1935

Group of citizens meet at the Public Service Company offices in Manchester, NH to organize the "NH Society for Crippled Children" — supports regional clinics conducted by the state's first orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Ezra A. Jones.

1936

Society incorporates as a non-profit organization. Hires first "Executive Secretary," Jay Corliss.

1937

Full-time office opened at the Community Council headquarters in Nashua, NH. Society successfully petitions State Legislature to appropriate increased funding for crippled children.

1939

NH State Legislature passes Society-sponsored bill providing basic education for physically handicapped, paving way for other states.

1940

Name changes to "NH Society for Crippled Children and Handicapped Persons" upon merging with "NH Foundation for the Deaf."

1943

Vision of a "restoration hospital" for crippled children gains momentum with purchase of 600-acre Russell Farm on Crotched Mountain in Greenfield, NH. Society opens training center and store in Manchester, NH, the beginnings of what would become the Easter Seal Society of NH.

1944

The Kiwanis Club and Society open rehabilitation center in Portsmouth, NH. Society also starts brace shop in Hooksett, NH, now independently operated as New England Brace Co. First major contribution toward building the Children's Center at Crotched Mountain is received from NH philanthropist, Sceva Speare.

1948

Initial building fund completed and $1 million endowment campaign begins to support the future Crotched Mountain Rehabilitation Center (CMRC).

1950

Main buildings of Children's Center constructed.

1952

Catherwood Physical Medical Wing added. Famed illustrators Elizabeth Orton Jones and Nora Unwin design dormitory murals.

1953

CMRC opens its 40-bed Children's Center, initially serving local children in need of polio-related treatment. Society renamed "Crotched Mountain Foundation."

1954

Carter Memorial Meeting House built at CMRC, providing space for public education and community activities.

1955

CMRC opens School for the Deaf; oral instruction taught for nearly 25 years.

1956

Gymnasium and chapel added to CMRC, starting the therapeutic recreation and chaplaincy programs. Clinical program for nurses started.

1961

CMRC opens new Adult Center, offering vocational and residential services.

1963

School of Special Education, serving children with multiple disabilities as well as learning disorders, and Audiology Clinic open at CMRC.

1964

Boston meteorologist Don Kent begins featuring Crotched Mountain students on his broadcasts.

1965

Crotched Mountain hosts first annual New England Wheelchair Games.

1966

Driver Education and Early Intervention programs begin.

1970

Crotched Mountain's "Mobile Vocational Assessment Laboratory" brings evaluation services to communities throughout NH.

1971

First annual Antique Auto Show hosted, a tradition that would last more than a decade. Ailsa Mellon Bruce Medical Wing, "The Cedars" staff residence and the Clark Grandchildren Playgrounds dedicated at CMRC.

1972

Founder, Harry Alan Gregg dies at the age of 88. School for the Deaf and School of Special Education unified as the "Crotched Mountain School."

1976

Horticultural Center built at CMRC, featuring a wheelchair-accessible greenhouse.

1978

On-site dental clinic opens at CMRC.