Website Devoted to the Cresson TB Sanitarium, its History & its People

59 Replies to “Website Devoted to the Cresson TB Sanitarium, its History & its People”

1. Is there any way I can find the patient rolls for 1920-1924, I am researching my family and my great great grandmother and her small daughter were admitted
   Any help would be appreciated

2. Karen,
   I have copies of the 1920 census taken at the Cresson TB Sanatorium. Email me your great great grandmothers name and her daughers name and I will check the rolls.

3. I had an aunt whom I believe passed there. She was a Catholic nun. Her name was Caroline or Carolyn Kovacevic, from McKeesport. Can you verify?

4. My brother, Earl Lloyd, was a patient at both Cresson and Mt. Alto. He died in 1949 at Mt. Alto. Another brother, Frank Lloyd, was also a patient there. Is there any way I can see the patients’ list..

5. Great idea – I’d like to do the same thing for the Massachusetts Sanitarium for TB in Rutland, MA. My great grandmother died there and I can’t find any of the records. I hear that there in the LDS archives somewhere. LYN

6. Is there any information available about Mt. Alto. A dear friend of mine who is now 83 had two sisters who spent several years there when they were in their teens.

7. My grandmother was supposedly a patient at the Cresson facility for a short time, I am guessing that she was there sometime in the 1920s or 1930s. She lived in Madera, Pennsylvania. Her name is Anna Catherine Durica her date of birth in 07/221897. She died at home in 1939 two years after the birth of her 12th child. Her death certificate read TB, Bronchial Pneumonia. I would like to know if and when she was at Cresson. Thank you Shirley Busch, 575 Paul Avenue, Lewisberry, Pa. 17339. 717-580-6536. My Email address is tbusch575@comcast.net.

8. CRESSON SANATORIUM PATIENT RECORDS
   I get lots of requests from people seeking patient records, but I’m afraid there is not much available from the Cresson san. The patient medical records were sent to the State Archives in Harrisburg, but were destroyed in a flood during Hurricane Agnes in the 1980’s.

   But there are several things you can try. About 9000 patient index cards were found in the attic at the san and were sent to the Cambria County Historical Society for safe keeping. Give them a call and they may be able to check he index cards for info about your relatives. Their web site is at the following link:
   http://www.cambriacountyhistorical.com/gallery.htm

   There is one other option to explore. Index cards on TB patients were often kept by the Pa Dept of Health. If you know what county the patient was living in when they were diagnosed with TB, then you can call the Health Dept office at that county seat and see if they have such a record. I lived in Towanda, the county seat of Bradford County, and obtained my index card from them. The Pa Dept of Health phone number is 1-877-724-3258. They should be able to tell you what number to call for each county seat. Their website is at: http://www.portal.health.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/department_of_health_home/17457

   Click on the following link and scroll down to the bottom of the page to see what my index card looks like and a description: http://www.feltondesignanddata.com/cressontbsanatoriumremembered/id15.html

   I hope this proves helpful in your search for information. Email me at charlesfelton@earthlink.net if I can be of any further help.
   Chuck Felton

9. I am attempting to find information on a sanitarium called River Crest where I was a pre tuberculosis patient in the early fifties when I was seven. I lived in Phila. and as I recall the drive from the city to River Crest was two to three hours, maybe less. Does this ring any bells with you?

10. I am looking for information about Ethel Madaline Williams Coffey. She died in 1955 of TB but I don’t know when she was diagnosed with it. She lived in Cambria County from what I understand.
    I was also told she was buried in Lloyd Cemetary but she is not listed on their website as buried there. Did the sanitorium have their own cemetary?

11. Sharon,
    TB patients whose bodies were not claimed by relatives were burien in Union Cemetery, just down the road from Cresson Sanatorium. There is a website which lists all people intered there including the san patients. Its at: http://www.camgenpa.com/db/cemetery/cemList.php?cem=111
    I took a look, but didn’t see Ethel Coffey listed.

12. Did they have a separate section at Cresson for African Americans? My mother seems to think her mother was sent there back in the 1950s while she was suffering with TB. My mother remembers the long ride to the mountains from Philadelphia. Any help would be appreciated.

13. My great grandmother died of TB when my grandfather was six or so. I’ve always wanted to know about her and all we know she might have died there. Is there anyway you could find this out?

14. Renee & Tera,
    The only help I can give is in my email of Sept 24, 2010 above entitled “CRESSON SANATORIUM PATIENT RECORDS” I hope this helps.

    Renee,
    I can tell you that Cresson Sanatorium was always an integrated facility offering care throughout its history to anyone regardless of race. Differences in skin color, education, social status, etc were all swept away at the san since we were all people fighting a common deadly disease. The fact that we were all in pajamas, bathrobe and slippers for months on end pretty much broke down all the social and racial barriers. I was there in 1955 as a TB patient and had 3 close African American friends. Photo #7 at this link: http://www.feltondesignanddata.com/cressontbsanatoriumremembered/id18.html and Photo #3 at this link: http://www.feltondesignanddata.com/cressontbsanatoriumremembered/id113.html will show you African Americans at Cresson San.

15. My Great, Great Uncle, Richard Denzel Ackert was a patient at Cresson in what we think was 1929. He was either 20 or 21 years of age. I heard the story of my Uncle Denny spending time in the TB sanatorium, but until today, I never saw it. Thanks for all the wonderful photos/postcards of Cresson. I have printed out for my Aunt Ellen to see and read. I think it was wonderful of Mr. Carneigie to donate the land.

16. I just discovered one of my great great grandmothers nieces died at Mount Cresson Sanitarium. Her name was Agnes M. Eisenman born in 1885, died 27 Feb 1942. She is buried at St. Michael’s Cemetery in Fryburg, Clarion Co., PA. She was the daughter of Joseph & Mary Ditz Eisenman and died from pulmonary tuberculosis. Just thought you might like to add her to your records. Keep up the great work.

17. Just got another one, my great grandmother, Naomi Laura Kline Weaver was a patient at Cresson Sanitorium in 1940. She died 21 Jan 1945 in Cranberry twp., Venango Co., PA on 21 Jan 1945 from chronic pulmonary tuberculosis. Death certificate said it was reported in 1940 while she was at Cresson Sanitorium. Add her to your list of patients. She was the daughter of Jacob Kline & Christina Shreffler Kline, born 21 Dec 1876 in Fern, Clarion Co., PA. Was age 68 years 4 months when she died.

18. I had a grandfather who died at Cresson TB clinic. His name is William Crusan. I am trying to find any information about him. I never met him as he died at a early age. I would appreciate any information at all.
    Thankyou,
    Nathaniel Crusan

19. Nathaniel,
    My post above on September 24, 2010 contains all the sources of info on Cresson TB San patients that I am aware of. I hope this is helpful to you.
    Chuck Felton

20. I believe my grandmother, Frances Campagna, was a patient at Cressons sometime between 1913 and 1916. Her home was in Franklin PA and Cressons was not far away. In 1910 she contracted T B in San Francisco. She then moved to Phoenix, and finally to Franklin to be near family. After receiving the lung collapse treatment, she returned home to her husband and 2 sons in 1916. My mother, born in 1917, was her first child born after her release. Was there any other sanitorium closer to Franklin PA that she could have been in? My grandfather, Anthony, took a trolly to visit her when he could.

21. Hi I am Denzil Ackert’s Niece. I was trying to find Aunt Ellen’s address on the web and found your posts. How are you related? I am Denzil’s youngest sister’s (Ardeth) daughter.

22. I am sorry was hoping this would post Mary who wrote to you. Would you please pass it on to her?

23. I’m just emailed her her with your note. Mary’s email is: mgthompson20@hotmail.com

24. Hi. I work for a closed captioning company and I just captioned the story about The San. I was moved to tears by it, since my mom was born in a Sanitarium. After hearing the story, I am not sure if it’s Cresson or the one mentioned in Monaca. My grandmother was 28 years of age when she died there (Iva Cool Schmidt) and my mom was born there. Her name was Marjorie Grace Schmidt, June 22, 1931. They called her “Dolly” because she was like a little doll. I always knew my mom was born there and grandma died there, but this is the very first I’ve ever heard this story!

25. oh, forgot to mention. They lived in Beaver County, Pennsylvania.

26. I believe my grandparents worked/met at Cresson. Does anyone have informaton on where I might find employee records?

27. My Uncle Charles Latta was a patient at Cresson and was cured of his TB. He then stayed until it closed. He is pictured in the Experience TV program. He is the man in front of the micro. I was wondering if any one knew him…thanks lois

28. Hi! My mother worked in the lab. at the Sanatorium . She has seen a lot about the nurses and patients , but is wondering if there is anyone who worked in the lab. or remembers the lab she would love to hear some stories.

    Her name is Velma McTague

    Gail mcTague Foresman
    gail.foresman@FGMsolutons.com

29. Hi! My mother woked at the San. in the laboratory. She was wondering if anyone remembers the lab or if there are any of the lab workers out there. Her name is Velma McTague, She may have been Velma latterner

    Thank you,

    Gail McTague Foresman

30. My grandfather George Edward King died in 1931 and his wife Hilda Elizabeth in 1932 of TB in Pennsylvania and I was wondering if they may have been sent Cresson. Thank you

31. My mother and her sister were sent to Cresson ca. 1920 or maybe 1921. This was very traumatic for my mother, to be separated from her family for the first time. She was even separated from her sister because Mom was placed in a children’s unit, while her sister, who was a couple of years older, was placed in a women’s unit. Mom’s name was Irene Kovacs, her sister was Julia Kovacs.
    The thing is, neither of them had TB! No one can figure out why they were removed from their family and sent to Cresson, except that they came from a very poor, immigrant family from Pittsburgh. Was this common practice at that time? Any further info would be appreciated.

32. My aunt Mary C Petro went to Cresson in 1914 and recovered. She stayed and became a LPN( Liscensed practice Nurse), living there until 1958 when she retired. She was devoted to the patients. She never married and saw her work as God’s CAll to ministry. As a child she told me many fascinating stories of life in cresson. she was a devout Catholic and an assistant to the Catholic Chaplain as he brought communion to the patients. I would really appreciate hearing from anyone who might remember her.

33. I found this obituary notice online: Warren Evening Times
    Friday May 17, 1918 page 10: John Lind age 33, Cresson Sanitarium. Son of the late John Lind. Body arrived by P.R.R. train Thursday morning. Removed to the home of his brother Charles Lind. John was a member of Good Hope Lutheran Church. Services by Rev. Ebert? Grove Hill Cemetery. Survived by his brothers and sisters: Charles Lind of Oil City, Pa. Harrison Lind, Rockland,Pa. Mrs. Ernest Foley of Greenville, Pa (my grandmother) and Miss Lulu Lind of Warren, Pa.

34. Father Bill Petro,
    I have several photos of your aunt Mary Petro on my Cresson San website at the following links:

    http://www.feltondesignanddata.com/cressontbsanatoriumremembered/id53.html Photos #3 & 12

    http://www.feltondesignanddata.com/cressontbsanatoriumremembered/id49.html Photo #16

    http://www.feltondesignanddata.com/cressontbsanatoriumremembered/id107.html Photos #8 & 29

    Hope you enjoy them, Chuck

35. My grandmother, Helen M. Wilk, worked at the San as an LPN. Anyone remember her?

36. My grandmother had Tuberculosis in the late 1800’s. She would have been approx. 14-17 yrs of age at the time. Her name would have been listed as either Nina Louise Camp (campe?)or Louise. She was adopted by a Doctor whom I’m assuming Camp (Campe?) was his last name. I don’t know if she spent any time at Cresson San but it’s a possibility. The Doctor that adopted her would take her to the ‘shore’ for rehabilitation treatments. I’m assuming the ‘shore’ was perhaps in New Jersey? Her married Surname was Eldridge…..husband Carl Eldridge who was an Engineer that helped design bridges in New York and Pa. I’m running into brick walls by whatever road I take to acquire information on her.

37. My Grandfather Antonio (Tony) DiGugliemo was admitted to Mt.Alto mid to late 1930’s and passed away June 27,1939.. Didn’t know either of my grandfathers so I would love to know more about him.

38. I believe my Grandmother, margaret Shanton Berry had TB and died in 1947 I think she may have been a patient at the San… how can I find out??

39. My mother, Helen Morgan, had TB when she was pregnant with me. After my birth, she was sent to Cressen. She was from Farrell, PA & was in Cressen from September 1946 to about September 1947. She then returned home and died many years later at the age of 75.

40. Hi- My mother was a patient there around late 1954-55? Her name was Sally Leneweaver…I am trying to find someone who may have known her or attended reunions at Mont Alto…Thanks

41. I wonder if you are aware that a gentleman named James Madison Toy, who is recognized as the first native American to play professional baseball died in this facility on March 13, 1919. He was one of the “lucky” ones whose body was shipped back to his Beaver Falls, PA home for burial. I am hoping that perhaps someone has more information on his stay there.

42. Hello. My grandmother was at Cresson in the 30’s, Hazel Leona Hullihen. She was from a family of 14. She would have been a young girl (5-12 years of age). If anyone remembers her or has any information, please let me know!!

    Can email me at bookersransom@gmail.com

    Thanks!!!!!
    Allison

43. My wife has been searching for her Grandmother for many years, she was originally from the Gilboa area of New York, we believe she died of TB between 1936 and 1937. her name was Gladys Etta Robinson (maiden name McMullen) and she was married to Theodore Robinson . Any assistance you can give would be apprieciated, by the way there are no death records for her in New York, John G.

44. I’m updating my family tree and was doing some research on Ancestry.com and just found out that my Great Grandmothers oldest sister was in the 1920 censes as a patient there and died Sept. 5 1933 at the Cresson Sanitarium. Her name was Vesta Edith Blocher. The news paper article I found said she died suddenly ( with no reason). I would love to have more information about her or the situation behind her death.

45. To: Margie Chapman – this is quite a coincidence. I was a patient at the san from 1953-54 and one
    of the men in my ward was named Francis Campagna from Oil City, PA. He was a tall dark haired
    man, a professional musician who played drums I know he was married and had at least one child.
    Don’t how or if he was related to your grandmother Frances.

    Ron Nowicki

46. Hello,
    just came across this page. My father and his siblings were at some sort of orphanage in Cresson, PA – perhaps for children of patients??
    Their mother had TB as well as two of the children. Last name Galletta.
    I am interested in learning more about the orphanage – my dad used to talk about it in glowing terms, movies every friday, trips into town, warm and kind caretakers.
    any info would be appreciated
    thanks

47. Hello, I was cleaning out my desk and found your newspaper article, and my father had 2 sisters that had tuberculosis. Margaret and Irene. My Aunt Irene (Rena) was the one who went to Cresson Sanatorium. The story goes that after school at the age of 16 she worked at a drugstore and one nite when she got home she got really sick and the doctors discovered she had tuberculosis. No one knows if Margaret contracted it first and gave it to Rena or vica versa. Aunt Rena was sent to Cresson Hospital and became very good friends with Nancy Frye another patient at Cresson. They were released at what year I don’t know, but Aunt Rena returned to Cresson in 1936. During that return she had voluntered for an experimental procedure to help herself, and possibly others, which involved collapsing one lung, allowing that one to rest and possibly heal, while the other lung did the work of both. She died 2 years later of tuberculosis in the hospital in Bellevue, PA. My fathers family lived in Wilmerding PA.

48. I forgot to add that Aunt Margaret, lived with tuberculosis all her life, with my grandparents, and died of TB at the age of 49, Leech Farms Hospital, in 1959.

49. Mr. Felton please forgive me, you have to know I don’t do this often because I forgot to tell you my Aunts last name. They were Irene (Rena) Peduzzi and Margaret Peduzzi. Thank you

50. My mother, Hazel Smelser from Altoona, Pa was sent to Cresson in the late 40s and early 1950s. After losing a lung she was eventually released and returned home. I would appreciate any documentation referring to her, like her card. You can reach me at
    1747 East Browning Avenue, Salt Lake City Utah 84108 or at the above email address. Thank you in advance.

    Ronald Smelser