The Wabash Valley Sanitarium by W. A. Ruble, M. D.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Sep 2, 1909

The Wabash Valley Sanitarium

By W. A. Ruble, M. D.

It has just been my privilege to spend a few days at our sanitarium at La Fayette, Ind. Although I had heard much of this young institution and its beautiful location, I had never comprehended half of the beauty of the place.

WABASH VALLEY SANITARIUM, LA FAYETTE, IND.

Located three miles from the thriving city of La Fayette, with its twenty-two thousand people, the second wealthiest city of its size in the United States, and in the midst of the richest farming country, it has a favorable field from which to draw patronage. From its picturesque situation on the banks of the Wabash at the foot of the wooded bluffs that skirt that river, it has one of the most beautiful views of fertile valley and river scenery imaginable. The native forest trees are especially beautiful. I counted on the spacious lawn in front of the sanitarium over twenty varieties of native trees.

The institution consists of a substantially built brick building three stories high above the basement, and three cottages, one of which is crowded with the helpers, another occupied by the physician, and another used as laundry. There are about twenty-four rooms for guests, besides public rooms for patients. The treatment-rooms, laboratory, and helpers' dining-room are in the basement; the parlor, offices, dining-room, and serving-room are on the first floor; and the guest chambers are on the second and third floors.

The medical staff consists of Dr. W. W. Worster (superintendent), and Dr. Lucinda Marsh. Mr. Harry Sanders is the business manager. About twenty nurses and six or eight other helpers find employment here.

The offices and treatment-rooms are well equipped with all necessary apparatus for giving scientific treatments, and a spirit of thrift is manifest everywhere.

The capacity of the institution and the endurance of the helpers have been tested to the utmost the past few months on account of the large patronage. Able to accommodate about twenty-four patients, they have managed to care for thirty-five or forty patients this summer. Several tents have been called into requisition in order to meet the demands.

The grounds are quite spacious, comprising about twenty-five acres, reaching from the hilltops back of the sanitarium down to the river's edge. This furnishes pasture land, some garden ground, and extensive lawns. One special feature is the pure water-supply furnished by the many copious springs in the vicinity. The river furnishes excellent opportunity for bathing and swimming to those who care to indulge in this most invigorating exercise.

Surrounding towns are of easy access to the institution, by means of the electric cars, which pass a few rods from the front door. Excellent opportunities are offered for doing missionary work. A number of villages are near at hand. The State soldiers' home is situated on a hill a mile or two away. This is one of the largest and best-arranged homes for the care of soldiers in the United States. There are about twelve hundred aged soldiers and widows cared for in the home, which is built on the cottage plan.

In addition to the work done at the sanitarium, the institution maintains treatment-rooms in the city of La Fayette. These are beautifully fitted up, and enjoy a good patronage. Two nurses are kept busy in these rooms.

The institution has been abundantly blessed of God during its entire history, but especially the last few months. It has been able to earn several hundred dollars above current expenses this season, for which all are truly thankful.

W. A. RUBLE, M. D.