Breesport County Home, 1940-1972
Collection context
Summary
- Abstract:
- The Breesport County Home Collection contains administrative documents, letters and articles regarding the County Home and Infirmary, including information on the construction of the Heritage Park.
- Extent:
- 1 linear foot
- Language:
- English
Background
- Scope and content:
-
During the 20th century, the Home's population began to steadily rise until 1958, when it had reached its saturation point. At this point, the Council of Community Services Nursing Home Study Committee began to urge the construction of an entirely new facility. In 1960, a Health Planning Committee was established to look into the proposal and in July 1971, the Breeseport County Home was closed and its residence transferred to the new, fully modern, facilities in Heritage Park.
- Biographical / historical:
-
The Breesport County Home began in 1837 when the Board of Supervisors purchased 178 acres of land in the town of Breesport to be used as a home for vagrants and orphans. In 1868, it was re-designated as a home for the aged and infirm. Since then there have been various additions to the original property to meet the institution's growing needs. The infirmary came first in 1888 and was later expanded in 1913. In 1902, an administrative building was constructed and, in 1933, a two-story brick hospital wing was built.
During the 20th century, the Home's population began to steadily rise until 1958, when it had reached its saturation point. At this point, the Council of Community Services Nursing Home Study Committee began to urge the construction of an entirely new facility. In 1960, a Health Planning Committee was established to look into the proposal and in July 1971, the Breeseport County Home was closed and its residence transferred to the new, fully modern, facilities in Heritage Park.
- Acquisition information:
- The Breesport County Home Collection was donated to the Booth Library by Thomas Santulli in 2007.
- Rules or conventions:
- Describing Archives: a Content Standard
Access and use
- Restrictions:
-
The Chemung County Historical Society's research library and archives are open to the public from 1pm to 5pm, Monday through Friday. There is a $5 fee for non-members.
- Location of this collection:
- Contact:
- (607) 734-4167cchs@chemungvalleymuseum.org