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 480 Collections and/or Records:
Item
Identifier: B002.01.0104.0156.00003
Abstract
Application form of Max Stashower for admission as a patient to the Jewish Consumptives' Relief Society. He was age 39 at the time of the application. He was born in Austria and immigrated to the United States in 1888. He lived in Cleveland, Ohio when he contracted tuberculosis. He had been sick for ten months upon his arrival to Denver, Colorado. He was married and had five children. His occupation states he worked as a tailor. The verso of the application states he was admitted on April 2,...
Dates:
1911 April 2
Item
Identifier: B063.03.0035.00044
Abstract
Attendees of a banquet for Medical Staff of the Jewish Consumptives' Relief Society (JCRS). Dr. Philip Hillkowitz, Dr. Charles Spivak, and Dr. Isador Bronfin sit center. The JCRS was a sanatorium for tuberculosis patients that was founded in 1904 by a group of immigrant Jewish workingmen along with the support of several leading physicians and rabbis in Denver, Colorado. The sanatorium was located on West Colfax Avenue just outside of Denver.
Dates:
circa 1926
Item
Identifier: B063.03.0011.00032
Abstract
The Mr. and Mrs. S. Topletz Bed Dedication Ceremony at the Jewish Consumptives' Relief Society (JCRS). Bed plaque says, ''ENDOWED BY MR. AND MRS. S. TOPLETZ, DALLAS, TEXAS, 1924.'' Dr. Isidor Bronfin stands far right and Dr. Charles D. Spivak can be seen to the right in the back of the crowd. The JCRS was a sanatorium for tuberculosis patients that was founded in 1904 by a group of immigrant Jewish workingmen along with the support of several leading physicians and rabbis in Denver,...
Dates:
after 1926
Item
Identifier: B063.03.0011.00038
Abstract
The Mrs. R. Zeeve Bed Dedication Ceremony at the Jewish Consumptives' Relief Society (JCRS). Dr. Charles Spivak stands far left. Bed plaque says, ''ENDOWED BY, MRS. R. ZEEVE, SEATTLE WASH., IN MEMORY OF JUDGE THOMAS BURK, 1926.'' A newspaper held below the bed plaque bears the headline ''Why They Cheer - He Built Seattle.'' This bed was donated in memory of Judge Thomas Burke, an American lawyer, railroad builder, and judge who made his career in Seattle, Washington. The JCRS was a...
Dates:
after 1926
Item
Identifier: B063.03.0035.00019
Abstract
A bed dedication ceremony at the Jewish Consumptives' Relief Society (JCRS). The bed was donated in memory of Newman Cowen. Left to right: Dr. Herman Schwatt, Rabbi Charles Kauvar, an unidentified man, and Dr. Charles Spivak. Rabbi Kauvar stands second from left holding a plaque that says: ''Newman Cowen, Dec. 30, 1831 - Jan. 15, 1912.'' The JCRS was a sanatorium for tuberculosis patients that was founded in 1904 by a group of immigrant Jewish workingmen along with the support of several...
Dates:
after 1912
Item
Identifier: B002.05.01.0199.0009.00001
Abstract
Report of the Jewish Consumptives' Relief Society (JCRS) annual meeting on April 27, 1913, and its operations and finances for the period beginning January 1, 1912, and ending December 31, 1912; Dr. Philip Hillkowitz was the Society's President, and C.D. Spivak was the Secretary. The Secretary's report indicates that 218 patients were treated in 1912. Includes images of the facility, statistical data about the patients (including age, occupation, and duration of disease), and a list of all...
Dates:
1913
Item
Identifier: B002.01.0104.0148.00032
Abstract
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.
Dates:
1912 July 25
Item
Identifier: B002.01.0104.0171.00006
Abstract
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.
Dates:
1911 October 18
Item
Identifier: B002.01.0104.0151.00016
Abstract
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.
Dates:
1912 January 25
Item
Identifier: B002.04.0215.0042.00001
Abstract
Interior view of the original administrative office of the Jewish Consumptives' Relief Society (JCRS) with Dr. Charles Spivak, and his associates. Spivak, center, sits at a desk with a photograph of his friend, the Yiddish poet Yehoash (Solomon Bloomgarden), in front of him. Business manager Ben Friedland talks on the telephone. An unidentified man sits in front, and an unidentified woman sits at left in the JCRS business office. The JCRS was a sanatorium for tuberculosis patients that was...
Dates:
circa 1915
