DeGraff Memorial Hospital

DeGraff Memorial Hospital - 445 Tremont Street - Established in 1914

LeGrand Simson DeGraff March 30, 1871 - April 2, 1960

Melvin E. McNab, Director 1965

Edmund Maziarz, father of our New York State Senator George D. Maziarz, working in the boiler room at DeGraff Memorial Hospital.

Do you recognize the photograph of the building above? Unless you are a lifelong resident of North Tonawanda or the surrounding community, probably not. This is actually a photograph of DeGraff Memorial Hospital. This is not the DeGraff we know today but the hospital at its original inception. The vision of LeGrand DeGraff had just become a reality. As we approach the 90th anniversary of this community jewel, we pause to reflect on its grand history.

LeGrand S. DeGraff founded DeGraff Memorial Hospital in 1914. His philanthropy and civic service sparked the founding of the hospital in part because of the need for hospital facilities in the expanding Tonawandas, as the nearest hospital care was in Buffalo. When LeGrand DeGraff and his associates agreed to foot the entire bill of $37,578 for a brand new hospital, DeGraff Memorial became a reality.

There were 2 conditions surrounding the opening of the hospital. First, the indigent of the community were to receive free care, and the two cities, Tonawanda and North Tonawanda, were to maintain the hospital properly. Second, the hospital was to be named in memory of DeGraff's father James H. DeGraff.

The building was officially opened on November 30, 1914 with one of the biggest social functions in the Tonawandas at the time, The Benefit Ball. The hospital quickly established itself as a vital institution to the Tonawandas.  The first baby was born on January 4, 1915 at a total cost of $27.00.  The first patient was a 1-year-old child who was treated for complications resulting from eczema.  The child was released after one day, and the total bill was $1.30.

Overtime, the hospital continued to grow with new wings and additions built in 1930, 1944, 1953 and 1956.  Before LeGrand DeGraff died in 1960, he had given close to $200,000 to the hospital.  His final effort was a $1.5 million bequest that made possible the new four-story $2.8 million building dedicated in 1964.  Our last major inpatient expansion was completed in 1977 when we opened the 5th floor of the hospital.

In 1998, DeGraff partnered with Kaleida Health to become part of the largest health care system in Western New York. The board of trustees of DeGraff felt at the time that this was necessary in order for the hospital to survive as an acute care facility in the long run.  This partnership allows DeGraff to link its patients with the most advanced health care services in Western New York.

Today, the Tonawandas can be proud to have a hospital that has modern facilities, easy access, and a great medical staff.  At the same time, DeGraff is proud to be an active member of the Tonawanda community as well as a vital community resource.

As we previously informed our readers, DeGraff Memorial Hospital is in the midst of preparing for our 90th anniversary celebration. In order to make this a success, we need your help.  Anyone interested in the planning or participation of these events should send an e-mail to cambrus@kaleidahealth.org or call 690-2004. We are grateful for the community's support over the last 90 years, and look forward to sharing our celebration with you.

• Information provided by Kaleida March 2004
• Article: Courtesy of Tonawanda News - February 28, 2004.

Celebrating 90 Years - Happy Birthday DeGraff

"The year 2004 marks a significant milestone for DeGraff Memorial Hospital. In 1914, LeGrand DeGraff's vision and ambition became a reality in the form of a small community hospital to serve the Tonawandas."
    Also, the DeGraff mansion still stands at the corner of Goundry and Payne (southwest corner), a brick edifice from the late 19th century. It is said that it was the first home in North Tonawanda which contained indoor plumbing and an elevator.

• Article: Courtesy of Tonawanda News - January 17, 2004