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Wednesday, August 29, 2018, the Mississippi State Tuberculosis Sanatorium & Boswell Regional Center celebrated one hundred years of service to our community. The “San” as many local people called the campus was begun in 1918 when the city of Magee donated 200 acres and $2,000 toward the construction of the Mississippi State Tuberculosis Sanatorium. Dr. Henry Boswell was the first director of the Sanatorium from 1917-1957.
Tuberculosis was a mighty battle, waged by a dedicated healthcare force against a terrible disease. The Sanatorium saved lives. Dr. Henry Boswell appeared before the Mississippi Legislature in 1916, proposing a modern sanatorium.
Friends, family, residents, and employees gathered to share stories and see old friends.
Presently, Clint Ashley is the director of Boswell Regional Center. Following Dr. Boswell as director was Dr. Clyde Watkins, Sr. Dr. Watkins served as director from 1957-1976. In 1976 the MS State Tuberculosis Sanatorium became Boswell Regional Center. Former Boswell directors: Dr. Joe Earp (1977-1979), Roger McMutry (August 1979-December 1979), Dr. Clyde Woodruff (1980-1984), Dr. Paul Cotton (1984-1992), Dr. Suzie Lassiter (1992-2000), Raymond Johnson (2000-2012), and Steven Allen (2012-2016).
Raymond Johnson, the longest serving director, stated that when the railroad complained on the number of wrecks that happened at the old depot, the railroad said shut her down. The railroad offered the depot to anyone for $1. Several people were interested in the depot but not only did one have to pay $1 they had to move the structure which would cost a huge amount of money. Although several cities and individuals were interested in the purchase of the depot, no one could handle the cost.
Clyde Watkins, Jr. spoke on behalf of his father’s family. Clyde pointed out the number of people through history who died from tuberculosis. (On a personal note: I was thrilled to see the Watkins family! Clyde, Helena, Sara, and Carol were in attendance. Margaret was unable to attend. Special people during special times…I love this family!)
Steven Allen who served from 2012-2016 now works with the MS State Department of Mental Health. Steve came up through the ranks of Boswell and knew almost every area and job associated with the center.
Clint Ashley, present director since 2016, believes in service. Clint loves Boswell and all the faculty and residents. He continues to strive to make a difference in our community through the work of Boswell.
On behalf of the City of Magee, Mayor Dale Berry accepted House Resolution #600 honoring Boswell and the commitment Magee made to the Sanatorium.
Supervisors Danny Craft & Brian Kennedy, Simpson County Administrator Rhuel Dickerson, and Mayor Dale Berry
I enjoyed seeing the familiar faces of the “San.” Betty Ann Hamilton Stubbs shared with me that she moved to the Sanatorium at age 3! She was married in the auditorium and worked at the Sanatorium until the day it closed in 1976.
Mrs. Jimmye Duckworth and her girls were apart of the afternoon events. Mrs. Jimmye and her husband Billy both worked and lived at the Sanatorium for years.
Of course I had to include a picture of Ronald Britt! He is now the longest serving employee at Boswell. He was given the honor of “pushing in” the cakes for the ceremony!
I am including some pictures of the crowd! (I always like to see who was in attendance!). Kara Kimbrough was in charge of the event and did a great job. She is sending me a “full” press release which I will publish when received.
I love the Sanatorium…I love Boswell…thank you to the people who have dedicated their lives to serving others. Happy 100th Birthday!
