1905 & 1922 - J.C.R.S. Sanitorium/New York Ladies Auxiliary - Lakewood, CO - Dated Buildings and Cornerstones on Waymarking.com

This cornerstone was saved from remodeling of original J.C.R.S. structure. The sanatorium, built in 1922, is now a non-profit, community corrections agency (ICSS). I have uploaded a historic photo that shows tuberculosis patients enjoying Colorado's dry air and sunshine on the former balconies of this building.

"In the early 1900s, the West Colfax Jewish immigrant neighborhood was also augmented by an influx of impoverished immigrant Jews who came to “chase the cure” to seek a remedy for tuberculosis, the leading cause of death in the United States at that time. Colorado, with its dry and sunny climate, drew tuberculosis victims like a magnet and soon earned the nickname of “The World’s Sanatorium.” Since no publicly supported institutions for consumptives' existed at the turn of the century, the challenge of adequate care for these people was left to private institutions. The Jewish community was the first to come to their aid with the founding of the formally non-sectarian National Jewish Hospital for Consumptives', which opened in 1899. Founded largely by acculturated, well- to-do German Reform Jews in Denver, the sanatorium treated all patients free of charge. Its motto was “None May Enter Who Can Pay, None Can Pay Who Enter,” reflecting its benevolent origins. However, NJH generally treated only patients with incipient tuberculosis and lacked a kosher kitchen in the early years. Moreover, many of the East European immigrant Jews felt their German co-religionists often acted in a condescending manner to the newcomers who brought with them their “Old World” manners, language, religious customs, and dress." (from (visit link) )

The J.C.R.S. campus has been preserved and the buildings are now the campus of the Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design. Tuberculosis had a great impact on the history of Colorado as many sufferers came to our dry climate for a cure (remember 'Doc' Holliday of OK Corral fame (visit link) ). Other resources include (visit link) and (visit link) .

Year of construction: 1905 Full inscription: [original cornerstone] JEWISH CONSUMPTIVES RELIEF SOCIETY SEPT 1905 [plaque above west facing doors] 5682 ERECTED BY THE 1922 NEW YORK LADIES AUXILIARY Cross-listed waymark: Not listed

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