Judd Family Honored for Restoration of Last Surviving JCRS Tent

The inspiring story of the Jewish Consumptives' Relief Society (JCRS) exemplifies the generosity and goodness of people coming together to rescue their ailing fellow human beings.

In the early 1900's, when the ravages of tuberculosis struck worldwide, the founders of the JCRS conceived their humanitarian plan to create a haven for healing one mile west of Denver. In 1904, the JCRS was legally incorporated with its first Board of Trustees, Dr. Philip Hillkowitz, Dr. Adolph Zederbaum and Dr. Charles D. Spivak. Avram Judelovitz, chaired the first JCRS Agricultural Committee, and then the Building Committee, and was a member of the Board of Trustees into the 1920's; he located the original 20-acre tract of land. Mr. Judelovitz, "because of his background in real estate, was consulted", and one of his suggestions was acceptable and became JCRS. The land was purchased from William Geddes in Jefferson County for an agreed purchase price of $5,000.00 for twenty acres. A decision was made by the board to erect six "of the finest tents available" (10' x 12 ' in dimension), at a cost of $75.00 each.

On September 4th, 1904, the first seven patients arrived, six men and one woman. By 1905, the patient population had grown to twenty; thirteen of those patients had been refused treatment by all other institutions because they were in the advanced stages of the disease. The early buildings,along with the tents, were modest. Over the first three years, 34 additional tents were donated by various organizations.

The last surviving tent, on the site of the former JCRS Sanatorium, from the days when the JCRS was known as a "Tent City," has been swept out; its historic furnishings including the iron bed, wash stand, chairs, freshly laundered sheets and blankets have been re-installed and carefully rearranged. A new concrete pad and sidewalk was poured by Suburban Reddi-Mix Concrete. The forms were set up by Tony Capra of Arvada. The tent was then moved to its new home by Pat McKune of Professional Building Movers. Brickey Construction donated a new shingle roof. Acme Tent & Canvas provided the canvas for the interior at a discount. Mitch Waldman and Ernie Hagler volunteered their time to install the canvas. Home Depot donated lumber and other supplies for repairs. Under the direction of Lead Curator, Win Ferrill, from Lakewood's Heritage Center, volunteers, Jack Ziegler and Russ Gleason, painted, (paint donated by Robert Heidt) replaced part of the floor, glazed the windows, replaced the door, and created a new screen door and windows. Finally, Jerry Amend from Clean as a Whistle washed and cleaned off the grit and grime on the windows from 80+ years.

This month, the newly renovated tent is being dedicated to the Judd Family in recognition of Avram Judelovitz, who was involved in the building of the Rotunda (called the New York Building at that time). Avram Judelovitz's name is listed on the memorial tablets as a Trustee in the Isaac Solomon Historic Synagogue which is in close proximity to the tent on the Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design campus. Jim Judd, grandson of Avram Judelovitz, as well as members of the Judd family, have generously contributed to the salvation and restoration of this tent. Jim Judd is a founder and former president of Historic Denver. Both the synagogue and tent were recently added to the Lakewood Historical Society's Register, as well as being listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and the Colorado Historic Register. www.jcrs-synagogue.org

Many thanks are due to Susan Zinn Goldman, who chaired the tent restoration,her husband, Bernie Goldman, President of the JCRS Isaac Solomon Historic Synagogue Foundation, and Professor Jeanne Abrams of the Rocky Mountain Jewish Historic Society and Beck Archives, University of Denver. Martin Mendelsberg, artist and Professor at the Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design, designed an art tile commemorating this re-dedication of the tent to the Judd Family.

This restoration is a real testament to people coming together in a spirit of community to do what is important- to save the heritage of this important piece of history - and to keep alive the essence of the JCRS: "He who saves one life is as though he had saved the entire world."

For more information about historic landmarks in Lakewoodor the Lakewood Historical Society, can call Karen at (303) 936-2793 or visit www.historiclakewood.org