Medical Care
Hospital, Osteopathy

"Llano Colonist," May 27, 1922

"Comrade [N.M.] Harris is a graduated optimetrist [sic], and has an equipment which will enable him to take care of the eyes of the colonists."

"Llano Colonist," April 8, 1933 (Story of Llano)

"It seems to be a fact, striking enough to be worthy of separate comment, that during the epidemic of the "flu" which swept the nation -- and the world -- [in 1925] Llano Colony was practically immune from that plague. This is variously attributed to the preponderance of vegetables in the bill of fare of the colony; to the wholesome regularity of the life of its members; and to the relatively isolated character of its activities."

"Llano Colonist," November 26, 1927

"Visiting the hospital this evening, I find Comrade Tabb installed as the pretty nurse, with two patients, who state that they are so pleased with the treatment that they do not wish to get well. It seems like a light and airy place, and only needs the white-paint finish to make it look like a regular hospital. The Comrade Dentist has the rooms on the east side of the building."

"Llano Colonist," December 10, 1927 (Gateway to Freedom)

"HOSPITAL -- It is a large dwelling, being fitted up to take care of most of the needs of the colonists.

DENTISTRY -- There are two rooms in the hospital fitted up for a dentistry with equipment for to do most any kind of work in this profession."

"Llano Colonist," December 15, 1928

"Mary Hallahan, a graduate nurse from New York State is in charge of the hospital which has four beds and a fifth to be put up in case of emergency."

"Llano Colonist," April 19, 1930

"When the bath house is completed it will be one more big asset to Llano especially as we will have two high showers for greater health purposes... It works on the principle of a blood-washing bath. We have seen some very wonderful cures at Llano through this natural method of cleansing the system of impurities and we know what we can expect of it."

"Llano Colonist," May 3, 1930

"I, [Dr. J. P. Kimmel], am the Colony physician and am licensed in Louisiana. I have two trained nurses, Mrs. Mary Roe and Mrs. Anna Tabb and with their assistance, the health of Newllano is carefully looked after.

This is a healthy climate. We have comparatively little sickness. Many semi-invalids get well under our system of living, i.e. an outdoor life, a healthy climate, more or less of a vegetable diet, dancing, etc."

"Llano Colonist," December 20, 1930

"The new bath house is divided into two apartments, one for men, and one for women. Each is entered by a long corridor which opens into sections at intervals.

First comes a dressing room, closed at all sides. Then comes a door leading to the shower proper. Close this and turn on the water and steam, suit yourself as to the temperature, its regulation is at your hand and desire. At the far end is the high shower with table for stretching out and getting the shower all over your body or at any point desired. Stay there for hours if you want to in order to get the best results of the bath. Each side, men's and women's is alike in appointment and convenience."

"Llano Colonist," December 27, 1930

"We will consider a few more buildings which can be observed from this vantage point, on the hotel porch. To the south can be seen the Hospital. Most of the beds in the hospital are at present occupied by perfectly healthy and robust specimens of humanity. Some of our overflow of population has found its way here. It is fortunately never necessary to fill it with sick patients. We have two fully qualified doctors who practice here when required, but most of the building serves as a dormitory for bachelors. The rooms are light and lofty. The outward aspect of the building is quite pleasing in appearance with some big trees affording a useful shade in summer time."

"Llano Colonist," December 5, 1931

"Just back of the ice plant, I found Bartram and Winegar up to their ears in a big trench they are digging for a septic tank and bath and toilet system to be installed. This will not only serve the industrial section and the new hotel but here will be built the general colony shower baths and hydrotherapy department with high shower, needle bath, a large tub and rooms for massage and electric treatments."

"Llano Colonist," February 6, 1932

""Our Health Department: There are many suggestions possible to be given about this department that if acted upon will give assistance in small matters that are important, however slight.

One thing for instance is that in the hospital the patients need rest as much as anything and short visits at the right time are more desirable than long calls at the wrong time of day. Early in the day is a busy time in caring for the sick and the least disturbance at this time of the 24 hours the better. That is why visiting hours in such institutions are announced for the afternoon and evening. Because this is a co-operative institution is no reason we should make the hospital a place for simply passing the time with patients out of visiting hours.

Dr. Kimmel has the emergency part of the work to look after and cases should be referred to him first for examination and instruction, after which we will endeavor to carry out such orders as are given by the physician. Someone has to assume the responsibility and a division of it is confusing.

A call for better arrangements for fuel for the hospital has been put in and we hope a general wood yard will be established by next fall where it can all be cared for in one place without so much unsightly scattering of wood where unnecessary. When we get good fuel in our stove we have more even heat and comfort for patients and we now have assurance from Comrade Nesnow that we will get it."

"Llano Colonist," February 27, 1932

"We are still much concerned about getting some canvas or similar material to construct a sun bath apartment. This is one of the best remedies for the sick and will be an assured asset to the Colony if it can be made use of. Nature will help if we make it so she can."

"Llano Colonist," April 16, 1932

"We are now getting under way our solarium for the use of patients at the hospital who need the violet rays as only old Sol can give it at first hand. The canvas has arrived and is only waiting for Cleve Campbell to get the platform constructed, around which it will be stretched to make as useful treatment as any connected with this branch of the commonwealth.

Our cabinet or vapor bath is complete and awaiting the proper heating arrangement to be solved when it will be available for those needing this feature of hydrotherapy for the conservation of health."

"Llano Colonist," May 7, 1932

"The new solarium is complete and a thing of joy when the sun is bright, and it is today, and out go some of the inmates to have the rays play upon anatomies obscured from the view of the curious but exposed to nature's light."

"Llano Colonist," May 14, 1932

"Ernest Webb has two patients sunbathing in the new solarium, which is nothing more than a platform four feet or so above the ground screened in with canvas."

"Llano Colonist," November 18, 1933

"The health business still spins on its way despite the recent return of Dr. Jewett to his home. What with Doctor Kimmel, the Health Home under Ginsberg, and Nurse Ann Tabb, the colonists have a good chance of recovering from any untoward condition, or, what is more important, keeping the health they have. "

"Llano Colonist," November 23, 1935

"Violet Dix and Mr. Cothran are among those who have lately acquired "store teeth" -- a blessing which those who have had to do without any for an extended length of time will appreciate."

"Llano Colonist," April 4, 1936

"Myrtle Acquires Teeth -- Myrtle Bradshaw, who does various jobs of stenography, circulation engineering, and such like about the Printery, besides teaching shorthand and typewriting, is "breaking in" some new teeth. Myrtle doesn't like trips to the dentist, and for a while came home from each one with a wider gap in her smile. But now it's all properly bordered, and she could qualify for a tooth paste ad. She's glad those trips to the dentist are over, too."