History of Overlook

The organization of Overlook House began with an informal meeting of eleven Christian Scientists on April 25, 1947. A non-profit corporation, The Northern Ohio Sanatorium, Inc., was formed on November 29, 1947. This was later changed to The Northern Ohio Trustees, Inc., and finally to its present name. Overlook House is the fifth Christian Science nursing facility established.

In 1948, the home of General Benedict Crowell (former residence of Myron T. Herrick, United States ambassador to France when Charles Lindbergh flew the Atlantic) was purchased, together with adjoining property. After extensive remodeling, installation of appropriate furnishings, and proper staffing of the facility an open house was held on Sunday, May 8, 1950, and admission of patients began. From its beginning, Overlook House has been accredited by the appropriate department of The Mother Church, The First Church of Christ Scientist, in Boston, Massachusetts.

By 1966 it was apparent that the charming Herrick/Crowell house no longer adequately met the demands of the Field for nursing care nor the increasingly stringent governmental requirements. Ground was broken for the present structure on February 23, 1968. Upon completion of the north wing of the building, the Herrick/Crowell house was razed, and patients were moved to the new wing so that nursing care was uninterrupted. The new building, providing 33 nursing beds in 17 single and 8 double rooms was completed in September 1969, and was entirely paid for at the cost of about $750,000.

Announcement of the completion of the new nurses' residence, Overlook Arms, was made at the Annual Meeting April 28, 1974. It included twelve furnished one-bedroom apartments for nurses, as well as six double rooms with efficiency kitchens for Rest & Study guests.

Six furnished apartments for nurses (four one-bedroom and two efficiency) were added to the second floor of the Rest & Study wing and occupied on June 1, 1980.

On August 1, 1981 the 300 square foot addition to the solarium (in the main building) was completed.

Overlook House continues to keep abreast of the times in meeting promptly all local, state, and federal requirements.