Helen DeLoff O’Connor Collection, bulk 1896-1978

Summary

Abstract:
This collection contains materials pertaining to Helen DeLoff O’Connor and the O’Connor Private Hospital.
Extent:
.25 linear feet
Language:
English

Background

Scope and content:

The Helen DeLoff O'Connor Collection contains personal items relating to the O'Connor family as well as material relating to the O'Connor Private Hospital. The bulk of the collection consists of hospital charts, ranging in date from 1904 to 1926, which include patient histories as well as records of births. The collection also contains Mrs. O'Connor's financial records from 1898 to 1931 including bank statements, check books, and cancelled checks. Also included within the collection are Mrs. O'Connor's personal correspondence, receipts and various miscellaneous documents.

Biographical / historical:

Helen DeLoff came to Elmira in 1891 and worked as a nurse. On February 27, 1906, she married James O'Connor, a lawyer with the Elmira law firm O'Connor & Murtaugh. In 1907, they purchased a building at 360 Columbia Street, and, in 1912, Helen O'Connor opened the O'Connor Private Hospital at that location. The O'Connor Private Hospital served as a rehabilitation center and maternity hospital for the community. It was also a licensed boarding house for children whose parents were temporarily unable to care for them. The Hospital closed in 1930, but the family continued to live at the 360 Columbia Street property. Helen O’Connor died on September 18, 1946. Her son James Jr. sold the former hospital in 1981.

Acquisition information:
The items in this collection were donated to the Booth Library by John Baker in 2008.
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:
415 E. Water Street
Elmira, NY 14901, United States
Link to repository site
Contact:
(607) 734-4167
cchs@chemungvalleymuseum.org