Infant Summer Hospital, Rochester, New York

Up until the 1930’s, infant mortality in the cities during the summers was ferocious. Infant susceptibility to a variety of respiratory and gastrointestinal disorders was exacerbated by poor sanitation, overcrowded tenements, contaminated milk supplies and lack of refrigeration. Various strategies were devised to remove infants from danger during the hottest months, such as the “Baby Tents of Chicago” described in Allin’s article of 1911.

Above: In the town of Greece, near Rochester, New York, a tent-based Infant Summer Hospital was established by Dr. Edward Mott on the shores of Lake Ontario around 1885. The lake breezes blowing through the tent community were believed to be healthful for the babies. Ample accomodations were provided for mothers who expected to stay with their children. There were no charges for any service or care. The land was donated by Halbert S. Greenleaf, who had a summer residence there. Dr. Mott continued as chief physician of the hospital until 1910.

Above: A permanent building was established for the Infant Summer Hospital in 1890, Once milk began to be pasteurized, there were fewer cases of cholera infantum, and children suffering from cardiac conditions or orthopedic injuries needing a lengthy recuperation were admitted here for care.

Above: This is a southwest view of the infant summer hospital.

Above: The building on the right was the kitchen and mothers’ dining room.

Abo ve: The sign on this building reads, “Sleeping Room for Night Nurses.”

Above: The Convalescent Children’s Hospital in 1949, from the Rochester Public Library’s history section.

Pictures and portions of the text are from the “Images of Rochester” web site at http://home.rochester.rr.com/imagesofroch/ (that web site is no longer extant). Additional information was found at https://greecehistoricalsociety.org/tag/infants-summer-hospital/

Created 8/26/2001 / Last modified 8/26/2001
Converted to WordPress 12/2/2025

Last Updated on 12/03/25