Heywood Hospital (Images of America)

Heywood Hospital, an independent, 153-bed, nonprofit community hospital located in north central Massachusetts, has served the residents of the Greater Gardner area for over 100 years. A gift to the community, its birth in 1907 was thanks to the vision and generosity of the prominent Heywood family. Henry Heywood had wished that workers at his world-renowned furniture manufacturing company would have medical treatment available to them locally. Upon his death, his wife and daughter provided the funds needed for the land and hospital building, as well as an endowment for its operation. Situated upon a hill overlooking Crystal Lake to the west and the Heywood family farm to the north and east, the Henry Heywood Memorial Hospital was established. A visual history reflecting the deep connection between a community hospital and its residents, Heywood Hospital celebrates the hospital as a benefactor and major employer firmly entrenched in a highly supportive community.