From Ellington to Genesis
Before the 1930s, healthcare in the Atlanta area was provided primarily by home-based doctors such as Dr. Thomas Howe, who traveled to see patients by horse and buggy. Medical care during this period was personal and mobile, reflecting the rural nature of the community.
In May 1936, two physicians, Dr. Joe D. Nichols and Dr. E. W. Grumbles, combined their skills to establish Ellington Memorial Hospital, an 11-bed facility. The following year, a home for the six Ellington nurses was built behind the hospital, making an early effort to provide comprehensive care and accommodation for medical staff.
On March 1, 1949, Dr. Joe’s brother, Dr. T. K. Nichols, acquired Dr. Grumbles’ interests and joined the hospital staff. As patient demand grew, the hospital expanded to 24 beds. The need for additional physicians became evident, and in 1951, Dr. Blocker Joslin joined the team. Continued population growth led to further enlargement, with the hospital reaching 31 beds and employing six physicians, including Dr. W. D. Flory, Dr. Thomas W. Taylor, and later Dr. Joe’s son, Dr. Dan Nichols.
The area experienced significant population increases due to the oil industry and the construction of the International Paper mill. In response, a new public hospital was built using federal funds, bond sales, and matched donations. Atlanta Memorial Hospital opened its doors on March 1, 1972, providing expanded healthcare services to the growing community. With the opening of Atlanta Memorial Hospital, Ellington Memorial Hospital transitioned into Ellington Memorial Clinic— a modern medical facility equipped with space for a larger staff, X-ray, and laboratory services. As the staff grew, Dr. Joe Nichols focused on his nutritional organization, Natural Food Associates. At the same time, his son, Dr. Dan Nichols, became the lead physician at the clinic and held this position until his retirement in 2022 – marking the first time that a member of the Nichols family was not a part of the clinic since 1936.
In 1996, an addition was built adjacent to Atlanta Memorial Hospital, further expanding the clinic’s testing and X-ray capabilities. The new space accommodated more doctors, larger waiting areas, and an expanded laboratory. As a result of this move, the original building across from the First Baptist Church was left vacant. Eventually, the church at the corner of Hiram and Baker purchased the property and converted it into a parking lot.
Atlanta Memorial Hospital was acquired by Christus St. Michael in 2013, and in 2015, Genesis PrimeCare of Marshall, Texas purchased the clinic to form Genesis Prime Care - Ellington Clinic. The latest transition will be completed in December 2026, marking 90 years since the original facility was established on Hiram Street. The move to the Brooks Hospital location will return healthcare services to the heart of Atlanta, completing a full circle in the community’s healthcare journey. Current clinicians: Lloyd M. Fruge, MD; Kish Carlton, MD; Antoinette Riley, DNP FMP-DCNP; Sherrie Fitts, FNP PNP; Kelli Thompson, APRN, FNP-C; Kayla Underwood, DNP, FNP-BC; Stephen Erlewine, APRN, FNP-C – Walk-In Clinic; Deborah James, LCDC, LPC – Behavioral Health; Vanessa Satterfield, LPC – Behavioral Health. Practice Manager – Jim Rhodes.