Visiting Sanitariums by L. A. Hansen

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D.C. · Feb 25, 1915

Visiting Sanitariums

By L. A. Hansen

On a recent trip that included visits to a number of our sanitariums and treatment rooms, stops were made at several churches for Sabbath talks or night stereopticon lectures. About one hundred and fifty slides with views and statistics on the growth of our denominational work, including sanitarium, educational, publishing, Missionary Volunteer, and foreign mission work, were shown to eleven audiences.

The trip was crowded with good experiences, pleasant receptions, and enjoyable visits with workers. Personal touch with institutional and field work gave better opportunity for noting progress and needs than could otherwise be had. A few observations may be of interest.

On the way to Melrose, Mass., two hours were spent in Springfield, Mass., calling at the Nauheim Sanitarium, which is owned and managed by Dr. Mary Sanderson. The sanitarium is located in the best residential part of the city. By careful management and close attention to the comfort of patients, the doctor has built up a work of permanent standing.

At the New England Sanitarium, Melrose, Mass., I was given the privilege of a few days' observation of what looked like a good example of a well-conducted sanitarium. From the time the auto meets one at the station till it leaves him there on his departure, he feels that everything is being done to make his stay pleasant, and that every one knows how to do his share to this end. The goodly number of guests indicates that such care is appreciated. With nearly fifty per cent of the patronage coming from former patients returning or sending others, emphasis is laid on the importance of seeing that departing guests go away satisfied.

It was only about five years ago that the New England Sanitarium presented a problem to its board, involving the question as to whether the institution could ever be made to pay. The annual loss was about nine thousand dollars at that time, but its gain is now nine thousand dollars a year, or more.

It took definite measures to bring about such a change. Worn-out equipment was replaced with good; improvements absolutely necessary to good service were made, and systematic methods for the highest efficiency were inaugurated. Careful attention was given to all inquiries, whether by mail, telephone, or in person. A follow-up system of correspondence has also shown definite results.

Besides giving attention to the material needs of the work, the equally important (if not more important) educational and spiritual phases were considered, and provision made to bring these to their proper place in a well-organized sanitarium work. This has added much to the splendid showing now seen.

Dr. W. E. Bliss is superintendent, with Drs. J. W. Hopkins and Estella Houser assistant physicians. J. G. White is business manager. Elder G. B. Starr is actively connected with the religious and educational work of the institution, and an excellent family of helpers shares the credit of the good that is being done.

A short visit was made to South Lancaster for a stereopticon lecture to the academy students, and a similar appointment was met at Brooklyn. Here a Baptist minister came forward at the close of the service and said: “This meeting is an eye opener to me. I had no idea your people were doing such an extensive work.”

On the trip from Washington to Chicago I had the company of a medical missionary from a foreign field who was home on furlough. We naturally fell into conversation on the topic of mutual interest. Occasion was taken to run through the collection of slides, holding them up to the window for him to see. This gave opportunity for quite a full account of our work. The statistics of the progress of our message in nearly all parts of the world were intensely interesting to him. The views of our sanitariums, schools, and publishing houses, impressed him. He said, “Why, the growth of your work is marvelous.” He seemed glad to hear of our various truths, and gave his name and address, which will make possible further communication.

After holding two Sabbath meetings in Chicago, I went to Nevada, Iowa, where I gave two stereopticon lectures and visited the sanitarium. The institution is enjoying a good patronage. It has the confidence and loyal support of our people. Dr. H. W. Barbour, recently of Edgeley, N. Dak., is now superintendent. With a medical and surgical experience of several years, attended with the best success, his connection with our institution brings to it great help. The doctor has made unusual sacrifices in order to render this help. He feels repaid in the rich blessings he is receiving. T. S. Dock is business manager.

A short call was made at Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where Dr. R. L. Mantz and wife are conducting successful treatment rooms in connection with his practice.

At the Tri-City Sanitarium, Moline, Ill., the work is moving quite successfully with a fair patronage. Financial progress is being made. The family of workers, numbering about thirty-five, showed its interest in hearing about the work by coming to two early morning meetings, which made a five o'clock rising hour necessary. Dr. F. J. Otis and Dr. Estella Norman are the physicians, and Brother W. C. Foreman is the business manager.

At Ottawa, Ill., Brother and Sister E. A. Dunn are conducting a good treatment room work. They are reaching the better class of people of the city and surrounding country. He is local elder of our church, and has succeeded in securing space in all three city newspapers for articles on present truth.

At Streator, Ill., Dr. L. M. Worthing has treatment rooms. A short call was made there on the way to Pontiac, where Brother and Sister F. L. Williman are conducting treatment rooms. Their work holds the confidence of the citizens, and is getting creditable reputation.

Sabbath was spent at the Hinsdale (Ill.) Sanitarium, and was filled with meetings and visiting with workers. The institution is busy in its various activities. Meeting with friends was a pleasure, and an urgent invitation to return was received on leaving.

The sanitarium at Madison, Wis., was next visited. A full patronage was found here, and many evidences of headway were seen, as compared with the conditions a few years ago. Brother P. L. Larson, the business manager, has shown admirable courage and faithfulness in his work against what have at times seemed insurmountable difficulties. Dr. W. T. Lindsey, formerly of Chamberlain, S. Dak., is superintendent, and holds the confidence of the people for his professional ability. Dr. C. C. Patch is now house physician.

At La Fayette, Ind., the Wabash Valley Sanitarium was visited. Dr. F. A. Loop, superintendent, was confined to his home by sickness. Dr. W. B. Vander Voort, as house physician, was carrying the professional burden of the work. C. M. Christiansen has recently taken the business management. The institution is well equipped with some of the best scientific apparatus. The most hearty support of its constituency is needed in order that the sanitarium may accomplish all that it should.

One or two stops were made in Indiana, after which I reached Mount Vernon, Ohio, and there spoke three times to the school audiences, which included persons from the vicinity. I also visited with various sanitarium workers in the city. Two private sanitariums and a treatment room are finding sufficient work to keep all quite busy.

After a Sunday evening sermon at Pittsburgh, Pa., Washington was reached in time to prepare for a medical convention.

L. A. HANSEN, Assistant Secretary.