Iola Sanitarium photographs

Collection — Box: 1

Identifier: 2017-011

Staff Only

Content Description

One album with associated loose photographs showing the construction and early years of operation of the Iola Sanitarium.

Scope and Contents

This collection provides a pictorial history of the Iola Sanitarium from 1914 to at least 1934. The Sanitarium project began in 1911 to provide a hospital for tuberculosis patients in Monroe County. Over the ensuing five decades, it would provide a home for hundreds of people recovering from the disease. Images depict every element of the Sanitarium's operations, from its construction to the mechanical rooms to the life of its inmates.

Dates

Creation: Based on dates visible on some photographs; actual date range may be greater.

Conditions Governing Use

Copyright is held by the Rochester Public Library. Copyright of the papers may be held by the authors', or authors' heirs or assigns. Researchers must obtain written permission of the holder[s] of copyright and the Rochester Public Library before publishing quotations from materials in the collection. Most papers may be copied in accordance with the library's usual procedures unless otherwise specified.

Biographical / Historical

The Iola Sanitarium was created in the wake of the tuberculosis epidemic of the early 20th century. Monroe County Public Health Officer George Goler recognized that area hospitals were unable to meet the needs of hundreds of young tuberculosis patients, and pressured the county to create a dedicated treatment center. In 1910, the first sanatorium began as a series of semi-permanent tents, given the name "Iola" from a native word meaning "neaver discouraged." in 1911, the construction of permanent buildings began on a large site at the corner of Westfall and East Henrietta Roads. By the time construction was completed in 1931, there were 9 buildings on site, treating as many as 600 patients a year.

Due to improvements in medical practice, especially the availability of antibiotics after the Second World War, Iola Sanatorium decreased in usage over time. In 1964, it was closed permanently. The County continued to use it for office space in the main Chilren's Building until 1999. In 2013, the remaining buildings were razed to clear the site for the CityGate development.

Extent

0.2 Cubic Feet (1 box) ; 14 x 11 x 1.75

.155 Cubic Feet

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

This collection consists of photographs depicting the construction and operations of the Iola Sanitarium, located in Rochester, N. Y. The photographs depict the Sanitarium's buildings, grounds, and day to day operations over at least the 20-year period between 1914 and 1934 (though the many undated photographs mean that the date range could extend considerably later). Not all of the photographs are labeled; unfortunately, it appears that some of the photographs are labeled on their hidden back sides.

Arrangement

This collection consists of one box, housing an photographic album and a folder of loose photographs.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

The origin of this collection is unknown.

Bibliography

Vacca, Carolyn. "Iola Sanatorium." Democrat and Chronicle - Retrofitting Rochester Retrieved from http://media.democratandchronicle.com/retrofitting-rochester/iola-sanatorium

Condition Description

The album itself is in poor condition. The paper is weak, covers are badly chipped, and the book itself is acid stock. However, the photographs are in very good to excellent condition, and seem unaffected by the book materials.