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Archiver > ROOTS > 2007-08 > 1187786909


From: "Edie" <>
Subject: [ROOTS-L] TB camps and Sanatariums
Date: Wed, 22 Aug 2007 08:48:29 -0400


From the late 1800's until the 1950's (and, perhaps, later) there were TB sanitariums and camps all over the United States. TB was a national health problem at that time and I remember donating money at school to help fund drives in the hopes of eradicating it. The father of a friend of mine was confined to a sanitarium and the children did not see him for a long while. He was not permitted to go home.
They were in areas that had fresh, clean air and were considered healthful. Pennsylvania had several. The southwest US was considered the best place to go because of the drier air. Fresh air, exercise, rest, and healthful food were considered necessary for recovery.
The camps were initiated by local and state Tuberculosis Societies with cooperation from other groups concerned about the health of children. Children who had been exposed to TB, lived in poor conditions or otherwise deemed at risk were sent to the camps where they were well fed and had plenty of outdoor exercise and rest. The healthier they were the more likely to resist the disease.
The US had a large immigrant population living in crowded conditions in many cities and towns at that time. Work was scarce, hours long, and poverty prevalent. Good fresh food was not affordable to many of these people. Another group that suffered were the coal miners of Pennsylvania.
Consumption (TB) was listed as the cause of death for many people at that time and often spread through families. It was a long, slow death for most and it limited their ability to work and support families.


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