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National Jewish Hospital (U.S.)

 Organization

Dates

  • Usage: 1926 - 1964

Biography

In the late nineteenth century, Denver, Colorado, faced a severe social problem when hundreds of people severely ill with tuberculosis converged on the city, attracted by the reputation Denver had already acquired as the "world's sanatorium." Because of the onslaught of consumptives, beds for patients in city and state general hospitals were so scarce that the poor were frequently left to their own devices, often dying in the streets. One of the first people to conceive of a free hospital for the indigent tuberculosis victims in Denver was Frances Wisebart Jacobs. She launched a relentless campaign to arouse public awareness on behalf of the indigent consumptives, seeking the support of business people and political leaders to raise funds for a new hospital. Jacobs found an ally in a young rabbi, William Sterne Friedman. Rabbi Friedman enlisted the financial support of some of the trustees of his congregation, Temple Emanuel, insisting that concern for the sick and indigent had always been a vital tenet of Jewish tradition. The original hospital, the Frances Jacobs Hospital, was not completed because of the silver panic of 1893. The hospital received financial assistance from the International Order of B'nai B'rith. This vital support came mainly through the efforts of Louis Anfenger, a local Jewish citizen who was also a founder of both Temple Emanuel and the Denver chapter of B'nai B'rith. National Jewish Hospital for Consumptives (NJH) opened its doors to Jews and gentiles alike in 1899 as the first sanatorium in Denver for tuberculosis victims. Samuel Grabfelder of Louisville, Kentucky served as president from 1899-1920; Seraphine Pisko was executive secretary (Director) from 1911-1938. Some of the physicians associated with the hospital included Dr. Saling Simon, Dr. Robert Levy, and Dr. John Elsner. The NJH adopted a program that emphasized the benefits of fresh air, proper nutrition, and rest.

As a result of national support, NJH introduced a revolutionary concept to tuberculosis treatment by offering free services to indigent consumptives. The motto was, "None can pay who enter, and None who enter can pay." Only patients with incipient tuberculosis, where treatment could be most effective, were to be admitted to NJH, and the length of stay was limited to six months. These conditions reflect the medical opinion of the time and the scarcity of hospital beds for consumptives. It was commonly thought that attempting to treat advanced cases only wasted time and money that could be more profitably directed toward patients who had a good chance of recovery. National Jewish Hospital for Consumptives changed its name several times, subsequently being known as National Jewish Hospital (1925-1964) and later becoming National Jewish Hospital and Research Center (1965-1977), National Jewish Hospital/National Asthma Center (after merging with National Asthma Center in 1978), and National Jewish Center for Immunology and Respiratory Medicine (1986-1996). In 1997, the organization changed its name to the National Jewish Medical and Research Center and focused on lung, allergic and immune diseases. It was renamed National Jewish Health in July 2008. The facility continues to treat patients from throughout the country, using cutting-edge medicine and research.

Found in 17 Collections and/or Records:

Abba Eban, Israeli Ambassador, 1955

 File
Identifier: B005.07.0238.0050
Abstract One (1) 8x10 black and white photograph of Abba Eban Ambassador from Israel with Phil Houtz. In addition, there is a leaflet of the photo with the heading "Israel Envoy Visits National Jewish Hospital" and the description "Thank you for your help to my fellow citizens' These are the words being inscribed in the visitors' book at the National Jewish Hospital at Denver by Abba Eban, Ambassador from Israel, during his recent visit to the Hospital. Looking on is Philip Houtz, NJH executive...
Dates: 1955

Blazing the Trail: An Early History of Denver’s Jewish Community, 2009

 Item
Identifier: B230.03.0023.00008
Abstract

Brief description of several early Jewish leaders of commerce, philanthropy, religion, and community as well as several Jewish lawyers, doctors, merchants, and politicians in Colorado.

Dates: 2009

B'nai B'rith 171 Blood Bank Committee, between 1950-1980

 Item
Identifier: B063.04.0004.00054
Abstract

Left to right: Jack Gelt, president Mile High Lodge #1783; Lloyd Kahn, chairman Blood Bank Committee Mile High Lodge; Myron Miller (Mickey) president Lodge 171; and David E. Harlem, chairman Blood Bank Committee of the Chest Disease Center pose together while making plans for the Blood Bank Program at National Jewish Hospital.

Dates: between 1950-1980

Dedication of the Frances Wisebart Jacobs Sculpture, 1987

 Item
Identifier: B063.05.0038.00044
Abstract

Jean and Milton Morris pose with the sculptress around the Frances Wisebart Jacobs sculpture during its dedication at National Jewish Hospital.

Dates: 1987

Dedication of the Frances Wisebart Jacobs Sculpture, 1987

 Item
Identifier: B063.05.0038.00045
Abstract

Relatives of Frances Wisebart Jacobs stand around the Frances Wisebart Jacobs statue in National Jewish Hospital during the dedication of the sculpture.

Dates: 1987

Dr. Emanuel Friedman Sitting at His Desk, 1908

 Item
Identifier: B288.01.0001.00003
Abstract

Dr. Emanuel Friedman, a pediatrician in Denver, Colorado, seated at his office desk. He originally came to Colorado because of tuberculosis. After recovering his health, he opened his office on West Colfax Avenue in the immigrant community and was one of Denver's first pediatricians. He graduated from Denver's Gross Medical College in 1904 and also served on the medical staff at National Jewish Hospital and the Jewish Consumptives' Relief Society.

Dates: 1908

Dr. Haskell Cohen, c.1955

 File
Identifier: B005.07.0238.0003
Abstract

One (1) 8x10 black and white photograph of Dr. Haskell Cohen, chairman of the medical advisory board of National Jewish Health.

Dates: c.1955

Dr. I. D. Bronfin, before 1934 July 31

 Item
Identifier: B063.04.0020.00020
Abstract

Formal portrait of Dr. Isadore D. Bronfin. Bronfin was medical director at both JCRS and National Jewish and the president of Jewish Family and Children's Services of Denver.

Dates: before 1934 July 31

Dr. Maurice Cohen, c.1955

 File
Identifier: B005.07.0238.0006
Abstract

One (1) black and white 8x10 photograph of Dr. Maurice Cohen National Jewish Hospital Chief Research Chemist in what appears to be his lab doing experiments. One (1) black and white large format negative of same photo.

Dates: c.1955

Group of Men at National Jewish Hospital, circa 1934

 Item
Identifier: B063.05.0041.00018
Abstract

Ten men stand in a row at National Jewish Hospital. Left to right are Earl Morris, Dr. Louis Adelman, Alfred Grauman, Dr. Charles Kaufman, Milton Guldman, Rabbi W.S. Friedman, Ed Johnson, Jacob Wolff, Walter Appel, and Sam Schaefer .

Dates: circa 1934