During the deadly tuberculosis epidemic of the early 1900s, Modern Woodmen opened a sanatorium just outside Colorado Springs, Colo., to provide aid to members stricken with the disease.

Costing $1.5 million to create, the tuberculosis sanatorium was recognized as one of the most outstanding institutions for the treatment of tuberculosis by the American College of Surgeons. At the height of its activity, the sanatorium had 155 employees, the capacity for 245 patients, and the most up-to-date equipment and procedures. 

Accomplishments
From 1909 to 1947, the sanatorium provided free treatment to more than 12,000 members. It offered board, lodging, treatment, medicine, dental work and laundering, all at no expense to the patient. The only required expense was transportation to the sanatorium, and most camps paid for that.

The sanatorium achieved a remarkable 70 percent recovery rate with rest, wholesome food, pure air, exercise and the right mental attitude - the treatment of that time.

Tuberculosis was the leading cause of death among Modern Woodmen members when the society opened the Modern Woodmen Tuberculosis Sanatorium, and it didn’t close until tuberculosis ranked eighth. The tuberculosis sanatorium became one of Modern Woodmen’s greatest achievements in neighborly involvement.

Many former residents attribute their lives to the Modern Woodmen Tuberculosis Sanatorium.