Cure cottages of Saranac Lake

Cure cottages in Saranac Lake, New York

The cure cottages of Saranac Lake are a unique architectural and historical phenomenon that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries in the village of Saranac Lake, New York. These cottages were specifically designed to accommodate patients suffering from tuberculosis (TB), a prevalent and often deadly disease during that era. The concept of "taking the cure" involved rest, fresh air, and a nutritious diet, which were believed to aid in the recovery from tuberculosis.

History

The development of cure cottages in Saranac Lake began with the establishment of the Adirondack Cottage Sanitarium by Dr. Edward Livingston Trudeau in 1884. Dr. Trudeau, himself a tuberculosis patient, believed in the therapeutic benefits of the Adirondack climate. His sanitarium provided a model for the cure cottages that followed.

Saranac Lake Cure Cottage

As the reputation of Saranac Lake as a health resort grew, many private cottages were built to house patients. These cottages were often run by local families who provided care and board for the patients. The architecture of these cottages was distinct, featuring large porches, often screened, where patients could rest and breathe the fresh mountain air.

Architecture

Cure cottages were designed with the specific needs of tuberculosis patients in mind. Key architectural features included:

• Large porches: These were used for "curing" or resting outdoors, a central part of the treatment.
• Multiple windows: To allow for maximum ventilation and sunlight, which were thought to be beneficial.
• Sleeping porches: Often enclosed with glass or screens, these porches allowed patients to sleep outside even in cold weather.

Park Avenue Cure Cottage

The design of these cottages varied, with some being simple and modest, while others were more elaborate, reflecting the wealth of the patients they housed.

Notable Cure Cottages

Several cure cottages in Saranac Lake have gained historical significance:

• The Porcupine: A well-preserved example of a cure cottage, known for its distinctive architecture.

The Porcupine Cure Cottage

• The Christy Mathewson Cottage: Named after the famous baseball player who sought treatment there.

The Christy Mathewson Cottage

• Ames Cottage: Another notable example of a cure cottage.

Ames Cottage

Adirondack Cottage Sanitarium

The Adirondack Cottage Sanitarium, later known as the Trudeau Institute, played a pivotal role in the development of Saranac Lake as a center for tuberculosis treatment. It provided a model for the cure cottages and was instrumental in promoting the "fresh air cure."

Chapel and cottages at the Adirondack Cottage Sanitarium

Legacy

The cure cottages of Saranac Lake are a testament to a unique period in medical history when environmental factors were considered crucial in the treatment of disease. Today, many of these cottages are preserved as historic sites, offering a glimpse into the past and the early fight against tuberculosis.

Related Pages

• Edward Livingston Trudeau
• Adirondack Cottage Sanitarium
• Tuberculosis
• Saranac Lake, New York