Article Contributed on: 2/5/2007 6:51:19 PM
Going Back in Time
Art, Music, Storytelling and Books at Feb. 11 Event
LAKEWOOD --The Jewish Consumptives' Relief Society (JCRS) Isaac Solomon Historic Synagogue Foundation is hosting a February 11, 2007, benefit to raise funds for the restoration of the building as an event center and history museum. The event, to be held on the campus of Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design, 1600 Pierce Street, will include tours of the historic synagogue, live Klezmer music, an art sale, and sharing the stories of some of the patients at the former tuberculosis sanatorium.
From 1 - 4 pm in the historic Rotunda Building, students from the college (RMCAD) will be selling their artwork, a children's book author will be signing and selling books and Jewish music and Kosher refreshments will be available. A donation of $18 per person is requested. From 1:30 - 2 pm, RMCAD students will offer a creative presentation of the histories and images of patients treated at the JCRS in the early 20th century. At 2 pm a recognition ceremony will be held in the Mary Harris Auditorium to acknowledge special donors to the Synagogue fund.
The JCRS was formed in 1904 by the Denver Jewish community as an effort to create a sanatorium for all indigents suffering from any stage of tuberculosis. JCRS was a non-sectarian and non-denominational haven, providing its patients with food, medical attention, and open-air "tents" that were thought to be the best treatment accommodations (heliotherapy) for those suffering from tuberculosis.
Through the dedication of inspired Denver Jewish leaders such as Dr.
Philip Hillkowitz and Dr.
Charles D. Spivak, the JCRS continued to flourish and provide care while medical advances were made in the treatment of tuberculosis. It has been estimated that by the mid-1920s nearly 60 percent of Denver's population was brought to the state in the search for treatment and cure of tuberculosis. During its first fifty years, the JCRS - also known by its address as Spivak, Colorado - treated 10,000 patients.
Along with medical buildings, an on-site farm and dairy, and research facilities, JCRS provided a social services department, library with 9000 volumes, dental office, pharmacy, technical school, monthly magazine, cooperative store, post office, solarium and barber shop. The heart of the campus was the Isaac Solomon Synagogue where religious services were held daily. The synagogue building revitalization is underway, and funds are being raised to continue refurbishing the building. The last surviving "tent" is on display next to the synagogue, both on the current campus of RMCAD.
For more information about the February 11 event, contact
Jennifer Sylman at 303-949-8407 or
Alison Greengard at 303-985-0556. To reach the foundation, call 303-987-1316 or visit www.IsaacSolomonSynagogue.org