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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 605 Collections and/or Records:

Biographical Newspaper Clippings and Speech, 1900-1942

 Series
Identifier: B242.01
Scope and Contents Materials include photocopies of the 1899-1900 and 1900-1901 Jewish Year Book entries for Seraphine Pisko as president of the Hebrew Ladies' Benevolent Society and president of the Jewish Relief Society, a photocopy of a Denver Times newspaper clipping about Seraphine Pisko's fundraising efforts for National Jewish Hospital (1901), a photocopy of her obituary in the Rocky Mountain News (1942), and a facsimile transcription of a speech written to honor her at her 75th birthday party in...
Dates: 1900-1942

Biographical Newspaper Clippings and Speech, between 1900-1942

 File
Identifier: B242.01.0001.0001
Abstract The folder include photocopies of the 1899-1900 and 1900-1901 Jewish Year Book entries for Seraphine Pisko as president of the Hebrew Ladies' Benevolent Society and president of the Jewish Relief Society, a photocopy of a Denver Times newspaper clipping about Seraphine Pisko's fundraising efforts for National Jewish Hospital (1901), a photocopy of her obituary in the Rocky Mountain News (1942), and a facsimile transcription of a speech (circa 1931) written to honor her at an anniversary...
Dates: between 1900-1942

Bird's-Eye-View of National Jewish Hospital, between 1899-1920

 Item
Identifier: B063.03.0036.00048
Abstract

Hand drawn view of the National Jewish Hospital campus on Colorado and Colfax, Denver, Colorado.

Dates: between 1899-1920

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

Blood Donors CU Students at Blood Bank (Neg.), c.1954-1955

 File
Identifier: B005.07.0238.0032
Abstract

Thirteen (13) large format black and white negatives of CU students at a National Jewish Hospital blood bank.

Dates: c.1954-1955

Blood Donors Masonic Lodge, c.1954

 File
Identifier: B005.07.0238.0031
Abstract

Four (4) envelopes of 8x10 black and white photographs totalling 53: 11 labeled, 11 labeled, 11 labeled, 20 mostly labeled. Seven (7) large format black and white negatives approximately 35 negatives. People in photographs are members of Masonic Lodges and are eating.

Dates: c.1954

Blood Donors Masonic Lodges, June to September 1954

 File
Identifier: B005.07.0238.0030
Abstract

Eighteen (18) 8x10 black and white photographs of blood donors at Masonic Lodges giving blood and eating. Some individuals included Dr. Frank M. Cline, Dr. Kleiger, and Dr. Labarr. Many of the photographs have descriptions of who is pictured and what lodge they were from. Seven (7) envelopes of large format black and white negatives, which is approximately 20 negatives, of the photographs.

Dates: June to September 1954

Blood Donors Masonic Lodges (Neg.), February, 1955

 File
Identifier: B005.07.0238.0033
Abstract

Six (6) large format black and white negatives of Palestine and Liberty Masonic Lodge blood donors. There are pages included that list the individuals in the photographs. Three (3) large format black and white negatives of Malta, Lakewood and Golden Masonic Lodge blood donors. There are pages included that list the individuals in the photographs. Eight (8) large format black and white negatives of blood donors.

Dates: February, 1955

B'nai B'rith 171, 1956 April 25

 Item
Identifier: B063.04.0004.00072
Abstract

Martin M. Gluchow, president of B'nai B'rith District Grand Lodge #2, stands with a young boy, a patient at National Jewish Hospital, who is standing in a crib wearing Gluchow's glasses.

Dates: 1956 April 25

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