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Oakhurst Sanatorium photograph album, 1932-1948

Overview of the Collection

Title
Oakhurst Sanatorium photograph album
Dates
1932-1948 (inclusive)
1932-1941 (bulk)
Quantity
53 photographs in 1 album (1 folder) ; sizes vary
2 postcards and 2 photographs with letters
Collection Number
PH0894
Summary
Photographs of patients and staff at Oakhurst Sanatorium in Elma, Washington
Repository
University of Washington Libraries, Special Collections
Special Collections
University of Washington Libraries
Box 352900
Seattle, WA
98195-2900
Telephone: 2065431929
Fax: 2065431931
speccoll@uw.edu
Access Restrictions

The collection is open to the public.

Request at UW

Languages
English
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Historical Note

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.

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Content Description

Photographs of the Oakhurst Sanatorium building, patients and staff. Most of the photographs depict female patients, and all of the photographs are captioned with identifications of the individuals depicted.

Two postcard photographs, two portraits, and two letters were included with the album at the time of accession. It is not known how they are related to the album.

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Use of the Collection

Restrictions on Use

Restrictions may exist on reproduction, quotation, or publication. Contact Special Collections, University of Washington Libraries for details.

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Administrative Information

Acquisition Information

Source: Fairlook Antiques; received in February 2010.

Processing Note

Processed by Claire Imamura, 2011.

Accessioned as PH 2010-013.

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Detailed Description of the Collection

 

Names and SubjectsReturn to Top

Subject Terms

  • Tuberculosis--Hospitals--Washington (State)--Photographs
  • Visual Materials Collections (University of Washington)

Corporate Names

  • Oakhurst Sanatorium--Photographs

Geographical Names

  • Elma (Wash.)--Photographs

Form or Genre Terms

  • Photographs


2010 (Last modified: 11/27/2017)

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