Beechwood History
In April 1888, Associated Charities of Cincinnati invited a group of civic leaders
to meet and discuss the need for a “home for incurables.” Within two and half years,
a house was rented on the corner of Saunders and Bigelow Streets, and a nurse was
hired at the salary of $14 per month.
Already needing more room the Home was moved to Walnut Hills in 1893. Community
support and gifts increased as admissions to the home became more numerous. Less
than 12 years after the home first opened its doors, the cornerstone was laid for
a new Home to be built on Pogue Avenue. It would accommodate 40 residents on five
acres in Hyde Park. Two more wings were added in later years.
Through the years, the Board of Trustees and the community have been actively involved.
Fund-raising events such as bazaars, charity balls, carnivals, luncheons, and lawn
fetes became popular. The Home’s endowment fund was made possible by these fund-raisers
as well as by generous gifts and bequests. In 1968 when it was decided to build
a new Home three feet from the existing one, these funds were sufficient to avoid
borrowing.
The building standing today has been continually updated to provide efficient and
comfortable living for our residents. It was designed for additional wings to be
built as needed.