Jefferson Tuberculosis Sanatorium

The Jefferson Tuberculosis Sanatorium was a series of medical facilities constructed by the Anti-Tuberculosis Association of Jefferson County for the treatment of patients infected with tuberculosis, often also called "consumption". In the early 20th century, the prevailing treatment for infection was sunlight and fresh air.

At the urging of Reverend George Eaves, an Anti-Tuberculosis Association of Jefferson County was established in 1910 and erected an infirmary consisting of canvas tents on Cahaba Road in what is now English Village.

In 1921 the Association relocated to a newly-donated 45-acre site off of Montgomery Highway in Shades Valley. In 1925 a new facility, now called the Davenport Building was constructed there. It was designed by architect Bem Price and built for around $110,000. A "Third Main Building" was completed in 1937.

In the 1940s, wide distribution of antibiotics provided a more reliable treatment for tuberculosis, though the disease remained a leading cause of death in the county well into the 1950s. The former tuberculosis sanitorium was repurposed in 1973 as Lakeshore Hospital, now the Lakeshore Foundation's Lakeshore Rehabilitation Hospital.

References

• "Bidders on Jefferson Tuberculosis Sanitorium" (May 25, 1924) The Dixie Manufacturer, Vol. 54, No. 10, p. 18