Livermore Sanitarium
| Livermore Sanitarium | |
|---|---|
| Established | 1893 |
| Opened | 1894 |
| Closed | 1965 |
| Current Status | Demolished |
| Building Style | Cottage Plan |
| Location | Livermore, CA |
| Alternate Names | |
History[edit]
The Sanitarium operated from 1895 until it closed in 1965. Founded by Dr. John Robertson, the Sanitarium originally occupied the William Mendenhall house and the old Livermore College building on College Avenue. By 1920 the grounds contained over seventeen buildings and the Sanitarium employed close to 300 people. In 1912 Dr. V. H. Podsata, formerly superintendent of Elgin State Hospital, Illinois, and Dr. Willhite of Dunning, Chicago, became interested in the institution, since when it has been conducted under the joint names of Drs. Robertson, Podsata, and Willhite. There were no large buildings, but many isolated cottages, some for single individuals, and all without either window guards or enclosed restraints. All patients received individual nursing and care. The general hydropathic building was completed in 1906.
By 1920, there were 120 patients. In the 1960s, new medical approaches to psychiatry were discovered and popularity of this type of hospital declined. The facility employed at least seven psychiatrists, and had special cottages for patients with severe mental health conditions. Livermore Sanitarium closed in 1965.
