San Antonio light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1911-1993, 1923-09-23
ituated in Ideal Location for Treat
ment of tuberculosis It Is Haven
for Afflicted World War Service
Men Who Are Given Best of Care,
Both by Hospital Authorities and
Outside Agencies Which Are Inter-
ested in Their Welfare.

Situated in Kerr county, Texas, the
United States Veterans Hospital No.
SO, Legio, Texas, is situated in what
is conceded by experts to be one of
the most favorable locations for the
treatment of tuberculosis In the South
west.
An altitude of 1850 feet, and a
moderately dry climate with extremes
of temperature seldom greater than
from Is to 9S degrees Fahrenheit
throughout the year, represent natur-
al conditions almost ideal in the con-
sideration of a choice for hospital
site.
The new hospital is located on the
Old Spanish Trail at a dis ance of Y
miles northwest of San Antonio, and
three miles south of Ketrville, Texas.
The hospital grounds consist of $50
acres, with more than a mile 'front.'
age upon the beautiful Guadalupe
river, a picturesque mountain stream.
Rising from among the green trees
of an eminence that commands a
splendid view of tn. surrounding
"hill country" the hospital buildings
may be seen for miles, and are al
ready landmark to tourists as they
journey westward over the Spanish
Trail. ...
The United States Veterans Blu
.Seau acquired Hospital No. 90 through
lease, and occupancy took place in
June, 1928. However, as the American
Legion Memorial Sanatorium, the in
stitution had already gained wide
reputation for its successful treatment
of tuberculosis, a reputation which led
veterans bureau experts to concur in
the recommendation to adopt the
American Legion Memorial Sanatori-
um under federal control.
A Brief History of Hospital.
The idea of locating a hospital for
ex-seryice men at Legion had its in
ception in private initiative. As early
as November, 1919, the Benevolent
War Risk Society of Uexas took seri-
ously under consideration the care and
general welfare of Texas soldiers who
were returning from overseas. The
spirit of that organization was ad-
mirable. and it was through its presi-
dent. William p. Hobby aid the head
of the selective service machinery,
Mai. J. c. TONNES, that movement
was organized to raise a half million
dollars among the local boards for the
housing and treatment of Texas men
who had contracted tuberculosis in
the service. Under the financial CIR.
cumstances succeeding the great war,
the selective service machinery of Tex
as was unable to raise the full amount
required to start a hospit.l.
Early in 1920, the Schreiner family,
one of the pioneer families of Kerr
county. purchased the old homestead
of Joshua y. Brown, founder Of the
city of Kerrville, and presented this
beautiful piece of property, comprising
100 acres, as a lift for hospital pur-
poses.
Work on the new hospital was start
ed at once, but owing to an made
quacy Of funds to carry the project
through, operations ceased. 1t was
s-len that the Texas department of
the American Legion sponsored the
undertaking and threw itself into the
task of raising more money and as
Stunning responsibility for the compile
ton of the hospital, if possible. The
prestige of that organization was felt
throughout the state, and rallying be-
bind il was the fine patriotic spirit of
the people of Texas. AS a result of
public spirit and sentiment, the Tex
as Legislature appropriated $1,000
600 In the spring of 1921. Soon after
the work of constructing the magnifi-
cent buildings of the hospital was
rushed to completion. Building after
building rose from the serene Texas
hills, with here and there a water
tower or a tall chimney to remind the
observer that utility is ever COM
bined with beauty in the hospital
world. The cornerstone records in
granite the achievement of the Benevo-
lent War Risk Society of Texas spon-
sored by the American Legion of
Texas.
What the Veterans Found.
The first disabled veterans who ar
rived BY a special train from Houston,
Texas, July 1, 1923, fou.d complet-
ed hospital in readiness or them at
Legion, Texas. They had been pre-
coded some days before by Col. r. I.
Cook. commanding orf,er of Hospital
No. 90, and staff of do tors, nurses,
dietitians and other personnel who
were prepared for their admission TO
the new hospital. Capt. 5. G. Kile,
manager of the Fourteenth District of
the Veterans Bureau and Charles f.
H.. Gordon, sub-district manager of San
Antonio, Texas, were present on tins
occasion. Ali departments of soldier
welfare and relief workers Y ere rep
resented by such substantial organi-
Ations as the American Iegion. the
woman's Auxiliary, Red Cross.
Knights of Columbus, and War Moth
ers.