Panel Depicting Fox Hospital History

Ready, Telling Of 114-Year Contribution

ONEONTA – After 10 years in the making, the pictorial history wall of A.O. Fox Hospital is complete.

The three-panel wall features 4- by 8-foot lighted panels, using a timeline spanning 114 years. The display gives a pictorial history from the laying of the first cornerstone in 1900 through 2014.

The project was originally conceived by auxiliary co-presidents Bev Ballard and Margaret Henry in 2004. A committee was later formed with fellow auxiliary members Joanne Burdick, Marge O’Mara and Lois Herrick.

In 2010, before the work could get started, Henry became ill and passed away. “As a much loved and longtime auxilian, many memorial donations were given to the auxiliary in her name,” says Ballard. Ballard requested that the memorial funds received be used to continue the legacy of the auxiliary, by planning a pictorial history of the first 50 years of the hospital.

It was also decided that the first panel in the display be dedicated to the late Margaret Henry. Last April, the planning committee, lost another member, Lois Herrick.

In 2012, the committee began its research process, launching the creation of the historical wall that was to be named “A Journey Through Time.” The team chose to emphasize changes that took place over the years at Fox. Most importantly, the committee made certain that the wall would honor the many men and women of the community who shared a passion for taking care of the sick and injured.

“The wall depicts the wide range of services Fox provides, from acute and long-term care to its focus on patient wellness,” says Burdick. The wall also shows how the hospital has evolved and expanded its outreach by adding Fox Hospital Nursing Home, FoxCare Center and its satellite facilities. The history continues with a focus on wellness and shorter hospital stays, with the facility offering outpatient care and comfortable private rooms.

With the support of the Fox Hospital Foundation and Fox Auxiliary, two additional panels were added, completing the display. Yves Boudreault, a graphic designer from Albany, was selected to create the design for the wall. The display also recognizes community leadership and employee participation.

Ballard hopes the community will also appreciate the detailed pictures and statistics featured in the history wall. She says, “It’s fascinating to see the progression of the buildings themselves and how the forefathers had a vision of patient care.”

“Employees, physicians, patients and visitors have all enjoyed this masterpiece so far,” said Hospital President/CEO John Remillard.  He also thanked all members of the planning committee, both past and present, for their dedication to this project.

The display is located in the main corridor near the cafeteria at Fox Hospital.