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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 5 Collections and/or Records:

Box 216 (Annual Dinners), 1949-1989

 File — Box B005.06.0216: Series B005.06 [Barcode: U186020757017]
Identifier: B005.06.0216
Abstract

Annual Dinner Journals, invitations and dinner related materials; audio reel of 1974 Diamond Jubilee Dinner honoring trustees

Dates: 1949-1989

David S. Lehman Obituary, 1915 April 22

 Item
Identifier: B091.03.0001.0004.00001
Abstract

Copy of Obituary of David S. Lehman, who was vice president and chairman of the finance committee of the National Jewish Hospital. Ending part of obituary is missing.

Dates: 1915 April 22

Milton Anfenger Scrapbook, 1903-1913

 Item
Identifier: B091.01.0002.00001
Abstract

Milton Anfenger scrapbook containing newspaper clippings, photographs, invitations, and programs about his political life, work as an attorney, and participation in many organizations. It also covers Milton Anfenger when he was in the Colorado militia during the 1904-1905 miner strikes in Cripple Creek.

Dates: 1903-1913

National Jewish Hospital Tribute to Milton L. Anfenger Program, 1949 September 2

 Item
Identifier: B091.03.0001.0004.00002
Abstract

Program for the seventy-fifth birthday dinner for Milton L. Anfenger given by the board of National Jewish Hospital and held at Green Gables Country Club in Denver, Colorado. Milton Anfenger was president of the National Jewish Hospital Board from 1945-1952 and was also a Colorado state senator and an attorney.

Dates: 1949 September 2

Seraphine Pisko 75th Birthday Program, 1936 January 5

 Item
Identifier: B242.02.0001.0002.00002
Abstract Program for Seraphine Pisko's seventy-fifth birthday anniversary dinner held by the board of managers of the National Jewish Hospital at Denver. The Dinner was held at the Brown Palace Hotel in Denver, Colorado. Rabbi William S. Friedman was the toastmaster and a number of people spoke on Seraphine Pisko's career. Seraphine Eppstein Pisko (1861-1942) began working at National Jewish Hospital for Consumptives as a field secretary, fund raiser, in 1900. In 1911 she became the...
Dates: 1936 January 5