For more than 110 years, UH Elyria Medical Center has been a cornerstone of the Lorain County, Ohio community and the hospital that local families trust for their care.

In the early 1900s, records state that “there was no public place in Elyria for the care of the injured or sick.” A committee of prominent community members, including F.A.

With the lack of adequate hospital facilities in the area, the death toll from the accident reached nine; eight lost one or both legs, two were crippled for life and scores of others suffered from various injuries.

On November 17, 1907, more than 2,000 people gathered to witness the cornerstone laying by Mr. Allen and hear featured addresses by Reverend Sala and Mayor Clayton Chapman.

Allen went on to form Ohio, National and International Societies for Crippled Children, and through his tireless efforts to raise funds and awareness, in 1934 the Easterseals (U.S.) was born.

An Ohio Historical Marker commemorating Allen's work currently stands on the grounds of UH Elyria Medical Center.