Historian's Corner



Charlene Cole
Sandy Creek/Lacona Historian
Historian's Corner
August 24, 2015


Photo: Oswego County Sanatorium Buildings

Dr. LeRoy, Dr. Harwood and Dr. Warren Hollis served our community for three generations. The Doctor’s book would not be complete without including their work at the Oswego County Sanatorium. We thank Orwell Historian Rose Graham for sharing information on the Sanatorium for the book.

Dr. LeRoy Hollis: “I continued in the general practice of medicine until 1917 when I was asked and urged to accept the position of Superintendent of the Oswego County Sanatorium. After consultation with Harwood who was soon to graduate in medicine from Syracuse Medical College, I accepted the position.”

Dr. LeRoy, Dr. Harwood and Dr. Warren Hollis served our community for three generations. The Doctor’s book would not be complete without including their work at the Oswego County Sanatorium. We thank Orwell Historian Rose Graham for sharing information on the Sanatorium for the book.

Dr. LeRoy Hollis: “I continued in the general practice of medicine until 1917 when I was asked and urged to accept the position of Superintendent of the Oswego County Sanatorium. After consultation with Harwood who was soon to graduate in medicine from Syracuse Medical College, I accepted the position.”

Dr. Harwood Hollis: Following the retirement of his father he was appointed Superintendent of the Oswego County Sanatorium.

Dr. Warren Hollis had a very large practice in our area and since 1950 was in charge of the Tuberculosis control program. He served as Director of the Oswego County Sanatorium from 1950 until 1958, when it was closed.

When Tuberculosis became a major health concern, the Oswego County leaders realized that there was a need for TB patients to have their own place to receive care. The need was fulfilled in 1913 when the old Seymore Davis Farm was purchased in Orwell and the sanatorium was constructed. It opened its doors to patients on October 15, 1913. Residents who were unable to pay were admitted for free, there was a $10.00 a week charge for all others. What began as one building that housed patients, nurses and maids, grew over the years to include several buildings. These buildings were used to house children as well as adults. The children were given a place to attend school as well as a children’s pavilion. The nurses were eventually given their own building, as well. The sanatorium remained open from 1913-1927 and treated a total of 2,080 patients. Due to the decline in TB cases the county closed the sanatorium in 1958. The remaining patients were moved to other facilities. The sanatorium was purchased in 1969 by Father Raymond McVey to be used later as a refuge for homeless men and women. Father McVey renamed it Unity Acres. It remains a place of hope and possible healing. (Thanks to Orwell Historian Rose Graham for the information on the Orwell Sanatorium.)

The Doctor’s Book will be published and available for purchase by the end of September.

Charlene Cole
Sandy Creek/Lacona Historian
1992 Harwood Drive
Sandy Creek, NY 13145
315-387-5456 x7
office hours: Friday 9am to 2pm
www.sandycreeknyhistory.com