. & A. M. and the Boy Scout troop committee. As leader in church, business and civic affairs, he gave freely of his time for the good of our community. In some small measure of tribute to him, the name of our leading street between the two villages was changed from Railroad Street to Harwood Drive. It was said that anyone who ever heard the deep quality of Dr. Harwood’s voice knew he stood for only the finer things in life.

Dr. Harwood L. Hollis was born July 23, 1894 in Minetto where his father began his medical practice. He was the son of LeRoy and Florence (Tiff) Hollis. He graduated from Sandy Creek High School in 1913, entered Syracuse University September 1913 and in 1920 graduated from the College of Medicine there. On July 1920 he married Jeannette Wart of Sandy Creek. They had one son, Warren.