The Origins of the Wheel Chair Home - 1910 to 1919
"As time goes on and our institutions grow... nothing should be left undone that in any way would add to their comfort and happiness." - Dr. Jennie Schofield
On May 1, 1910, the Wheel Chair Guild of Buffalo, NY, is born. The founders meet that day at 199 Hodge Street in Buffalo, NY, the home of Dr. Jennie Schofield. This band of women comes together to devote themselves to those they call the "shut-ins and chronic invalids." Their original mission is to raise funds to purchase wheelchairs to loan free of charge to those in need.
In the Guild's first year, they purchase eleven chairs and take three donations. They loan these fourteen chairs "steadily, in some cases the chairs have been loaned for an indefinite period- in other cases an attendant has been sent to take the patient out for a ride." According to a history written at the time "In this way many poor souls who had not been out for months and even years have been able to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine." By January 1912, the Guild has nineteen chairs that have helped "48 invalids."
The Guild's stated object is, "To provide wheelchairs free of charge for invalids and convalescent among the worthy poor. The Guild hopes in a short time to be able to maintain a home for poor unfortunate incurables. Supported entirely by voluntary contributions, entertainments and sales."
Dr. Schofield serves as the Guild's first President and her husband William is a trustee.
On February 14, 1911, the Guild discusses the subject of whether they are capable of opening and maintaining a home for "chronic invalids and incurables." They look for prospective patients who can financially support such a home and receive a generous donation by a Guild member. On July 20, 1911, Dr. Schofield calls a special meeting and the Guild forms its plans to open a Wheel Chair Guild Home.
At the time, no such institution existed: "The past few years have witnessed a marvelous development in all forms of humanitarian service, hospitals, sanitariums, orphanages and institutions for the care of the dependent and suffering have arisen. Yet what we consider one of the most needed institutions, a Home for Chronic Invalids and Incurables, had not been founded in our city or in this part of the state."
On September 1, 1911, the doors open at the first home at 93 17th Street in Buffalo. Of this Dr. Schofield writes in the "First Annual Report - Wheel Chair Guild Home for Chronic Invalids and Incurables:" "Success has crowned our efforts." The home has a housekeeper in charge, a nurse and a staff of doctors. From the start, they have more applicants than they can accept and by 1912, eight patients live in the home.
In the first Treasurer's Report, E. Cornelia Dow, Treasurer, reports Disbursements for salary for all staff to be $214.78. The water bill is $5.70. They also spent $11.50 on ice cream.
Among the donations received for the Home is "Her Xmas Tree" from Miss Helen Schofield (Dr. Schofield's daughter.)
The need is so great, that the Wheel Chair Guild Home soon needs to relocate. "At nearly every Board meeting we are obliged to turn down worthy candidates."
On May 1, 1912, thanks to the efforts of the Guild members, the move to a larger building at 344 Hudson Street in Buffalo is completed. The staff now consists of "two day nurses, a night nurse, a cook and a janitor under the charge of our capable matron, Mrs. Horline." This home has the capacity to care for thirty individuals.
The Guild continues its mission to loan wheelchairs as well, having twenty-six chairs available by 1913.
In June 1913, the Wheel Chair Guild Home changes its name to Wheel Chair Home for Incurables.
Membership dues of $3.00, donations and sales make up most of the $5,484.81 of cash receipts for the year, with paying patients contributing $1,718.42. Wages paid were $1,714.46.
President Mary G. Williamson describes the home in "The Spokesman" published by the Publicity Committee on December 3, 1914 as: "A picture of light, airy, beautiful rooms -the tentacles of a real home, the kind every woman should know how to make. There are pictures on the walls, a bit of good bric-a-brac here and there, the fireplace, the flood of sunshine baptizing everything with that indefinable but potent atmosphere of home. It is all just a dream of white peace and comfort."
She also writes, "forty applicants are waiting for a larger home."
By the sixth Annual Meeting in 1916, the organization has incorporated (1915) and moved into what will become their signature building at the corner of Delaware and Kenmore Avenues, which they purchased for $17,400.00. On April 18, they make a $5,000.00 down payment, leaving a $12,400.00 mortgage at 5% interest. Fundraisers included a bazaar, card parties, a Christmas sale, baked goods sales and a Lawn Fete.
Standing at the entrance to Kenmore, the three-story building offers generous room sizes and room to grow. The "Kenmore Record" wrote of the purchase on April 20, 1916 "The purchasers are considered to have secured a good bargain."
Once again, a generous community steps forward to help on moving day - May 1, 1916. The Pierce Arrow Motor Car Company generously moves their goods to the new building free of charge and provides automobiles to drive patients to their new home. Emergency Hospital donates the use of their ambulance for the patients unable to sit up. Denton, Cottier and Daniels moves the piano and victrola.
On June 30, 1916, doors of the Wheel Chair Home open for visitors at a formal opening ceremony.
Many alterations to the building follow, including installing a dumb waiter connecting all floors, adding a window to the third floor, dividing rooms, and painting and decorating. In addition, a new second floor veranda (added thanks to a donation by Mrs. Irving Deveraux) allows the second floor patients to "spend the summer days in the open air." W. A. Morgan gives a gift of a thousand dollars, the largest single gift the Wheel Chair Home had ever received. While others also gave large gifts, the day-to-day expenses of operating the home continue to come from the $3.00 annual dues of over 250 active members.
As the decade of the 1910's ends, the Wheel Chair Home for Incurables became a member of the Joint Charities and Community Fund of Buffalo and Erie County (forerunner of the United Way,) which helped provide operating expenses.
The photo below shows the first 7 Presidents of the Wheel chair Home. Dr. Schofield is in the top row in the center.
