June 17, 2016 | Lauren Woods - Schools of Medicine and Dental Medicine

Town of Canton’s First Physician Honored by UConn Health

The legacy of Dr. Solomon Everest (1760-1822), the Town of Canton’s first physician, was honored on the grounds of UConn Health Canton on June 16.

Local leaders, doctors and staff present a plaque in honor of Dr. Solomon Everest, 'Father of Canton' at UConn Health Canton.

On June 16 the legacy of Dr. Solomon Everest (1760-1822), the Town of Canton’s first physician and “Father of Canton” was honored on the grounds of UConn Health Canton, the same land where he began practicing medicine in the late 1700s.

The special plaque honoring Dr. Solomon Everest was unveiled by UConn Health leadership team member from left, Anne Horbatuck, VP of ambulatory services State Rep. Tim LeGeyt Canton’s First Selectman Leslee Hill and Town of Canton's historian David Leff.
The unveiling of Dr. Solomon Everest’s plaque at UConn Health Canton. From left, VP of ambulatory services Anne Horbatuck, State Rep. Tim LeGeyt, Canton’s First Selectman Leslee Hill and Town of Canton’s historian David Leff.

The grounds of UConn Health Canton is on the exact location of Everest’s 1796 built home and where the well-regarded Revolutionary War physician and surgeon practiced medicine caring for the community for nearly 30 years. He is considered the “Father of Canton” since he was first on the petition to Connecticut’s General Assembly in 1806 asking to establish the town.

The special plaque honoring him was unveiled by UConn Health leadership team member Anne Horbatuck, VP of ambulatory services who was born and raised in the town, along with State Rep. Tim LeGeyt and Canton’s First Selectman Leslee Hill and other local leaders, UConn Health doctors and staff.

“UConn Health Canton is the location of Canton’s first physician. Today is such a special honor for me having grown up in Canton,” said Horbatuck at the plaque’s unveiling. “This plaque is in honor of Dr. Everest and all he did for the Canton community. Patients will now see the plaque every time they walk into the facility.”

“This might seem like an ordinary day but it’s a great day in Canton history,” said David Leff, the Town of Canton’s historian. “I would like to thank all at UConn Health who helped make this plaque a reality. I am also very grateful for our state and local officials.”

“I am a historian at heart. I am sure members of my family were his patients,” said LeGeyt. “The death of Dr. Everest was considered to be an irrevocable loss for the Canton community and the medical profession. But his work will continue here with UConn Health Canton and its urgent care.”

LeGeyt was instrumental in sharing the history of Dr. Everest with UConn Health and its leadership team at the ribbon-cutting held for the new facility in October 2015.

“The history is just phenomenal. We worked together with State Rep. LeGeyt for a way to honor Dr. Everest,” added Horbatuck.

First Selectman Leslee Hill shared, “It’s wonderful to have UConn Health part of Canton offering valuable healthcare to Canton and the surrounding communities. The fact that UConn Health is willing to honor Dr. Everest should really be commended.”

A painted image of Everest adorns the plaque which reads: “First built on this spot in 1796, the home and medical office of Canton’s first physician, Dr. Solomon Everest, who practiced at this location for more than a quarter century.”

Special plaque honoring Dr. Solomon Everest, the Town of Canton's first physician.
Special plaque honoring Dr. Solomon Everest, the Town of Canton’s first physician.

In spring 2015 UConn Health opened its UConn Health Canton’s medical offices and urgent care located at 117 Albany Turnpike. The 17,000 square-foot facility offers patient healthcare services for both walk-in urgent care needs, and scheduled primary care, cardiology, dermatology, MOHs surgery, and radiology, with conveniently located X-ray and blood-draw stations.

Also, this summer UConn Health Canton will begin offering obstetrics and gynecology services.

The facility has served patients from over 100 towns and communities with the majority of patients coming from Canton and nearby Avon, New Hartford, Simsbury, Torrington and Winsted.

 

For more information about UConn Health Canton, visit: http://uchc.edu/patients/canton/