"Helen Hayes Hospital" 1970s Autographed Print V

Dimensions: 23.25 x 17

A piece of NY history! Architectural print (from the Westermann, Miller, & Associates firm) of the plans for the remodel of West Haverstraw's New York State Rehabilitation Hospital. The hospital was founded in 1900 and has long been considered one of the best physical rehab hospitals in America. It fell upon hard times in the 1960s, and in 1971 a bill was presented to the NY State Assembly to have the Department of Health close the hospital. Assemblyman Eugene Levy guided efforts to defeat the bill.

Shortly thereafter, stage and screen icon Helen Hayes (second person and first woman to win an EGOT!) led the successful transformation of the hospital, having served on the board for three decades already. In 1974, the hospital was officially renamed Helen Hayes Rehabilitation Hospital in honor of her efforts. At some point in the remodel process, she must have sent this to the Assemblyman as a gesture of thanks. Nicely matted and framed with plexiglass.