Cresson TB Sanatorium Remembered
Pa Archives 5
The following 29 photos, taken on 7-15-1960,  were provided by the Pa State Archives.  The photos document the journey of one patient through the sanatorium, from arrival to going home.   There were no notes explaining why these photos were taken or their intended use.  All of the prople shown were actual patients, staff, nurses and doctors who were at the san.  None of the people are identified by name.  However, I have added names for several people I recognize, but most of the names were provided by Gail Seabolt of Cresson, Pa, a retired san nurse. 

The female patient in all the photos below is believed to be Edith (Edie) Laratonda.  She is mentioned on Page 21 of the June 1964 edition of the Skyliner newsletter, which would imply that
she was at the san from 1960 to 1964, at a minimum.  Following is a link to the 1964 Skyliner where Edie is mentioned:
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These photos provide a unique visual record of the journey taken by many TB patients from sickness back to health. I am fortunate to be one of them.  (Chuck Felton)
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1. Patient Edie Laratonda arriving at the san, helped by Guard John Foreman.  

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3. Getting an X-ray from Joseph Hadju, Chief X-ray Technician. 
 
 
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5. Bedside exam in private room with Dr. Taylor and Ann Donnely, RN.
 
 
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7. Lab technician Jimmy Bellas drawing blood.
 
 
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9. Listening to the 2-channel radio.
 
 
 
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11. Taking sun on the patio.
 
 
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13. A haircut from barber Dick Spriggs.
 
 
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15. Nurse's station.  Unknown and Ann Donnely.
 
 
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17. Nurses & doctors lounge.
 
 
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19. A dental exam given by Dr. John Maury, Dentist.  At left is "Bink" Allen, LPN.
 
 

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21. Discussing rehabilitation with the Director Richard Acciavatti. (See note below)

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23. Hand tooling leather as part of occupational therapy.

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25. Having a coke in the canteen.

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27. Attending Sunday services.

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29. The long awaited day, Going Home in style in a 1958 Ford Fairlane. like in #30.


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Richard E. Acciavatti after having received his B.S. and M.S. in Psychology and Guidance at Pennsylvania State University has accepted a position as Director of Rehabilitation at the Cresson Sanatorium, Cresson, Pa. (From the SUSQUEHANNA ALUMNUS, September 1954.)

Click here for Reference.

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2. Doing the paperwork at the Admission Office with Peg Holcolm, RN.
 
 
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4. Initial examination with Dr. James Borland, Senior TB Physician and Helen Lee, LPN.
 
 
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6. Bedside exam with Unknown, Ann Donnely, RN and Dr. Taylor.
 
 
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8. Breakfast at bedside.
 
 
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10. The ward layout.  At left, Teresa Billetdeaux, Nurse.  At right, mary Kennedy taking orders.  May Plazza is in the last bed on the right against the wall.
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12. The recreation room.   That's Eleanor McHail on the left in the white uniform.
 
 
 
 
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14. A consultation with Social Services.
 
 
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16. Medical team in conference.  Joseph Hadju, X-ray Technician, seated at left.  Superintendent Dr. Harry Weest standing in front.  At right, Mary Crowe taking notes.
 
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18. Eating in the dining room after makiing "meals".
 
 
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20. At the State Branch Cresson Pa. post office.  That's George Leslie the Postmaster behind the cage.
 
 
 

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22. Receiving typing instructions from Mary Mackereth.

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24. Mary Mackereth teaching an algebra class.

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26. Grace Chapel.

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28. Van Tiffany, assistant business manager, serving Communion.

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30. A 1958 Ford Fairlane transitioning from hardtop to convertable.