05/20/2026
…Henry Fosters Vision…
(1850-1900)
Dr. Henry Foster was born in Norwich, VT on January 18, 1821. Henry attended the Milan Normal School in Ohio where he studied under his brother, Dr. Hubbard Foster and brother-in-law, Dr. Horner. He later entered the Medical College at Cleveland Ohio, an allopathic institution and extension of the Western Reserve University. He graduated from there in February of 1848, receiving the title of Doctor of Medicine.
Many of the Foster Family were Methodist sand early in young Henrys life he developed a strong religious outlook, this would later become the focal point of his work and legacy. We must remember that at this time the modern practice of medicine was still in its infancy. Approved practices included bleeding, purging, blistering, setons, sweating’s and the like, along with copious use of the then known drugs. Foster made an extensive study of Hydrotherapy and Homeopathy with noted results. He was indeed entering medicine at an exciting time and throughout his life always investigated the latest medical knowledge.
There were several others at the time that were experimenting with baths and Henry, anxious to step out on his own, heard of springs located on the N.Y. central and Hudson Railroad in the Finger Lakes area of New York State. He investigated and arrived here by train in 1849 to see the spot. It was also at this time that he Claims to have had a vision, much like St. Paul in the bible. Remarking on the event years later he says “It was about two o’clock in the morning when the Heaven’s seemed to open and the Glory of God filled my Whole being. In spirit I asked, what will Thou have me to do? I believed immediately that the Lord had a task for me and set about it.” He then purchased land in and around the springs and set to work beginning his Water Cure Facility. Here he would welcome the ill and weary to renew their bodies.
I wish that we had better records to refer to better view those early days. It must have been a tremendous struggle in this community of only a few houses, a little white church and a few workmen to set forth on such a grand adventure. His first buildings were local wood. His company was formed on February 24, 1850, and with his own funds in the amount of about $1000, he convinced others to purchase shares of his venture at 20 shares for $500.
The Water Cure facility was completed and opened for guests on September 13, 1850. Guests were charged for board, room and medical care at a rate of 5-8 dollars per week. The institution when completed came to a little over $23,000. This amount was soon Liquidated and dividends were paid out.
For the first 18 months, Dr. Foster was the only physician and spent his time looking not only to his guests’ medical needs but to their spiritual needs as well. Using the Sulphur water from the nearby springs, he developed several types of baths for the use of his patients. In addition to this he stressed the need for good physical practices such as control of diet and the benefits of walking and exercise. Wood was the only fuel to begin with, and the only lighting was by candle. The Doctors early years were a continued worry about the possibility of fire. It was said at the time that many a night he would be seen roaming the establishment checking to make sure that his guests were safe and that the building was secure.
I would touch lightly upon the progress of the institution. As the popularity of the Water Cure increased, Dr. Foster began a second set of buildings in brick in 1856, which were completed in 1871. This greatly increased the number of rooms. In 1871 the name was also changed to THE Clifton Springs Sanitarium Co. During those years he introduced new medical services including hand Massage, Turkish and Salt Baths, the first steps in Hygienic Treatments, and provided for indoor exercise with the addition of a gymnasium. At center of this new set of buildings was a chapel where guests and staff alike were encouraged to seek spiritual healing and assistance daily.
By the year 1891, work had begun on a new rail line the Lehigh Valley Railroad, which was to run just south of the Village. This additional Rail Line made possible an influx of new patients to the Doctors ever enlarging facility. The Doctor envisioned a final set of buildings and in early 1882 tore down the west half of his facility. The new stately building was the crowning glory of his life. This new building was 244 feet in length and five stories high with a large glass area on its roof known as the solarium. Made of the finest red brick, it originally had copper paneled peak towers. This new facility featured gas and electric lighting as well as the latest medical tool available. The medical staff was increased and guests flocked to the Sanitarium.
The Doctor, weakened by the long hours of dedicated work, began in the late 1880’s to take winter vacations in Florida. Here he developed a home away from home and brought new life to the area of central Florida with his orange groves and spiritual outlook …… but that is another story.
At Clifton Springs, the growth of Doctor Fosters facility had a direct effect on Village growth. As patients flocked here, there arose in the Village new shops and businesses to provide for their every need. Food, Hardware, livery, clothes, shoes, jewelry, schools, churches and just about everything you can think of came into being. Almost the entire community was connected in some wat with the institution.
Photos…
Dr Henry Foster, Wooden Sanitarium, first Brick Sanitarium, As it is Today
