The old hospital building was once home to the 1899, funded and designed by Letitia A. Westgate, at a total cost of $25,000.

[3] In late 1901 the hospital's future was in jeopardy, due to a medical malpractice suit.

The city contacted Andrew Carnegie to request a $25,000 grant to purchase and remodel the hospital for use as a library.

The city's request for the grant was ultimately approved, albeit for the construction of a new building across the street from the DeKalb County Courthouse.

[5] Westgate left the Sycamore area by 1907 to become the city chemist in Aurora, Illinois.