Albuquerque, New Mexico. From 1880 to 1940.
Why Did They Come?
Many Came To Find a Cure for Tuberculosis.
Chasing the Cure All the Way To Albuquerque.
From 1880 through 1940, thousands flocked to New Mexico seeking a cure for tuberculosis. Tuberculosis was the leading cause of death in America. “Lungers”, as they were called, came to heal and many that survived, stayed.
By 1920, health seekers comprised an estimated 10% of New Mexico’s population. Although the tubercule bacillus had been isolated in 1882, the development of streptomycin would not occur until the 1940s.
Without Medication, the only medically approved regimen was nutritious food, fresh air and lots of rest, in a high dry, sunny place.
An Early X-Ray in Albuquerque. Scary.
New Mexico, with its high elevation, abundant sunshine and dry climate was considered ideal.
Sanatoriums popped up all over Albuquerque. At 5000 feet above Sea Level, it was a Prime Spot.
Rest was key. Patients were required to sleep 10 hours at night and then spend another 7 hours during the day “Chasing the Cure”…A term derived from the Chaise Lounges on which they Rested.
By the time New Mexico became a State in 1912, nearly 40 Sanatoriums had been established.
People Came for the Cure and Stayed. In Albuquerque.
Right Here. Look. Where My Finger Is…
Yes. Here. In Albuquerque.
And They Brought Their Treasures.
Fred Harvey Alvarado Hotel.
Pueblo Pottery.
Tooled Leather.
Albuquerque is the Story of a Blending of Unique Cultures that Morph to Become All American.
The Famous and Not-So-Famous Came to Albuquerque.
President Teddy Roosevelt.
The Our Gang Kids in Albuquerque.
The First Computer – Altair 8800. April 4, 1975.
By Bill Gates and Paul Allen.
A New Partnership Created – Microsoft. In Albuquerque.
The Albuquerque Museum Gift Shoppe Sells Treasures of Today.
Hollywood Southwest – Filming in Perfect Climate with Great State Tax Incentives.
Turquoise and Silver Concho Belt Buckles. Classic New Mexico.
Pendleton Blankets. As Beach/Pool Towels.
Art Books of Local Artists.
Silver Serving Pieces.
Our Favorite of the Day…
Roadrunner Poop. 🙂
A Little Magic of Albuquerque.
It is Amazing what you Discovery on a Staycation. Simply Amazing. 🙂
A No-Vampires Dinner
Good history lesson
It’s a compelling story for sure.
This is fascinating — a really remarkable museum and it makes me even more interested in visiting the SW than I was already (which was a lot! Thanks for sharing ithis. Gives me much to ponder.
You have outdone yourself! Wonderful blog. I will be sharing it for sure!
Hi Suzee…thanks for sharing. 🙂
So glad I could help, Jeanie. 🙂
A really interesting post with so many fascinating snippets of history. ?
Oh my gosh! Who could stay in bed that long every day without losing their minds??? What an interesting post, Jeanne.
Calen, I have a wonderful, compelling, love story to follow up on this one…I just need to get all my facts straight and then it can be told…it’s about a woman and a man and the Indian Hospital and TB and a miracle and love. 🙂
Hi MIllie – thanks for stopping by…stop back for part 2…the love story. 🙂
Very cool post–makes me want to go to Albuquerque! What an interesting part of history. Dawn
Hi Dawn…Albuquerque is a very unique place…so different from the rest of the country.
We only got to drive through it once–can’t wait to actually stop and visit and explore. Thank you for providing a side we may not have seen!