Douglas George Williams Photographs of Oakhurst Sanitorium, 1947-1948

In the early 20th century, in Washington as well as the rest of the country, tuberculosis was a major health concern. Societies such as the Washington Tuberculosis Association (originally Washington Association for the Prevention and Relief of Tuberculosis), formed in 1906, and the Anti-Tuberculosis League, formed in 1909, aided governmental and medical organizations in combatting tuberculosis. By 1940, there were seven public sanatoria in Washington and nearly all were filled to capacity. Treatments for tuberculosis varied widely and often included forms of lung collapse therapy, exposure to fresh air, and complete bed rest.

The Oakhurst Sanatorium in Elma, Washington was opened for tuberculosis patients by the Board of Commissioners of Grays Harbor County in 1921. At its opening, the institution had a capacity of 25 patients. The Children's Ward was added in 1924, the Women's wing was added in 1926, and an employees' home was built in 1929. By 1938, the sanatorium accommodated 26 women, 25 men, and 14 children. By the 1950s, enrollment in the sanatorium had dropped to 36, and the Washington Department of Health authorized its closure in 1954, sending remaining patients to Firland Sanatorium in Seattle. Oakhurst Sanatorium became a nursing home.