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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 595 Collections and/or Records:

Judge William Douglas, c.1955

 File
Identifier: B005.07.0238.0047
Abstract

One (1) 8x10 black and white photograph of Judge William Douglas with signature on photograph.

Dates: c.1955

Judith Ann Freed of Rye, NY visits NJH, c.1955

 File
Identifier: B005.07.0238.0085
Abstract

One (1) 8x10 black and white photograph Judith Ann Freed of Rye, New York visits National Jewish Hospital. One (1) large format black and white negative of same photo.

Dates: c.1955

Justin Dart (neg only) , June, 1954

 File
Identifier: B005.07.0238.0035
Abstract

One (1) large format black and white negative of Justin Dart with signature. One (1) 35mm black and white negative of same photograph.

Dates: June, 1954

Kathryn Eber , c.1955

 File
Identifier: B005.07.0238.0051
Abstract

One (1) 5x7 black and white photograph of Kathryn Eber.

Dates: c.1955

Kenneth Collins, VP Burlington Industries, February 1958

 File
Identifier: B005.07.0238.0014
Abstract One (1) 8x10 black and white photograph of Kenneth Collins being presented an award by Mrs. Adela De Geus and David Mahler. Contained within the folder is a publicity release describing the photo from Eli Jeffe the New York Publicity Director. "Kenneth Collins, (center) vice-president of Burlington Industries, Inc., is awarded a testimonial scroll for his "distinguished philanthropic service to the needy tuberculous of all faiths" by Mrs. Adela De Geus, a former patient at the National...
Dates: February 1958

Letter from Holzman Lodge #315, O.B.A. to National Jewish Hospital, 1905 January 1

 Item
Identifier: B002.01.0097.0083.00010
Abstract

Typed letter from JCRS to National Jewish Hospital, dated January 1, 1905. The letter passes thanks from the Holzman Lodge #315 for admission of Hyman Wolfson. The letter is signed William Blumberg.

Dates: 1905 January 1

Letter from Lee K. Frankel to Dr. Spivak, 1906 August 20

 Item
Identifier: B002.01.0097.0200.00002
Abstract

Typed letter from Lee K. Frankel to Dr. Spivak, on August 20th, 1906, with "The United Hewbrew Charities of the City of New York" letterhead. The letter informs Dr. Spivak that a relative of Albert Herrman wrote to Mr. Frankel about Mr. Herrman's health. Mr. Frankel asks if it would be possible to admit Mr. Herrman to JCRS because he cannot go to the National Jewish Hospital. The letter is signed Lee K. Frankel.

Dates: 1906 August 20

Lewisohn Chapel, National Jewish Hospital, between 1906-1950

 Item
Identifier: B063.06.0014.00007
Abstract

Exterior view of the Lewisohn Chapel; Chapel established in 1906 for patients at National Jewish Hospital, Denver, Colo.

Dates: between 1906-1950

Lewisohn Chapel, National Jewish Hospital, between 1906-1950

 Item
Identifier: B063.03.0036.00027
Abstract

Exterior view of the Lewisohn Chapel; Chapel established in 1906 for patients at National Jewish Hospital, Denver, Colo.

Dates: between 1906-1950

Lila Edwards, of Portland , September 22,1954

 File
Identifier: B005.07.0238.0055
Abstract

One (1) 6x7 black and white photograph of Lila Edwards of Portland, Oregon. One (1) 8x10 black and white photgraph of Lila Edwards visiting the National Jewish Hospital and feeding children in a nursey. One (1) large format black and white negative of the photo.

Dates: September 22,1954