Louisville’s iconic Waverly Hills Sanatorium turned 100 this October, marking a century since the doors first opened to treat tuberculosis patients in Jefferson County. While the site is now famous for its haunted tours, its original purpose was deeply rooted in community service and public health.
From a lifesaving facility to a historic landmark
When Waverly Hills began operating in October 1926, the region was battling a severe tuberculosis outbreak. The sanatorium quickly filled to capacity—”the second day they were completely full of 500 patients,” owner Charlie Mattingly recalled—demonstrating the urgent need for a dedicated care center.
In its early years, the facility provided not only medical treatment but also a sense of hope. Mattingly noted that staff organized a Halloween celebration just a week and a half after opening, aiming to lift patients’ spirits during a time of great uncertainty.
Personal connections drive preservation
Mattingly’s commitment to preserving Waverly Hills stems from a personal family history. His father was a child patient at the sanatorium, and the emotional impact of that experience motivated Mattingly to begin restoration work more than 25 years ago. “When he saw the place, you know, he just about went into tears and his voice was breaking,” Mattingly said.
After the sanatorium closed in 1961—thanks to advances that reduced tuberculosis cases—the building fell into disrepair. “There were no doors, no windows, no electricity, no plumbing,” Mattingly described, noting that the structure had become essentially a shell.
Restoration and community support
Today, Mattingly continues the painstaking restoration, balancing historical integrity with modern safety standards. The property’s seasonal haunted house, a popular attraction, helps fund ongoing upgrades. Proceeds from the two remaining haunted‑house nights this season will support year‑round maintenance and further restoration work.
Mattingly hopes future generations will carry the torch. “The next guy that walks in, hopefully he can walk in behind what I did and finish all this up,” he said, emphasizing the importance of stewardship.
Remembering the patients
Former patients and their families often share stories of gratitude. One former resident recalled, “I was up here as a child and if it wasn’t for Waverly, I never would have made it,” underscoring the sanatorium’s role in saving lives.
As Louisville reflects on this centennial, the narrative shifts from ghost stories to a celebration of the facility’s original mission: providing care, comfort, and hope to those in need. The ongoing restoration ensures that both the physical structure and the legacy of compassion endure for another hundred years.
Original reporting: WLKY Louisville — read the source article.
