Here, in 1903, Dr. W. B. Hopkins, Cumberland, opened the first tuberculosis sanitorium in Wisconsin. He built an office and three one-story frame buildings with screen sides-the men's ward, the women's ward and a dining hall.

Hopkins treated tuberculosis cases here in summer. He wrote of the "pure air, day and night" and a program of close medical attention, good food and restrained exercise to keep the patient "cheerful and hopeful, temperate in all things."

Weekly rates were $15, or a patient could build a little cabin on the grounds and get medical treatment for $10 monthly. Physicians volunteered their services, among them, Dr. F. G. Johnson, Lake Nebagamon.

Operating losses caused the sanitarium to be abandoned in 1905. It was a brave effort that stimulated inquiry into the treatment of tuberculosis in Wisconsin.

Erected 1966
The State Historical Society of Wisconsin

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