DeGraff Memorial Hospital

Dublin Core

In 1913 business leaders in the Tonawandas including LeGrand S. DeGraff and NT Mayor Dr. John A. Rafter developed a plan to create a badly needed hospital. DeGraff funded the endeavor with a "very substantial contribution."
Architect W. O. Johnstone donated his work for the hospital. Ground was broken in April 14; dedication ceremonies took place May 30, 1914.
In 1930 an addition for a Nurses Home and Maternity Ward was made possible by a legacy grant from James S. Thompson. Another expansion was started in 1942 and completed in 1944.
In 1947, changes from a public institution to a non-profit, membership corporation.
March 14, 1953 a new addition and Maternity Wing are opened.
"June, 1964, marked the opening of the first phase of the New DeGraff Memorial Hospital." (Centennial article in this collection)
"Later in 1965, Phase II of the new hospital building program will be finished bringing its capacity to 190 beds. Then the renovation of the new wings in the old hospital will be started, however, this is but one step in coping with the evolving needs of our community." (Ibid)