The Swan Brothers: The Story of Arthur and Gilbert Swan
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Transcript of The Swan Brothers: The Story of Arthur and Gilbert Swan
The Swan Brothersthe story of arthur and gilbert swan
The Swan Brothersthe story of arthur and gilbert swan
The Swan Brothersthe story of arthur and gilbert swan
Written By
Matt Welch
MWPublishing
Based on factual events.
Copyright © 2010
by Matt Welch
Second Edition
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be
reproduced in any form or by any means without
permission from the publisher.
Designed, printed and bound in Denver, Colorado.
In rememberance of all those that died of consumption.
Contents
Prologue 9
Our History 11
Correspondence 29
Visit 41
Reunited 49
Home 71
9
Prologue
The early part of the 20th century found the country
ravished with tuberculosis. The Jewish Consumptives’
Relief Society (JCRS) in what is now Lakewood, Colorado
was founded by a small group of caring Jewish medical
professionals that wanted to aid in the fight against
the “white plague.” The JCRS housed more than 10,000
patients during it’s time of operation.
11
The Swan Brothers
May 20, 1928
I can’t remember a time without my brother. We’ve
done everything together since birth. Our early years
were spent in the same school, the same classes and
sometimes even the same clothes. Our mother was very
kind to us in this respect as it made trickery an easy
delight. Everything was a joint decision and we used our
appearances to fool many of our friends. Even though
he is technically my older brother by ten minutes, I have
never felt like we have the hierarchy of siblings that I
seen in other families. We treat each other entirely as
equals and have always supported each other in all of
our endeavors. Even as we grew and changed, we did it
together. Within the past four or five years we have both
started working careers. I worked as a steamship clerk
and Arthur is a printer at a local bookshop.
For the past year and one half, I feel as though I have
done nothing but follow my brother Arthur. When the
diagnosis arrived of his condition, I couldn’t help but
think that I might already be infected. Arthur contracted
consumption in May of 1926 and went to stay a short
bout at the Texas State Sanatorium in February of 1927.
Soon after he left to begin treatment, I came down with
consumption as well. When I was first diagnosed, I stayed
at home about three months where I attempted to stay
rested and mostly stayed inside.
12
Matt Welch
During that time I missed Arthur a great deal and would
go to visit him from time to time at the sanatorium.
He talked about how nice it was to not have to worry
about infecting anybody and how he could feel himself
getting better over a period of time. For a short while,
I also stayed in the Texas State Sanatorium along with
Arthur. The physical discomfort caused by consumption
is very great and is compounded by the wet air around
Galveston. The short distance inland we went to get
to the sanatorium seemed to help a little, but did not by
any means entirely cure us. At least Arthur and I can
always be together with our condition. We don’t have
to worry about infecting each other at all. We just help
keep each other in check and keep our heads up as the
disease that afflicts us has already claimed many lives all
across the United States.
A few months ago, Arthur heard of a sanatorium in
Spivak, Colorado, which is very near Denver. The
elevation of the town at a mile high and dryness of the
air will cure us. The sanatorium is run by the Jewish
Consumptives Relief Society and is mostly meant for
those of the Jewish religion, but they also let Catholics
in; lucky for us they do. We contacted the sanatorium by
telegraph and discovered that we needed to find a
13
The Swan Brothers
sponsor for each of us in order to be admitted. We
found two local Rabbis named Henri Lieberman and
Henry Cohen that offered to help. We were to be
admitted as emergency cases as our condition has
worsened in the recent past. A response was heard that
the National Jewish Hospital would take and care for
me. Arthur was admitted to the sanatorium and a spot
was being held for him. I’m not excited about the idea of
traveling all that way just to be separated again, but in
order for our health to improve we feel it is a necessary
sacrifice. Our fare for the trip was entirely covered by the
vice chairman of the Galveston JCRS named Jules Block.
We left for Denver by train yesterday and are scheduled
to arrive in Denver at about three thirty this afternoon,
the 20th of May 1929. Mr. Ben Friedland of the JCRS will
be meeting us at Union Station.
Since we left Galveston, Arthur and I have seen parts
of country we thought we would never see. We never
had the opportunity to travel when we were healthy
very much. The longest trip we ever went on was to visit
Winifred, our older sister in Houston, but we had never
even left Texas. The ride from Galveston to Houston was
very familiar, as we had done it a few times before. Even
though we had seen the city before, it was never like this.
16
Matt Welch
This time we saw it as travelers to a destination out of our
reach. Entirely beyond what we have ever known. The
wheels screeched on the metal track as we pulled into the
bustling station. We watched as people went about their
busy, healthy lives, hoping that someday we could live
a normal life again. The train sat idle for a few moments
while passengers came and left.
and we were off from the station. As we pulled
out of Houston, we were officially the farthest away from
home we had ever been. As we traveled farther and
farther from the coast we realized how barren much
of this state is.
foom
foom
foom
foom foom
foom foom foomfoom foom foom
foomfoomfoomfoom
17
The Swan Brothers
The distance between Houston and Colorado seemed
like ages. Arthur is complaining of a sore stomach and
chest. I don’t blame him. Just yesterday he entered such
a coughing fit that I was afraid his lungs were about to
jump out, right onto the floor in front of me. His cough
seems to have improved slightly since then, but if he
enters a coughing fit like that on this train I don’t know
what the other passengers would make of it.
Being in public with this disease is unbearable. Even
being around our mother turned into a ballet dance of
tender care and keeping her away from us. The thought of
myself infecting another human being with this disease
sickens me. Every day my body aches and I hold back
coughing fits just to keep a sense of healthiness in my life.
Mother says that this trip will be good for us; I sure
hope she’s right. Arthur seems to think that it is his fault
that I came down with consumption soon after he did.
It does make sense, but so does the fact that whomever
Arthur got it from infected me as well. Arthur often
tells me that he’s “sorry that he has brought this horrible
disease upon our lives.” Arthur and I are very glad to be
nearing Colorado and the fine mile high air.
18
Matt Welch
As we near Denver, I can hear Arthur beginning to cough
next to me.
“Arthur. ” I said. “You must try to contain your coughs.”
“I can’t” replied Gilbert. “Being in this stuffy old train
is making my chest feel all tight. It’s hard to breath after
being in here for so long.”
“Try your best, we’re almost to Denver. No need to start a
ruckus over the boys in the back that can’t stop coughing.”
I could tell he was trying to cough into his handkerchief,
but all of his muffled coughs were beginning to grow in
volume. Luckily the sounds of the track passing beneath
us kept his coughs a secret that only our seats would
know. After 30 long hours on the train, we had arrived at
Union Station in Denver.
As we departed the train, we saw a family of four
collecting their baggage in the distance. I had only been
away from home for less than two days and I already
wondered what mother is doing. I hope she does not
worry; Arthur and I will soon be in the care of some the
finest consumption clinics in the world. I just wish I could
19
The Swan Brothers
join Arthur at the JCRS. I don’t see why they don’t admit
both of us. Maybe I can ask Mr. Friedland when we meet
up with him.
Arthur’s coughing fit has finally subsided, but the
blood left in his handkerchief is a permanent sign of
our illness. I have grown accustom to carrying multiple
handkerchiefs for times like these. If it’s not Arthur that
is in need of a fresh one, it’s me. The past few months
seem as though they can be measured entirely in
handkerchiefs. Arthur walked to a nearby waste bin and
deposits his used linen. As I was waiting for Arthur to
return to where I was the platform cleared of passengers
rather quickly. We began to exit the platform ourselves
when I heard a low, booming voice.
“Hello there!” I hear from my right. “You must be the
Swan brothers.”
“Uhhh.... And you must be mister Friedland. ” I said, with
a sound of surprise in my voice. “A pleasure to meet you.”
Ben Friedland was not a large man, but from his voice
alone I would picture a man of great height and increased
weight. This wasn’t the case at all. He stood shorter than I,
which is very rare for I am only 5 feet 8 inches.
20
Matt Welch
“How was the train ride?” He asked.
“Long.” Replied Arthur. “I’m glad to be out in fresh air
again.”
“Ah yes,” said Mr. Friedland. “I’ve heard that from many
patients that I’ve come to pick up. Let’s get going.”
“Sounds good.” Arthur and I said, almost in unison
Mr. Friedland led us to an olive green 1928 Ford Model
A that was waiting for us with the letters “JCRS” written
on the side. We fit the small bit of luggage we had in the
trunk of the car and I climbed into the back seat. As we
were entering the car, Mr. Friedland explained that he
would be taking me to National Jewish Hospital first and
dropping me off, and then take Arthur to the JCRS.
“Why must we be at different locations? Can’t I come to
the JCRS?” I asked.
“The fact of the matter is that we just don’t have a bed
for you. I’m sorry son.” Replied Mr. Friedland. “You’ll be
taken care of at National just fine.”
21
The Swan Brothers
Mr. Friedland was right. I had been by myself in the
Texas State Sanatorium and I got through just fine. If what
people say is true, we should be cured in no time and on
our way back home. The trip to National was not very
long and we soon were sitting out front of the hospital.
“We’re here.” Said Mr. Friedland.
I told Arthur I would be sure to visit him in the near
future and that he best take it easy and focus entirely
on feeling well. Each time we are separated for periods
like this, I’m afraid that it will be the last time we see each
other. Arthur exited the car and gave me a goodbye hug
and said, “I’ll be seeing you soon, yeah?” And with that I
was off to the entrance of the hospital with Mr. Friedland
at my side.
22
Matt Welch
As soon as we entered the door a nurse greeted Mr.
Friedland.
“Hello Ben!”
“Hi there, Lucy” he said. “This is Gilbert Swan, your
newest patient.”
“Nice to meet you Gilbert. I’ll probably be seeing
a lot of you”
“Nice to meet you too.”
“Well I’ve got his brother in the car, wish I could stay and
chat but we must get to the JCRS. Enjoy your stay Gilbert,
I wish the best for you. We’ll take excellent care of your
brother.”
“Bye Ben.” Said Lucy.
“Thank you Mr. Freidland, I’m glad he will be in such
caring hands.”
23
The Swan Brothers
With that, Mr. Friedland turned and walked out the doors
to the car. I could see Arthur cough a few times into a
handkerchief and then he waved at me. Then the car
started and drove away. I was all by myself in this place.
“Let me show you to your room.” Lucy said.
“Yes please”
Lucy led me down the halls of the first floor of the
building. The stark white walls shine with sterility. All
the furniture is made of either dark wood or cold metal.
With that, Mr. Friedland turned and walked out the doors
The lights reflect off of these surfaces in a way that makes
me feel like I’m back working on a steamship. The only
difference is the moisture in the air. There is none here. It
doesn’t move in this gigantic bland building.
I’ve been here three minutes
and I already want out.
26
Matt Welch
Lucy shows me to my room and then is off to attend to
another patient. The room is bare minimum, much like
the Texas State Sanatorium. The room is a small dimly
lit cube with nothing but a bed, a chair and a small table.
Not a home by any means, but a place where I can fight
this disease nonetheless.
The only comfort of home that is here is what I brought
with me, a picture of mother that she used to point at and
say, “When I was a young child in Russia...” and then go
off on some completely outlandish story. She immigrated
to Galveston in 1896, four years before Arthur and I were
born. I’m not really sure what happened between mother
and our father, but I only vaguely remember him. From
what I recall, it always seemed that he was working to
support our family of five. Winifred knew him the best
out of the three of us. Any question of what happened
between him and mother has always resulted in lots of
crying and a stern lip from my mother. Perhaps I will
never know.
27
The Swan Brothers
Luckily the windows in this place allow the sun to radiate
into this room. If not for that, it would be the coldest place
on Earth. The orange and red rays from the nearing
sunset are like nothing I’ve ever seen. The splashes of
color they project on the walls of my room appear as if
done by the brush of an artist. Maybe this won’t be so
bad. I lie in my bed and close my eyes. I hope Arthur has
arrived safely and his first night in the JCRS brings him
much rest.
29
The Swan Brothers
July 3, 1928
I have been here for a month and one half now
and still haven’t been able to visit Arthur. For the past
three weeks I have been bed ridden. I’ve hardly even
left my bed. I did receive a letter from Arthur though
and we have been writing back and forth. The first few
weeks we were here his condition didn’t improve much,
but he said about four weeks ago he was finally able to
leave his bed without having a coughing fit. Hopefully
his condition continues to improve. It’s so incredibly
unfortunate that our worst times with this disease so far
have made it nearly impossible to see each other since
arriving in Denver. At least we have both been in great
care, although entirely different kinds.
Part of Arthur’s treatment includes sitting in the sun and
socializing with others around the JCRS. I have had the
exact opposite experience. When I was feeling my worst,
I was in bed in my room. Nobody besides Lucy came to
visit me, and that’s just because she is my assigned nurse.
She works with all of the tuberculosis patients. She is very
kind, just the other day she brought me some books from
a local store she thought I would enjoy. None of them
intrigued my interest much, but it was a nice gesture.
Besides Lucy, I haven’t really become attached to anybody.
It sounds like Arthur is meeting and connecting with
people that have just as much of a story to tell as we do.
30
Matt Welch
The main physician here, Dr. Bronfin, has been extremely
kind to me as well. I told him of Arthur being at the JCRS
in Spivak and he informed me that he was good friends
with one of the men that helped create the JCRS.
“The city of Spivak is named after him.” he said. “His
name was Charles Spivak. He emigrated from Russia and
saw a huge need for a place that those with tuberculosis
could gather and build a community. It’s a fine
establishment. You’re brother is in very able hands.”
He suggested that I write a letter explaining why I want
to be with my brother. I miss him so much. The fact that
our lives hang in the balance everyday when I wake up
compounds these feelings even more greatly. I have a lot
of time today to write a note, so I’m going to make it the
best I possibly can. Hopefully they will accept me and we
can be reunited once again. Even if we are both sick, I’d
rather be with him than stuck in this room.
31
The Swan Brothers
Dr. Schwatt
Superintendent. of J.C.R.S.
Sanatorium, Colo.
Dear Sir:
I would like to have you assist in
helping me get in the J.C.R.S. I talked to
Dr. Bronfin and he said he would transfer
me if you all would accept me. I have a
brother over there and I would be very
glad if I could be with him he is the only
relation I have up here and it is pretty
lonesome. I would be very happy if you
would help me out. Thanking you in advance
and hoping you will answer this letter and
let me know.
Yours Truly
Gilbert C Swan
3800 E Colfax Ave
Denver, Colo.
July 3, 1928
32
Matt Welch
33
The Swan Brothers
Today i received a letter from mr. friedland. it
was not even close to the news that I had hoped to
be awaiting me inside the little envelope. The JCRS
has rejected me as a patient saying they
ruled against the admission of more than one member of the
family and we are sorry, therefore, that we cannot possibly
accept you.
Why can’t they accept both of us? I don’t understand. I
just want to be with my brother, it’s not like we’re going to
cause any trouble for everyone.
I heard from Arthur yesterday, and he said his condition
has gone downhill fast and he is now bedridden again.
That only intensifies how badly I want to be around him
more often. Being unable to move from my own bed has
proven difficult enough, maybe sometime next week I’ll
be able to see him. Until then, I must focus on resting.
I plan on writing mother, Jules Block and Rabbi Cohen
about this recent development. Hopefully in the near
future I can be transferred with some letters and influence
on the admissions staff from them.
July 5, 1928
34
Matt Welch
It has been nearly two weeks since I last heard from
mother, Jules Block and Rabbi Cohen regarding any
progress in persuading the JCRS to let me be with Arthur.
What can be taking so long? Arthur submitted his
application and we were off for Colorado not two weeks
later. I’ve been here for two months and have yet to hear
good news from the JCRS about a transfer. Dr. Bronfin
has also put in a good word for me with the admissions
committee. Hopefully his kinds words will
persuade them.
I miss being around anybody that I’ve known longer than
two months. Lucy is the closest person to me I feel. She
is such a kind soul; I pray that her contact with me and
all the other patients will not result in the spread of this
wretched disease.
35
The Swan Brothers
I have written to Arthur a few times this week, but he is
yet to respond. He’s usually been so good about writing
back that I am beginning to wonder how serious his
condition is.
I finally feel much better after about a month of the
worst I have ever been. My lungs were so sore it hurt to
even take shallow breaths. I tried to rest a lot, but even
trying my best to relax was not enough. The lack of sleep
and short breaths piled up on each other and made life
absolutely miserable. Even reaching across my chest to
grab my pen and paper started a coughing fit from deep
within my chest. As a result of this and not being able to
leave my bed, my back has developed a great pain, mostly
in the upper regions, but it is now a constant fact and I
believe I must just live with it.
36
Matt Welch
37
The Swan Brothers
Mr. Gilbert C. Swan
c/o National Jewish Hospital,
3800 East Colfax Avnue,
Denver, Colo.
Dear Friend:
With reference to your letter of July 3,
we regret exceedingly to advise you that
our Admission Committee ruled against the
admission of more than one member of the
family and we are sorry, therefore, that we
cannot possibly accept you.
Yours Sincerely,
Ben Friedland
Assistant Secretary
July 5, 1928
39
The Swan Brothers
Ihave had correspondence with jules block and
Rabbi Cohen. They have assured me that they are
trying their very best to have me admitted and
reunited with Arthur. Rabbi Cohen has said that the
largest problem is that the JCRS has only limited spots for
patients that are not of Jewish faith. He states he is unsure
of why they won’t accept two members of the same
family. It doesn’t make any sense to me at all.
Just let me be with my brother!
August 5, 1928
40
Matt Welch
41
The Swan Brothers
I am going to see arthur today! it has been nearly
three months since I last saw him. I have been feeling
much better in the past two weeks and have been able
to walk around National Jewish and finally meet some
of the other patients. Dr. Bronfin has arranged for Mr.
Friedman to come and pick me up around 11 am and I
will be able to share a meal with Arthur. I’m very excited!
It’s nearly 10:30 now, and I can hardly contain myself. I
have been up and dressed for nearly an hour, just waiting
to see that olive green car come bumping into the lot. My
mind has been racing with thoughts of Arthur ever since
I found out that I would be able to see him, even more
than usual. I can see the car coming into the lot! I waved
goodbye to Lucy and I was off for my lunch with my
brother! I’ll write more about our visit later.
Arthur seems to be doing wonderfully. From the time that
I last saw him, he has lost a small amount of weight, but
no more than I have. We were able to sit outside of one
of the buildings after eating for about two hours before
Arthur felt too tired to talk any longer. We talked about
some of the different activities that he does on a regular
basis, one of them being sitting in the sun.
August 13, 1928
42
Matt Welch
It was nice to be able to just chat for a bit, without pen
and paper in hand. I just wish we could do it more often.
Apparently some of the other patients have family in
town that visit often. Both of us being under the care of
medical institutions doesn’t very easily allow for this, but
one of the tramlines comes almost all the way out Colfax.
Maybe sometime I could make that journey from
National Jewish.
43
The Swan Brothers
September 24, 1928
Over the past month, i have been able to visit
Arthur a few times. His condition seems to
have stopped getting worse, but he’s not really
getting better either. I don’t know if that’s a good or bad
sign. Either way, it has been nice to be able to see him once
a week or so.
A few days ago I received a message from Mother stating
that Mr. Block and Rabbi Cohen have been hard at work
with collecting funds and filling out documents to make
a good case for me to get into the JCRS. I hope it all works.
It has already been nearly three months since I asked to be
admitted to their fine sanatorium.
Recently my condition has fluctuated, but overall I have
been staying fairly well. Both day and night are plagued
with coughing fits, but those have just become a fact of
daily living. My back doesn’t hurt as much anymore, but I
also haven’t been spending day and night in my bed.
44
Matt Welch
October 9, 1928
Rabbi H.B. Lieberman
2406 Hamilton Ave.
Houston, Texas
Dear Friend Lieberman:
Many thanks for your letter of October
5th. I am sure you will do all you can do
to bring the two Swan brothers together
under one roof.
yours faithfully,
Henry Cohen
The Swan Brothers
45
47
The Swan Brothers
October 16, 1928
T oday dr. bronfin has informed me that rabbi
Cohen of Galveston must write a letter to the JCRS
and then all we have to do is wait for approval.
Hopefully all goes through for the transfer.
I have had such great support from all of my family, Jules
Block and Rabbi Cohen in this long process. I’m really
hoping this will be the end of it and I can be reunited with
Arthur for more than a couple hours a week.
49
The Swan Brothers
October 22, 1928
I have been admitted to the jcrs! when i learned of
this excellent news, I don’t think I could have packed
my small amount of belongings any faster.
I even grabbed the books Lucy brought to me as a
reminder of how kind she had been throughout the
duration of my stay. The joy that is in my heart right now
is unsurpassable!
Arthur’s condition has degraded very quickly since I
last saw him, he still had color in his skin and had lost
some weight, but now he is a stick! His skin has gone
completely pale and clings to his bones very tightly. He
seems to be high in spirit, although his physical condition
does not seem very good at all. His neck causes him great
pain. I wish I could do something for him, but it seems his
pain has developed rapidly over the past few weeks.
51
The Swan Brothers
November 2, 1928
A rthur passed away at about 6:30 this morning.
I wish I could say I was at his bedside when he
passed, but unfortunately I was asleep. I didn’t
even get to say goodbye to him. The nurses all tell me that
it was not a surprise, but that he went swiftly.
Arthur was plagued with the damn disease for nearly two
and one half years. I guess they mean relatively fast.
He seemed like he was doing fine a few weeks ago but if
quickly is over that period of time I guess they are right. I
wish I had written more these past ten days since we were
reunited, but I was so overjoyed I didn’t want to spend all
of our time together writing.
I can’t believe he’s gone. What hope does this leave for me?
We were just reunited and now he has been ripped away.
I don’t even know what to say, he’s always been there for
me and I for him. Who do I turn to now? I’m all alone, far
away from home. Even home doesn’t seem right anymore.
Home ALWAYS included Arthur.
Swiftly?
53
The Swan Brothers
November 15, 1928
My condition has gotten increasingly worse
over the past two weeks. My thoughts have
revolved around Arthur entirely. The flood of
emotions and memories that accompany even his name
overcome me constantly. I knew that someday he would
die, but I never wanted it to happen. He was only 20! We
had our whole lives ahead of us!
All of the nurses have said to “try to not think about
death. Keep your thoughts positive” They don’t
understand what a tall order that is.
I JUST LOST MY BROTHER.
55
The Swan Brothers
November 22, 1928
I want to go home. the only problem is that if i
do go home, all I would see is places that would
remind me of Arthur. I don’t want to forget him by
any means, but I think about him enough as it is. It just
makes me sad.
My condition hasn’t improved since last week. I still hack
constantly. If anything, my lungs feel the worst they’ve
ever felt. The pain in my back has returned. My neck is as
stiff as a rock. I just need to sleep. Sleep is the only time
where I can get away from everything in this physical
world; the only time where I can be with my loved ones.
The only time I feel healthy.
Every waking moment of my day is spent wondering
when I’ll be able to be asleep again. Then I finally get back
to sleep only to have it ruined by a hacking fit.
I hate this.
I want out.
Out of this prison that is my own body.
The ultimate jail cell.
61
The Swan Brothers
December 17, 1928
Mother sent a christmas letter to me,
asking how I was doing. I haven’t replied yet.
I don’t even know any more. One day the
sickness will seem to improve and the next I’m right back
where I was a month ago. I have a constant fever, which is
really bothersome while trying to sleep. I am consistently
sweating while under the covers of my bed, but I’m so
cold I feel like I’m frozen on top of one of the mountains
in the distance.
This is the first Christmas without my best friend and my
brother. I can’t help but think of all the times we spent
together over the course of our 19 years together.
Mother is obviously very upset by his death, but I don’t
know how much I can do all the way from Denver to
console her. I want to tell her exactly how I feel, but I
don’t want her to worry about me. I can overcome this
disease eventually.
62
Matt Welch
63
The Swan Brothers
February 26, 1929
Mother has decided to sell our childhood
home in Galveston and move in with Winifred
in Houston. A letter from her reads:
I cannot bear to be in this building where you boys grew up.
You both have always been a source of pride in my life, but it
pains me to be here all by myself, surrounded by the history
this house holds. I feel that I need constant companionship,
and your sister will provide just that.
I am slightly upset she decided to sell the house. I must
ask her what will become of some of the belongings of
Arthur and myself. Some of our shared possessions need
to stay around for a while longer.
His death still pains me, but I am learning to deal with
it. I will never be entirely over this feeling, but I can now
mention his name and smile with memories instead of
shutting down and feeling bad about it. That seems to be
a step in the right direction.
64
Matt Welch
65
The Swan Brothers
March 9, 1929
Mother has requested i come back to texas.
I have been feeling fairly steady in health.
I’m also very lonely. Many other patients
here have made friends with each other and have family
members come visit on a regular basis. I have neither.
Going home seems like the best choice. The fresh
Colorado air has helped slow my condition, but I feel it
has progressed to past what can be helped here. I want to
be with my family.
66
Matt Welch
67
The Swan Brothers
March 13, 1929
I left the jcrs today. currently mr. friedland is
driving me to Union Station where I will depart
for Houston and once again be reunited with the
members of my family. The past two years with this
disease have cost me many hours on a train and lots of
separation from all that I know.
The battle I’m fighting is a losing one I feel. I’ve known
people that have been in my same position that have
regained full health after a few short months in a
sanatorium, but nearly everyone I know that has had the
disease for an extended period of time has eventually lost.
Consumption is such a wretched word, but it describes
this disease perfectly. It has consumed every aspect of my
life, and dictated my decisions.
Never did I think I would be in Denver for nearly a
year, just to go back home, but here I am. This is the
first time I’ve been on a long train ride like this all by
myself. Luckily the sun is just setting so by the time the
train departs the view of the mountains, my eyes will
be free from the blinding yet beautiful orange rays that
welcomed me when I first arrived here a little over
one year ago.
68
Matt Welch
I will miss the fresh air of colorado, but I am going home.
69
The Swan Brothers
There is nothing better than being able to say that.
70
Matt Welch
71
The Swan Brothers
March 16, 1929
The train ride was very long all by myself.
I passed many of the hours by sleeping, which
helped me to feel much more relaxed. It terrifies
me to be in a public place with this disease. I don’t want
anybody to have to go through what I have. It’s no way to
live one’s life at all.
I was fortunate to only have a small coughing fit over the
course of the trip. My fever has been running rampant
though. I had a six and one half hour layover in Dallas,
which did not help the situation. That was a horrible time.
Surrounded by Lord knows how many people, likely
going about the country to visit relatives or on their way
home as I was. There I sat, sick as ever, trying to hide
the sweat that rolled down my ice-cold cheek. I was glad
when my train finally came and I was able to hide behind
rows of seats and relax. I filled the seat next to me with
luggage to try to keep a barrier between myself and all
other human contact.
72
Matt Welch
Upon my arrival to Houston, Winifred and mother greeted
me with gigantic smiles. They both seemed in great spirits
to see me. I was very glad to see them as. It had been over
a year since I had last seen either of them.
I pray that I don’t infect their bright faces with consumption.
March 16, 1929
Mr. S.B. Kaufman
Spivak, Colo.
Dear Sir:
Just a few lines to let you know Gilbert
arrived home O.K. Gilbert stood the the
trip fine. His temperature only went to
about 100 and he was some what tired. He
had to wait in Dallas six hours and a
half. We are a having a rainy spring here.
Everything is green. I will write you once
in awhile.
Mrs. P. Baade
6737 Avenue J
Houston, Texas
The Swan Brothers
73
75
The Swan Brothers
June 20, 1929
Mother entered the hospital yesterday.
The doctor diagnosed her with a severe
chest cold; I hope that’s all it is. She can’t get
consumption. Just can’t. I would feel absolutely horrible!
I wish my return home hasn’t caused this, but that was
immediately my first thought. She is scheduled to return
home tonight, with doctor’s orders of rest and relaxation.
I have started to lose weight at an extremely rapid pace.
My skin is still flesh colored, but I am becoming more
and more dependent upon my bed. A quick glance in
the mirror, and I can see glimpses of Arthurs features in
my own face that I couldn’t see earlier. I fear the Lord is
calling my name, but I continue to try to fight this disease.
I don’t want to die.
Mother and Winifred don’t deserve to go through the pain
of death again. I’ve been part of this battle for too long to
let it ruin all my life’s aspirations. I hoped to one day be
married, to have children. Crazy talk. I can still do those
things. I’m only 20; I have a long life ahead of me
76
Matt Welch
77
The Swan Brothers
July 10, 1929
I can see my skin becoming more and more pale
with every passing day. It hurts to stand. It hurts to
lay down. It hurts to breathe in. It hurts to exhale.
Everything I do hurts me. Everything I do makes me
tired. All I want to do is sleep. It’s the only time I have
where I don’t hurt. Mother has been caring for me in any
way possible, but I’ve been trying to keep her away from
me to keep from spreading the consumption. Looking at
my arms, I can see my skin tightly stretched right on top
of my bones. I look like Arthur did right before his death.
I’m growing very weak. I don’t know how much longer
I’ll be able to stay awake today.
I
must
sleep
December 18, 1929
Mr. S.B. Kaufman
Spivak, Colo.
Dear Sir:
Just a few lines to let you know that
God has called my dear boy home July 10.
I wrote to Dr. Schwatt and told him. Mr.
Kaufman you can’t imagine how I miss
my two boys. This will be some lonesome
Christmas for me without them. Gilbert
died in John Sealy hospital and I was in
there myself for six weeks.Wishing you and
all a merry merry Christmas and a happy
and prosperous new year.
Mrs. Susan Baade
6737 Avenue J
Houston, Texas
89
The Swan Brothers
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Patient Records courtesy of Dr. Jeanne Abrams
Beck Archives Special Collections
Penrose Library and Center for Judaic Studies
University of Denver 2010
Images
Anonymous. “1615 Ave C, Galveston, Texas.”
Google Maps. February 5 2010.
<http://maps.google.com>.
Anonymous. “Galveston.” Life Magazine. April 13 2010.
<http://www.images.google.com/hosted/life>.
Anonymous. “Southern Railway, interior of car.” National
Photo Company. April 12 2010.
<http://www.shorpy.com/node/4380>.
Anonymous. “U.S. Army. Camp Hospital, Camp Bragg.”
Images from the History of Medicine. April 6 2010.
<http://ihm.nlm.nih.gov/images/A07980>.
Kelley, Sarah. “1929 Ford Model A.” Vintage Ford Cars.
April 13 2010.
<http://www.bobbittville.com>.
Acknowledgements
Acknowledgements (Continued)
Kelley, Sarah. “1929 Ford Model A.” Vintage Ford Cars.
April 13 2010.
<http://www.bobbittville.com>.
Krajewski, Steve. “Denver Tramway Track Map-1926.” Map.
Cafky, Rev. W. Morris and Don Robertson. “Denver’s
Street Railways.” Volume 2. Denver, Colorado:
Sundance Publications, 2004. Print.
Shere, Sam. “Civilians Crowding Train Station.” Life
Magazine. April 9 2010.
<http://www.images.google.com/hosted/life>.
Thacher, Tom. “Pulmonray Tuberculosis with Cavity.”
Internal Medicine. April 13 2010.
<http://www.thachers.org/images/TBcavity.JPG>.
The Swan Brothersthe story of arthur and gilbert swan
Written By
Matt Welch
MWPublishing