About

From the time settlers first occupied the Owens Valley until the 1920s, babies were born at home. The sick and elderly were treated by those who could provide nursing care in the community or were taken 200-300 miles to find a hospital or medical expert. During the infamous Water Wars, the City of Los Angeles owned more than 80% of the real estate in this area, which eventually lead to a surplus of large vacant homes. Doctors and nurses in our community were able to acquire the use of such buildings for hospital facilities through the generosity of DWP, however the space and design challenges one faces while utilizing a house for a hospital pushed the issue for adequate health care facilities in 1944.