New York State Vet Home Batavia history

Gazetteer and Business Directory of Genesee County, N.Y. for 1869-70

Directory of the Village of Batavia, 1880

In the 1890's the Woman's Relief Corps, the auxiliary to the Grand Army of the Republic, persuaded New York State to establish and maintain a home which a veteran could enter accompanied by his wife without separating them in their advanced years.

Ellis Island did not open until 1892.

The site chosen for the facility was located in the Village of Oxford, New York in Chenango County and was formally opened in April 19, 1897 and immediately admitted 24 residents members.

1909 Telephone Directory Batavia A-E F-L M-S T-ZBergen East Pembroke Elba LeRoy Oakfield Pavilion

By 1911 the home had expanded to five buildings, including four cottages and an infirmary (now known as the skilled nursing facility). Also by 1911 there were 172 resident members at the facility.

1913 Telephone Directory Batavia A-E F-L M-S T-ZAlabama Byron East Pembroke Elba Oakfield Stafford

1929 Telephone Directory Batavia A-E F-L M-S T-ZAttica Bergen Byron Corfu Darien East Pembroke ElbaLeroy Oakfield Yellow Pages

In 1931 a wing was added to the skilled nursing facility.

1941 Telephone Directory Batavia A-E F-L M-S T-ZAttica Byron Corfu Darien East PembrokeElba Oakfield Yellow Pages

1943 Telephone Directory Batavia A-E F-L M-S T-ZAttica Byron Corfu Darien East PembrokeElba Oakfield Yellow Pages

By the late 1970's, more than 35 years later, many of these veterans were well into their 60's and began realizing the need for long-term care services was imminent.

In 1972 the State legislature appropriated funds to develop plans for a new facility.

That building opened in 1979.

In May of 1981 the all-new one story building was formally opened.