Rooted in Care, Growing Through Generations
For more than 135 years, Huron County Medical Care Facility has been a proud part of the Bad Axe community’s story—starting as a small farmhouse caring for just 10 residents and growing into the warm, welcoming 100,000+ square foot facility we are today. While much has changed, our commitment to meeting the needs of Huron County has remained the same. We continue to grow, adapt, and care for generations of individuals with the same heart and purpose that started it all!
1869
Where It All Began
Care of the aged, infirm and ill persons has been the concern of Huron County since it was organized in 1869.
In 1875, Huron County paid $600.00 for 200 acres of wild land. Thomas Morrow was appointed the first overseer of the property and by 1876, he had cleared off twenty five acres of land. In 1877, a three story house was constructed on the property. The twenty five room home cost $4,000 to build; the property narrowly escaped the great forest fire of 1881, which caused substantial damage to the thumb. The original property was used for 60 years; in 1937 it was replaced by the first unit of the current Medical Care Facility.
The original home, otherwise known as “The County Poor Farm,” carried an average resident load of ten; including orphans, the homeless and the aged. The property supported a farm, staffed by elderly and homeless residents who were in good health. The farm produced different varieties of fruits and vegetables and also housed a dairy herd.
1936
When the Need Outgrew the Space
By 1936, the number of those in need surpassed the amount of space available to adequately serve the residents; 85 people were crowded into a building that was built to house 26. The building was in dire need of repairs and was condemned.
Thanks to the support of the Huron County Board of Supervisors, the Commissioners of the Poor, Mr. and Mrs. William Gage and countless other residents of the County, a millage was passed in 1936 to begin construction on a new unit. The passing of a millage in the midst of the Great Depression was not an easy task; without the hard work and dedication of those who believed in the facility, the rebuilding may not have been possible. The new structure was named, “Huron County Home,” to remove the negative connotation of the Poor Farm. During this time frame, farming operations were stopped and the livestock, as well as the farm equipment sold by public auction in 1957.
1956-1980
Expansion and Growth Continues
The second unit of the Huron County Home was constructed in 1956-1958 at the cost of $400,000; the building was renamed “Huron County Community Health Center.”
The facility adopted its latest name in 1966 when it became the “Huron County Medical Care Facility.”
The third major renovation of the facility took place 1977-1979 at the expense of $1.4 million. This expansion allowed the facility to have beds on the entire third floor. The Huron County Medical Care Facility park and rose garden can be traced back to 1928 when a small group planted hardwood and pine seedlings in the now groomed area to provide residents of the home with a pleasant outdoor atmosphere.
The “park”, as we have come to know it today, began construction in 1980. An advisory board was appointed to help enhance the quality of the lives and provide activities to the residents of the facility. The board consisted of Mae Yackle, Eva (Sally) Byarski, Lela Reibling, Betty Shetler and Helen Woodward.
1980’s
The Caretaker’s House
During 1980, or shortly after, the caretaker’s quarters was removed from the property. The structure provided housing to various caretakers, superintendents, administrators as well as some employees. The house was sold and moved; the area was leveled and seeded with grass.
In 1981, the board changed its name to the “Extended Services Committee.” New members were enrolled; fund raisers were held and a winding concrete walkway was laid among the trees providing a layout for the park.
In 1982, the pavilion was constructed. The Thumb Rose Society offered to plant and maintain a rose garden near by.
1996-2011
More Expansion & Renovations
In 1996, another expansion built a circle wing onto the existing structure. This addition provided our facility with larger rooms to more comfortably accommodate residents as well as added space for Administration offices on the first floor.
2011 brought the latest expansion/renovation. The 34,000 square foot addition consists of a rehabilitation unit, the Caring Hands Community (a special needs unit), a multipurpose room, education/in-service rooms, a therapy department and a conference room. The addition of 20 rooms has allowed the facility to open additional private rooms for residents.