Highland Hospital

Asheville, North Carolina was a deliberate choice by founder Robert S. Carroll for the location of Highland Hospital. The guiding principle of Dr. Carroll’s care philosophy was occupational therapy, especially outdoor activity. This mountain town was selected for its moderate climate and beautiful natural setting. In her speech “Highland Hospital Revisited,” Dr. Evelyn Parker Ivey explained that “patients were assured of 330 outdoor days in which they could exercise outdoors, thereby augmenting the oxygen supply to their sick brains.”

The aesthetically pleasing hospital complex consisted of several buildings each equipped to serve the needs of parts of the patient population. Around 1944 it included the Central Building, Oak Lodge, Brushwood Bungalow, and Highland Hall.

The Central Building (Women’s Building) contained an assembly hall, hydrotherapy and culinary departments, examination/treatment rooms, and offices. In 1948, it was badly damaged by fire. Oak Lodge was created mainly for male patients and offered a large clubroom, woodsy views, and large porches. Brushwood Bungalow was intended for patients to occupy private, exclusive suites. Patient rooms and suites were also located within Highland Hall.

Another building was the Homewood, which offered a place for convalescing patients to receive special education and close observation. As more of the surrounding property was acquired, buildings were added including staff housing and Carroll-Potter Hall.