Spivak, C. D. (Charles D.), 1861-1927
Biography
A Jewish Immigrant from Tsarist Russia, Spivak pursued medicine out of a desire to be of service to humanity. In 1896, when his wife Jennie showed signs of incipient tuberculosis, Spivak moved their young family to Denver to take advantage of Colorado’s reputation as the World’s Sanatorium. Spivak's concern for the indignant consumptives he saw flooding into the state led to his founding the Jewish Consumptives’ Relief Society (JCRS), a sanatorium dedicated to the care of all, even those in the advanced stages of TB. Spivak also ensured that the primarily Eastern European Jewish patients were cared for in an environment that respected their culture- unlike many such institutions, the JCRS featured a kosher kitchen and observed the Jewish Sabbath and holidays. Dr. Spivak was also an associate professor of medicine at the University of Denver from 1896-1901.
Citation:
Leḳsiḳon fun der nayer Yidisher liṭeraṭur, 1965 (Spiṿaḳ, Ḥayim; d. 10-16-1927; b. as Ḥayim-Ḥayḳl Spiṿaḳoṿsḳi; d. in Denver, Colorado) Yehoash. Idish ṿerṭerbukh, 1926: t.p. (Dr. Ḥayim Spiṿaḳ) t.p. verso (Dr. C. D. Spivak [in rom.]) Who's who in American Jewry, 1926 (Spivak, Charles; physician, author; b. 12-25-1861, Krementschug, Russia).Found in 412 Collections and/or Records:
Mrs. R. Zeeve Bed Dedication at the Jewish Consumptives' Relief Society, after 1926
Newman Cowen Bed Dedication, after 1912
Note, 1911 October 18
Typed noted from C.D. Spivak that states that Dr. Schwatt reported through the phone that Max Schaeffer is very sick with a temperature of 103 degrees. Schwatt advised an early admission for Schaeffer.
Note, 1912 July 8
Note from C.D. Spivak that explains Mr. Ferstendig called his office and told him he is in bad condition. The note also advises to admit Ferstendig as an emeregency case next week.
Note, 1912 July 25
Note regarding the ninety cents left behind from Hyman Daily after his death. The ninety cents was donated to the JCRS Treasurer and recorded in the G.B. of Life on page 1853.
Note from S.Y. to C.D. Spivak, 1912 January 25
Note from a doctor at the sanatorium with the initials S.Y. to C.D. Spivak. The doctor tells Spivak that Henry Schnoor's condition is bad and he recently had a hemorrhage. The doctor also tells Spivak that Dr. Schwatt thinks Schnoor will never be discharged.
Oral History Interview with Deena Spivak Strauss, 1982 March 13
Deena Spivak Strauss discusses her early life and her father Dr. Charles Spivak, a founder, medical advisor, and executive secretary of the Jewish Consumptives' Relief Society (JCRS). She also talks about the Jewish Consumptives' Relief Society and her travels as a field worker for JCRS.
Oral History Interview with Henry "Ruby" Rubenstein, 1979 April 2
Interview covers Henry (aka Ruby) Rubenstein's arrival in Denver from Russia by himself at the age of 14. He was also a patient at JCRS and later an employee. He talks about his memories of Dr. Charles Spivak, patients, living and working at JCRS and JCRS events.
Original Office of the Jewish Consumptives' Relief Society, circa 1915
Patient Distribution Map, 1949
Map of the United States with numbers in each state of the number of patients from that state. In the middle is a photograph of a nurse with three children, one in a wheelchair, in front of the B'nai B'rith Building.