Iola Sanitarium photographs, Based on dates visible on some photographs; actual date range may be greater.

Summary

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.
Extent:
0.2 Cubic Feet 1 box and .155 Cubic Feet
Language:
English .
Preferred citation:

Iola Sanitarium photographs. [box 1, folder#]. Local History and Genealogy Division, Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County, N.Y.

Background

Scope and content:

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

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.

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.

Acquisition information:
The origin of this collection is unknown.
Arrangement:

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

Physical 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.
Dimensions:
14 x 11 x 1.75
Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Access and use

Terms of access:

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.

Preferred citation:

Iola Sanitarium photographs. [box 1, folder#]. Local History and Genealogy Division, Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County, N.Y.

Location of this collection:
Rundel Memorial Building
115 South Avenue
Rochester, NY 14604, United States
Link to repository site
Contact:
585-428-8370
lochist@libraryweb.org