Livermore Sanitarium facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Livermore Sanitarium |
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The hydrotherapy building, built in 1904, at the Livermore Sanitarium.
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| Geography | |
| Location | Livermore, California, United States |
| Coordinates | 37°40′28″N 121°45′16″W / 37.67431810166208°N 121.75441466124317°W |
| Organization | |
| Funding | For-profit hospital |
| Hospital type | Specialist |
| Services | |
| Speciality | Psychiatry |
| History | |
| Closed | 1965 |
The Livermore Sanitarium was a special private hospital in Livermore, California, that operated from 1894 to 1965. It was a type of hospital called a sanitarium, which focused on helping people with mental health challenges.
During that time, many people believed the sunny and pleasant climate of the Livermore Valley was perfect for improving a person's health and well-being.
Contents
History of the Sanitarium
The Livermore Sanitarium was opened by Dr. John W. Robertson. He had experience working at the Napa State Hospital helping people with health problems.
Buildings and Grounds
The main hospital building was once the large home of William Mendenhall, one of the founders of the town of Livermore. Another building on the property was a former school called the Livermore Collegiate Institute.
Patients at the sanitarium stayed in their own separate cabins on the grounds. In June 1909, the old college building sadly burned down, but it was rebuilt.
A Modern Hospital for its Time
The sanitarium was very advanced for the early 1900s.
- In 1904, a special building was added for hydrotherapy, which used water-based treatments to help patients relax and heal.
- In 1912, a gym was built with exercise equipment, a swimming pool, and even a bowling alley. It was very unusual for a hospital to have amazing features like these back then.
A fire in September 1912 destroyed the sanitarium's engine house and laundry building. The damage cost about $15,000 to repair, which was a lot of money at the time.
Closing its Doors
By 1920, the hospital was caring for 120 patients. However, by the 1960s, doctors had discovered new and better ways to help people with mental health. As a result, sanitariums like this one became less common.
The Livermore Sanitarium closed in 1965. The buildings are no longer standing today.
See also
- List of hospitals in California
