Drs. Elizabeth and Scott Robinson, co-owners of Robinson Dental Care in Wayland, finally have given up on reopening Wayland Family Dentistry at 404 W. Superior St.
The practice, targeted to lower income residents in Wayland and vicinity, was shuttered just about a year ago when the Covid-19 viral pandemic began. The building was empty and not used for business all year, and finally a “for sale” sign appeared in the yard late last month.
The Robinsons bought the practice of Dr. Carol Elve and in 2013 began making plans to move into a new facility on Reno Drive. The equipment and furniture remained at the West Superior site and Wayland Family Dentistry was intended to offer affordable services to residents who use Medicaid.
However, a couple of years ago the Medicaid funding dried up.
“We still see Medicaid patients in this office (on Reno Drive),” said Erin Fowler, treatment coordinator. “We’ve taken some things out of the old office. We’ll keep some and donate some.”
Dr. Elizabeth Robinson, responding last year to speculation that Wayland Family Dentisry was closing, said, “It is not closed permanently. Robinson Dental has always subsidized Wayland Family Dental and with COVID, we didn’t have enough revenue coming in from our practice to keep it open. With limited resources right now and the extra expenses related to COVID, we’re trying to get back on our feet first.
“We also used to have a good partnership with the state for extra Medicaid help, but those funds are no longer coming in. Right now, we’re seeing Wayland Family Dentistry (WFD) patients at Robinson Dental two days/week
“We are constantly reassessing our options. We look forward to the day we can return to being the only private practice Medicaid provider in the county.”
Unfortunately, the plan did not work out.
Wayland Family Dentistry opened in 2015 with the purpose of serving patients who struggled to afford dental care. It was the site of a special free dental care day in September 2016.
However, the clinic earlier this year informed many patients it could no longer accept Medicaid clients, the economic engine for keeping the clinic open.
The 404 West Superior St. location, as expected, has a history. Dental hygienist Polly Thompson, who has served Drs. Elve and the Robinsons for more than 25 years, said the house long ago was home to three spinster sisters, Hazel, Viola and Irma Hazen and it later served the community as a funeral home.
Dr. Elve opened her practice there about 40 years ago.
My Name is Jim Hazen. My parents, Alden and Harriet Hazen purchased 404 West Superior Street in 1940 for $1500. At that time it was estate property and being rented by the Harrington family. Mrs. Harrington operated a “Beauty Parlor” in the living room of the home. Originally, there was a porch on the East side of the house and it wrapped around to the front. There were two entrance doors, the current entrance facing West Superior Street and another facing Park Street which lead directly into the front room. This was ideal, combined with its location for a number of purposes.
The home was built in 1900 by the Vice President of the Wayland State Bank. In the teens and early twenties, it was the home and office of Dr. Slater, an osteopathic physician. During his residency, my Father, Alden Hazen, was treated in his office. In the mid to late twenties, it became Holiday Funeral home. At some point during its early years, the house went into foreclosure at least once, possibly more than once. During the 1930s it fell on hard times and was owned by an older lady who ran a rooming house. As a child, discovered in the basement the wooden sign she used, “ Rooms for Rent”. My parents took residency in 1941 and lived there until 1985 when they sold it to Dr. Elve. During their tenure, they made many improvements on the property. On Fourth of July 1969 the City of Wayland’s firework display resulted in a fire which started on the roof of the house and did considerable damage. Of course, I have many fond memories of growing up in there. We had many wonderful neighbors who became life long friends of our family, including Diane and JL Smith who are still friends today.
Error in my email address. Correct email is Hazelj1026@sbcglobal.net
What an interesting account! Thanks for sharing dad. I also have fond memories of visiting grandma and grandpa at that home when I was young. Playing in the park and going to Harding’s market we’re daily adventures. I also fondly remember the lilac trees that were in the yard.
Ah yes, as a small child, 404 W Superior is where my life-long love of lilacs began! I have fond memories of my grandparents walking my sister and I to the Wayland City Park for some serious swing set time. Sincerely, Jim’s other daughter, A.