Allen’s Invalid Home

Allen’s Invalid Home for Nervous Disorders

Allen’s Invalid Home for Nervous Disorders stood as one of the pioneering private psychiatric facilities in the Southern United States. It also held the distinction of being the most extensive and well-equipped at its time. Dr. Allen personally supervised patient care and adopted a remarkably progressive approach to treatment, in stark contrast to state-run institutions. His methodology centered on small therapy groups and tailored, individualized treatments for every patient. Furthermore, Allen’s establishment featured a stable for an early iteration of equine therapy.

At its peak in 1920, a census showed 240 patients. Allen’s Sanitarium expanded to encompass 16 buildings, and it gradually acquired extensive tracts of the surrounding land, amassing a total of 120 acres. The property was neatly divided into North and South sections by a main road, effectively separating the Male and Female areas. The vast expanse of land primarily comprised farms where a diverse range of vegetables and cattle were cultivated to support the institution’s needs. While patients were not required to engage in agricultural work or property maintenance, they were given the option to participate if they desired.

Dr. Henry Dawson Allen

Henry Dawson Allen, a prominent physician and psychiatrist in Baldwin County, was born on a Hancock County plantation in Georgia on March 5, 1856. His early education took place in Hancock County and the city of Milledgeville. He furthered his studies at Atlanta Medical College, graduating in 1879 with a Doctor of Medicine degree.

Following his education, he established a rural medical practice just outside Milledgeville in Baldwin County, which he diligently maintained for twelve years. In 1891, he embarked on a new venture by founding his private Sanitarium. Dr. Allen was an active member of the American Medico-Psychological Association of Georgia and the Baldwin County Medical Society.

On May 26, 1886, Dr. Allen married Miss Sallie C. Whitaker, a native of Baldwin County, and they were blessed with six children. Dr. Henry Dawson Allen’s life came to a close on March 22, 1930. To honor his memory and contributions, the road that traversed his Sanitarium was named Allen Memorial Drive.

Green Acres

In November of 1958, a group of physicians from central Georgia acquired Allen’s Invalid Home intending to repurpose it as a nursing home. They named the new establishment “Green Acres Health & Rehabilitation.” Over time, they began to divest portions of the former Sanitarium property, eventually constructing a modern nursing home behind the women’s building in 1962.

By 1997, only the Administration building, which had also been Dr. Allen’s residence, remained on the site. Today, this historic property has been transformed and now houses two nursing homes, two trailer parks, a fire station, an apartment complex, and residences from the Midway community. The Administration building, still standing, is now under the ownership of Maranatha, a religious mission organization that operates a thrift store on the premises. They are pleased to offer tours of the old Allen’s building in exchange for donations.

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