Invite to Public EndPolio Event May 20th
FARMINGTON ROTARY CLUB
IN COOPERATION WITH BOTSFORD COMMONS – A Beaumont Community
ARE PLEASED TO INVITE YOU TO A FREE PUBLIC OPEN HOUSE OF THE
HISTORIC SISTER KENNY HOSPITAL
May 20, 2017, 1:00-4:00 P.M.
LOCATED AT: 21400 Archwood Circle, Farmington Hills, MI
The present Botsford Commons Senior Living Center is the original home of the Michigan Hospital for Crippled Children. A Polio Treatment Center.
Albert Kahn was commissioned to design the facility in 1919. His classic style of red brick, slate roofs, arched doorways and limestone inlays depicting children at play still adorn the buildings erected in 1923 and 1926.
Sister Kenny spent considerable time here making major contributions in the treatment of polio using hydrotherapy and eventually the school became known as the Sister Kenny Hospital. With the advent of the polio vaccine in the 1950’s the scourge of poliomyelitis began to dwindle in the area. The land and buildings were sold in 1969 and converted into the Farmington Nursing Home. In 1984 Botsford Hospital acquired the property and began the conversion to Botsford Commons, leaving intact the many stunning architectural features. Also on display will be an iron lung, videos and photos from the time period when the facility was a polio treatment center.
Dr. William E. Blodgett, an eminent orthopedist was the medical director of the school recognized as a major center for orthopedic services for crippled children.
A free will donation for polio eradication will be graciously accepted at the event.
For any questions, please contact Farmington Rotary Club - Phil Abraham pabraham@farmingtonrotaryclub.org or District 6380 Polio Co-Chair Ginger Barrons gbarrons1@mi.rr.com 248 348 5244.