Huggins Hospital history

In 1920, the need to expand became apparent.

In 1923, James Martin made a challenge gift of $25,000 to build a new hospital.

The new 24-bed hospital was dedicated on November 11, 1924, as a memorial to John Huggins, a Wolfeboro resident and brother of Mrs.

In 1935, the hospital won the approval of the American College of Surgeons, the hallmark for quality in voluntary hospitals.

Through a fundraising campaign and the aid of a federal grant, approximately $750,000 was raised to build a three-story addition, providing 56 beds for patients and a new operating suite, which opened in 1950.

Continuing in its efforts to provide modern medical facilities, the hospital constructed an X-ray and clinic wing which opened in June of 1958.

In 1966, a long-range planning committee was appointed and after more than a year of work, the committee determined that it was necessary to modernize and expand Huggins.

The building was dedicated July 15, 1972, as a memorial to Jennie Sinclair, a life-long Wolfeboro resident who through her years contributed her time, energy, and financial support to Huggins to ensure that the hospital would continue to offer the best medical facilities to the community.

An updated, comprehensive long-range plan was developed and presented to the hospital Board of Trustees in 1975.

In 1991, the Medical Arts Center was completed which accommodates many of our physicians’ offices, our Cardio Rehabilitation Program, Medication Bridge Program, and a conference room.

On April 19, 2007, the State of New Hampshire approved the Hospital’s Certificate of Need (CON) application for a new two story, 101,000 square foot, $55 million facility.