Near Cresson in Cambria County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Cresson Tuberculosis Sanatorium

Photographed By Mike Wintermantel, May 3, 2014

1. Cresson Tuberculosis Sanatorium Marker

Inscription. Pennsylvania's anti-tuberculosis campaign, led by Dept. of Health Commissioner S.G. Dixon, included three state-run sanatoria. Est. 1913, Cresson was a model for the nation. It was first to be racially integrated, run a school of nursing, and offer an elementary school. Its high elevation was considered beneficial for providing therapeutic fresh air to patients. Built on land donated by Andrew Carnegie, 40,000 patients were treated from 1913 to 1964.

Erected 2014 by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Education • Science & Medicine. In addition, it is included in the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1913.

Location. 40° 27.4′ N, 78° 33.856′ W. Marker is near Cresson, Pennsylvania, in Cambria County. Marker is at the intersection of Admiral Peary Highway (Pennsylvania Route 2014) and Correction Road, on the right when traveling west on Admiral Peary Highway. Located across from the Corrections Department Institute. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Cresson PA 16630, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Portage Railroad (approx. half a mile away); Lemon House

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(approx. 0.6 miles away); a different marker also named The Lemon House (approx. 0.7 miles away); Levels (approx. 0.7 miles away); Engine House No. 6 (approx. ¾ mile away); Allegheny Portage Railroad (approx. ¾ mile away); Inclined Plane No. 6 (approx. ¾ mile away); Skew Arch Bridge Trail (approx. ¾ mile away).

Also see . . . Cresson TB Sanatorium Remembered. A website dedicated to the former Cresson TB Sanatorium (Submitted on May 3, 2014, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.)

Additional commentary.
1. Dedication of the marker; Saturday, May 3, 2014
The marker was dedicated on Saturday, May 3, 2014 with its unveiling by committee members, former patients and guest speakers. The event was followed by a reception at the American Legion in Cresson. Photos, memorabilia, architectural models and sketches were on display. A prelude in Reverence was performed by pianist Kim Byrnes. Speakers included: Dave Huber (host), Dot DeAngelo and Etta Albright (Marker Committee Members); Invocation by Sister Helen Marie Burns, Ph.D, RSM.; Richard Burkert (Member Historic Preservation Board of the

Photographed By Mike Wintermantel, May 3, 2014

2. Cresson Tuberculosis Sanatorium Marker

Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission and CEO of the Johnstown Area Heritage Association; Seth McKinley (Representing Congressman Keith Rothfus, PA 12); Frank Burns (Pennsylvania State Representative 72nd Legislative District); Tom Chernisky (Cambria County Commissioner); Gerald Neugebauer (Representing Cresson Township Supervisors); Denise Damico, Ph.D. (Assistant Professor of History at St. Francis University) along with Michael Vaughn (Graduate Student at St. Francis University); Mary Beth Whited (Superintendent of Penn Cambria School District); Harvey Docchio (former patient of the Cresson San); Scott Eberhart (Commander, Cresson American Legion)

— Submitted May 3, 2014, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Photographed By Mike Wintermantel, May 3, 2014

3. Cresson Tuberculosis Sanatorium Marker

Shortly before its uncovering at the dedication event. Surrounded by guest speakers and historic committee members.

l to r: Gerald Neugebauer, Tom Chernisky, Richard Burkert, Rep. Frank Burns, Dave Huber, Mary Beth Whited, Harvey Docchio, Michael Vaughn, Denise Damico, Sr. Helen Marie Burns

Photographed By Mike Wintermantel, May 3, 2014

4. Cresson Tuberculosis Sanatorium Marker

Unveiling of the marker at the dedication

Cresson Tuberculosis Sanatorium Marker Committee image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mike Wintermantel, May 3, 2014

5. Cresson Tuberculosis Sanatorium Marker Committee

l to r: Etta Albright, Dot DeAngelo and Dave Huber

Cresson Tuberculosis Sanatorium Marker Dedication image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mike Wintermantel, May 3, 2014

6. Cresson Tuberculosis Sanatorium Marker Dedication

Pennsylvania State Representative Frank Burns, 72nd Legislative District

Photographed By Mike Wintermantel, May 3, 2014

7. Cresson Tuberculosis Sanatorium Marker Dedication

Former patient Harvey Docchio describes life at the sanatorium. Harvey was not diagnosed with the disease, but his mother was, therefore he stayed there and went to school there.

Photographed By Mike Wintermantel, May 3, 2014

8. Cresson Tuberculosis Sanatorium Marker Dedication

Memorabilia regarding the sanatorium on display at the American Legion for the dedication ceremony

Photographed By Mike Wintermantel, May 3, 2014

9. Cresson Tuberculosis Sanatorium Marker Dedication

Memorabilia regarding the sanatorium on display at the American Legion for the dedication ceremony

Cresson Tuberculosis Sanatorium Scale Model image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mike Wintermantel, May 3, 2014

10. Cresson Tuberculosis Sanatorium Scale Model

A scale model on display at Mount Aloysius College. Designed by Fred R. Connacher and Theresa M. McConnell, with a dedication written by Chuck Felton, former patient at the sanatorium

Cresson Tuberculosis Sanatorium Model image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mike Wintermantel, May 3, 2014

11. Cresson Tuberculosis Sanatorium Model

Dedication plaque mounted to the model:
This model of the Cresson TB State Sanatorium is dedicated to the following people:
The over 40,000 men and women patients and their families who fought the scourge of tuberculosis with courage and hope.

The children in preventorium care which was designed to protect them from the ravages of the disease.

The philanthropists, Pa. Department of Health, doctors, nurses, and support staff who all contributed to making such a facility possible which saved so many lives.

Cresson Tuberculosis Sanatorium Marker Dedication Program image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mike Wintermantel

12. Cresson Tuberculosis Sanatorium Marker Dedication Program

Photographed By Mike Wintermantel

13. Cresson Tuberculosis Sanatorium Marker Dedication Program

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on May 3, 2014, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 3,496 times since then and 91 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11. submitted on May 3, 2014, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. 12, 13. submitted on May 5, 2014, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.