HISTORY OF THE JEWISH CONSUMPTIVES’ RELIEF SOCIETY

At the turn of the last century, the nation was ravaged by the “white plague,” and tuberculosis was the cause of death for 154,000 annually.  By 1903, the number of consumptives flocking to Denver for its fresh air and sunshine seeking a cure for tuberculosis had outstripped all medical and social service capabilities. 

In Denver a group of Jewish immigrants met to draft a solution to care for indigent patients suffering from all stages of tuberculosis.   At that first meeting in 1903, when the founders of the Jewish Consumptives’ Relief Society (JCRS) pooled their meager funds into the sum of $1.10, they created a non-sectarian refuge for tuberculars from across the country.   Ultimately, these efforts reached across the country and spawned a network of philanthropy and fundraising that saved thousands of lives. 

In 1904, twenty acres of land were purchased one mile west of Denver.  Opening in 1905 and continuing its original mission for 50 years, this tuberculosis sanatorium began with only 6 frame and canvas tents, and its first brick building.  JCRS Ladies’ Auxiliaries across the country raised money to build the buildings for the rapidly growing institution.  Over time it developed into a nationally prominent 105-acre campus, offering wards for bed-ridden patients, with 34 buildings, with differing architectural styles. Surrounding a central esplanade, the campus was designed to create a sense of peace and solitude.    

During its first fifty years, the JCRS – also known by its address as Spivak, Colorado – treated 10,000 patients, many of whom were considered too ill to benefit from treatment.  Along with medical buildings, an on-site farm, dairy, and research facilities, JCRS was totally self-sufficient.  The heart of the campus was the synagogue where religious services were held daily.

Because the majority of patients were observant Orthodox Jews from Eastern Europe, there was a need for a synagogue to serve their traditional religious needs.  The first services were held in a canvas tent. 

Remaining on the campus is one of the original tents.   Across from it stands the humble Isaac Solomon Synagogue.  This synagogue (and its predecessors) being the first Jewish house(s) of worship in Jefferson County, Colo.

Following a fire in 1920, a one-story brick and stucco building of Moorish architectural design  was completed in 1926.  The pews held 70 worshippers.   Along with daily worship, High Holy Day services and festival observances were held at the facility.  Services continued to be held until the mid 1950s when the building was shuttered.  In 1980, the structure was placed on the United States National Register of Historic Places. 

This well-preserved complex became home to the American Medical Center in 1954, after shifting its focus from tuberculosis to cancer.  The  synagogue became a museum to its legacy.  In 2003 it became the permanent campus of the Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design in Lakewood, CO.

On Sunday September 11, 2005 a record crowd of over 200 people filled the Mary Harris Auditorium at the Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design in Lakewood, to hear a presentation on the history of the Jewish Consumptives’ Relief Society, and the JCRS Isaac Solomon historic synagogue.

In attendance were Lakewood Mayor Steve Burkholder, other Lakewood dignitaries;  as well as members of Historic Denver, Sacred Landmarks, and Denver City Auditor, Dennis Gallagher.

The presentation by Dr. Jeanne Abrams, Director of the Rocky Mountain Jewish Historical Society and Beck Archives, and Associate Professor, Penrose Library, at the University of Denver, covered the JCRS from its founding in 1904 as a sanatorium for tuberculosis patients through its conversion to the American Medical Center for Cancer Research.  She also spoke of the current fund raising effort by the JCRS Isaac Solomon Historic Synagogue Foundation to restore the synagogue, unused since 1955, but still standing, and to operate it as a living history museum and a life cycle events facility.  Mr. and Mrs. James Judd were honored for making the first major donation to the synagogue restoration fund raising effort.  Mr. Judd made a strong statement regarding the importance of this project, not only to the Jewish Community, but also to the community at large, and invited others to join him and Mrs. Judd in providing financial support.

Dr. Abrams extremely well received presentation was followed by presentations by students of Professor Martin Mendelsberg, of the Graphics Department of the Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design, of books they had created on the history of the Jewish Consumptives’ Relief Society, and some of its patients.  Professor Mendelsberg’s introduction was especially poignant as he related his personal experiences as a young boy, of having attended services at the synagogue while his grandmother was a patient at AMC.

The formal presentations were followed by tours of the synagogue and the RMCAD campus by  members of the JCRS Isaac Solomon Historic Synagogue Foundation Board of Directors. 

For more information on the JCRS Isaac Solomon Historic Synagogue restoration, if you have a family connection, or to make a donation, please call 303-987-1316.