The Vail Sanitarium and the Strange Disappearance of Samuel F. Crowell

Return to the Enfield of the early 1900s and learn about Edwin Smith Vail and Elmcroft, the Sanitarium Dr. Vail established in 1890 for the treatment and care of patients with nervous and mental disease.

As stated in an advertisement, the facility was “situated in the beautiful New England town of Enfield on the N.Y., N.H., & H. R.R. Fifty acres of shaded lawns, orchards, and meadowlands with the number of patients limited to fifteen.”

Author and Enfield Historical Society president Peter F. Sorenson’s presentation will additionally focus on the circumstances around which one patient disappeared from the facility, the efforts to locate him, and the possible reason for his death.

This presentation is open to the public.  Anyone with an interest in Enfield history is welcome to attend.

The Enfield Historical Society is an all-volunteer non-profit organization that has preserved and shared Enfield’s history for more than 60 years.  New members are always needed and greatly appreciated.  Everyone is welcome.  You don’t need to be a historian or Enfield native to join.  Become a member today!