HARRY-ANNA HOME FOR
CRIPPLED CHILDREN

By  Mike Miller February 16, 2025

The Harry-Anna Hospital, officially known as the Harry-Anna Home for Crippled Children, was established in 1931 in Umatilla, Florida.

The institution was the brainchild of David Sholtz, a member of the Florida Elks and later Governor of Florida, and Harry R.P. Miller, a financier from Eustis.

Their shared vision was to create a facility dedicated to providing free medical care to children with orthopedic conditions.

Vintage Postcard
Harry-Anna Hospital

The hospital found its home in a generous donation from Harry and his wife, Anna Miller. They gifted a three-story hotel they owned in Umatilla, along with several orange groves, to the Florida State Elks Association.

This benevolent act led to the naming of the facility as the Harry-Anna Home for Crippled Children, combining the names of its benefactors.

The Florida State Elks Association took on the responsibility of operating the hospital. Their commitment ensured that children from across Florida received necessary medical treatments without financial burden.

Harry-Anna Hospital Iron Lung Patient

In the late 1960s, the facility evolved into a specialized pediatric orthopedic hospital, reflecting advancements in medical care and a broader mission.

By 1976, the original building, despite its historical significance, required extensive repairs. The decision was made to demolish it and construct a modern facility.

During this transition, patients were temporarily relocated to what is now Eustis Manor. The new hospital was completed in July 1977, funded entirely through private donations, predominantly from Elks members.

The Elks organization was established in New York City in 1868 and now has more than 750,000 members in almost 2,000 lodges.

Although the Florida Elks Children's Hospital eventually closed, the legacy of the Harry-Anna Hospital endures through the Harry-Anna Trust Fund.

This fund continues to support charitable projects, including children's therapy services and youth programs, ensuring that the Miller's philanthropic spirit lives on.