Founded as the MonteFiore Home for Chronic Invalids, only patients with incurable diseases and long-term illnesses were admitted for care. Often patients were here for months, if not years. The Ladies’ Auxiliary provided entertainment for all patients and education for the children with the NYC Board of Education supplying a teacher. The adult patients published their own paper, the Montefiore Echo. Radio shows were broadcast live from the hospital with stars like Ethel Merman. Harry M. Warner, a Montefiore Trustee, donated equipment for talking pictures and built a movie hall for the patients. Special meals and entertainment were provided during holidays to remove the sting of being away from home. This tradition continues today with a myriad of visitors and activities arranged year round for the patients at the CHAM.

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