Myth:
Some have claimed that accurate records of deaths at Waverly Hills were never maintained because the staff were dying off too fast to keep reliable records.
Reality:
The death records were primarily maintained by the medical director. The records that we have show that many staff members remained employed at Waverly for many years.
Dr. Dunning S. Wilson (1911–1917) Medical Director - Left Waverly but continued in his career
Dr. Oscar O. Miller (1918-1930) Medical Director - Left Waverly in protest over the state taking over
Dr. Alvin B. Mullen (1926-1961) Physician / Medical Director - Stayed until the closing of the hospital
Dr. Orville O. Ballard (1928-1961) Director of “colored division” - Stayed until the closing of the hospital
Just to name a few. As you can easily see, this myth is totally false.
Also note that the staff members listed above left Waverly for various reasons but none by death.