Chicopee's Dr. Sydney Nathans was a local nursing home operator who owned two nursing homes in Chicopee and one in Springfield. In 1962, he contracted with the landowners, George O. and Alice E. Fontaine, to build a nursing home on the site that would later be known as 19 Quirk Ave.
Fontaine Brothers Inc. of Chicopee was awarded the contract to construct the facility. George O. Fontaine was associated with the selected construction company. Groundbreaking for the project on the two-acre parcel of land occurred on May 2, 1962.
The 60-bed, one-story building was designed by architect Arthur Pepin. The 11,700-square-foot nursing home would include 27 rooms: 11 with four beds, 6 with two beds, 2 private rooms, and a spacious lounge. The structure had a concrete foundation and cinder block walls covered with brick veneer. The construction cost was expected to exceed $150,000.
It was anticipated that 38 workers would be employed at the facility, 25 of whom would be nurses, with the remainder in housekeeping, kitchen, and maintenance.
Dr. Nathans was the facility's Administrator, and Dr. John Appel of Holyoke was its medical consultant.
The nursing home's grand opening was held on October 21, 1962. This was touted as the area's most modern nursing home and Holyoke's "first newly constructed nursing home." The real estate was developed by the Fontaines and sold to Dr. Nathans and his spouse, Twyla E. Nathans, on August 2, 1963.
The business underwent several ownership changes over the years. In January 1999, NewCare Oak Manor Inc. announced plans to spend over $4 million to replace 60 existing beds and add 12 beds that would not be subject to the Determination of Need.
In June 1999, NewCare filed for bankruptcy protection. In August, the company sought court approval to close three of its local nursing home facilities, including Oak Manor. On October 14, 1999, the Bankruptcy Court approved the request to close the three unprofitable facilities.
NewCare sold the real estate to LTC Healthcare of Holyoke Inc. on March 7, 2000. In turn, LTC sold the property to Richard Stefanik on May 10, 2000. On September 6, 2001, Mr. Stefanik sold the real estate to the Y.W.C.A. of Western Massachusetts.
On January 17, 2002, the Y.W.C.A held an open house at the facility, which was remodelled to meet its needs. As of this writing, the Y.W.C.A continues to fulfill its mission at this facility.
Citations:
Newspapers.com (paid subscription): Citations: Holyoke (Massachusetts) Transcript & Transcript-Telegram; Springfield (Massachusetts) Republican; publication dates and pages are shown.
Hampden County Registry of Deeds, Springfield, Massachusetts
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