Our proud Masonic heritage
In 1908, the Grand Lodge of Masons in Massachusetts pooled their resources to purchase The Overlook Hotel in Charlton, MA. They wanted to open a nursing home to care for the sick and aged Masonic brethren and their families while promoting quality health and services statewide. The Masons also agreed the Grand Lodge should provide a continuum of housing, community, and healthcare as part of its mission. From this vision, the Masonic Health System was born.
Since 1911, The Overlook has enjoyed expansive growth and progress. While we remain proud of our Masonic heritage, our team serves Masons and non-Masons, promoting inclusivity and exceptional healthcare for everyone.
With that in mind, here’s a timeline of The Overlook’s history:
1908
1911
The Masonic Home was dedicated with appropriate ceremonies on May 25, 1911. The first Resident, Mr. Taylor arrived in October. By the end of 1911, thirteen men and one woman were living at the Home.
1924
The Williams Building provided an additional fifty rooms and contained a solarium, smoking and card room, barber shop, dental room, kitchen, doctor’s consultation room and fifteen-bed infirmary.
1929
The Davenport Building, the second dormitory added to the Masonic Home, provided space for an additional 68 residents. The installation included a solarium, auditorium, laundry room, and a dairy room for the barn. In 1975, 44 private nursing home beds were added to the north end of the infirmary wing.
1995
Masonic Home tears down Nursing Home (Williams Building) and builds a new Health Center, The Overlook Masonic Health Center.
2000
The Overlook added Home Health to its continuum with the acquisition of Mariner Health Care Home Health division in New Bedford, MA, a full-service Medicare and Medicaid home health agency offering specialized services and programs throughout Massachusetts.
2003
A new, state-of-the-art 112-bed private room Skilled Nursing Facility offers long-term, dementia-related care and comprehensive nursing around-the-clock.
2004
The Overlook turned over 27 skilled nursing beds to sub-acute care beds prior to the Health Center being occupied. This newly constructed state-of-the-art unit offers private rooms with private bathrooms, restaurant-style dining, and modern rehabilitation equipment and programming.
2005
The Overlook expanded Home Health to include hospice services by purchasing Harrington Hospital’s home care and hospice division.
2006
The Overlook added Independent Living to the campus, which comprised 207 apartments and 14 stand-alone cottages, and many amenities. The amenities include onsite restaurants, a fitness center and pool, and a theater.
2009
Overlook Care, established in 1999 as one of Massachusetts's first care management practices, was acquired by Overlook Visiting Nurse Association, offering consultation, advocacy, and resources for elders.
2015
Fieldstone at The Overlook is a private pay, Assisted Living, 14-bed neighborhood for those with memory-related impairments.
2019
The Overlook Vista Adult Day program
2021
An Inviting Community for the Next Phase of Life
At The Overlook, we help residents, patients, and clients take the stress and hard work out of life. We simplify the good life, making it more convenient, effortless, and easy. As part of the Masonic Health System’s continuum of health services, The Overlook strives to help residents, patients, and clients enjoy abundant, vital, exciting lives via a strong community and an ongoing commitment to exceptional care.
Want to learn more about The Overlook? Visit us in person to get the full experience.