Starting out as a summer cottage built high upon "Breezy Knoll" in York Village, York Hospital has since grown to become one of the most respected, caring and sophisticated facilities in the Seacoast area.  But how did we get from there to here? 

Following is an except from York Hospital's very first publication, "The York Hospital" published in 1906.  It describes how the hopes and dreams of just a few physicians and community members began to turn their dream of a hospital into reality.

"If ever a hospital was born of need it is that of York. Its first three months proved usefulness beyond any anticipation of the little coterie of physicians and friends who had worked so earnestly and devotedly for its inception.

When the project was first talked of in 1902 the mere suggestion of a hospital seemed hopeless and almost beyond fondest dreams.  But the visionary period passed when persistency of purpose finally gained ascendancy in a fixed idea during the summer of 1903.  York with its twelve-thousand summer population  presented hospital urgency too vital to be longer ignored.  Portsmouth held the nearest hospital - small, and in another state.  All of York county offered no institution available to people of this locality.

The summer of 1905 proved a memorable one in the history of the hospital project.  An active campaign for funds was inaugurated.  The results at first were pitiably unpromising.  But a new incentive presented itself.  At a most opportune moment the beautiful Davidson estate at York Village suddenly became available for purchase.  The public began to get interested. The location of this property and its many advantages spurred desire and zeal to greater efforts.  It was a critical period.  But nothing now could daunt a purpose so dear."

The Davidson estate at York Village (the current property at which York Hospital is located) was purchased on September 15, 1905 and though preparations were incomplete at the time and accommodations and facilities limited, York Hospital opened its doors officially on July 22, 1906.  While we have gone through many changes since that day, one thing has remained clear: from atop "Breezy Knoll" York Hospital continues to be a pillar of our community!