Hillcrest Sanitarium
Introduction
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Also known as Sunnyside and St. John Sanitarium, this was the location of a tuberculosis sanitarium, including many visitors who traveled for the treatment in the New Mexico sun and air. This site is a contributing entry and Included in this tour for their treatment of Huntington West Virginia author Thomas Kromer. Today the site is a hospital.
Backstory and Context
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Inspired by a believe that the high altitude air and desert environment had healing properties, Albuquerque, New Mexico fashioned itself as a health capital for tuberculous. This sanitarium saw many "heath seekers," who were people with tuberculous who traveled for treatment
One of these health seekers was author Tom Kromer. Kromer was diagnosed with tuberculosis seeking special treatment promised in New Mexico. So, after initially being treated for tuberculosis at a nearby St. Joseph’s Sanitarium, Tom Kromer was then transferred to Hillcrest Sanitarium, previously known as Sunnyside. He was treated with the New Mexico sunshine until he was discharged from the sanitarium, keeping his promise to marry his soon to be Janet Kromer.
Sources
Reynolds, Kristen. "Well Built in Albuquerque: The Architecture of the Healthseeker Era, 1900-1940." (2011). https://digitalrepository.unm.edu/hist_etds/67