Rest Haven Preventorium for Children Papers, 1909-1971

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Summary

Creators:
Mead, Florence
Abstract:
This collection contains materials related to Rest Haven Preventorium and its administrative processes from 1910 through 1971.
Extent:
11.25 Linear feet (12 boxes)
Language:
and Collection materials are in English.
Preferred citation:

Rest Haven Preventorium for Children Records, MS 6, San Diego History Center Document Collection, San Diego, CA.

Background

Scope and content:

This collection contains materials related to Rest Haven Preventorium and its administrative processes from 1910 through 1971. Materials include correspondence, organizational records, meeting minutes, reports and proposals, financial reports and statements, histories, miscellaneous ephemera and newspaper clippings and scrapbooks. There are materials dating from the Associations beginnings as well as the period of Rest Haven’s greatest growth before the Second World War. Included in the collection is the transcript of a lawsuit with the City of East San Diego over Rest Haven’s location and materials related to the camp’s involvement in the treatment of local servicemen during World War I. There is also material related to the yearly Christmas Seal drives during the 1920s and 1930s and the many social events organized for charity. Later records are much less detailed and reflect Rest Haven’s financial role as a foundation. The collection as a whole offers insight into social and medical welfare programs during the early 20th century in San Diego.

Biographical / historical:

In 1907, the San Diego County Medical Society voted to cooperate with a California Tuberculosis Association in forming a local organization for combating the threat of tuberculosis. This San Diego Tuberculosis Association ( San Diego Society for the Study and Prevention of Tuberculosis) was incorporated in 1910. In its early years the Association administered several programs in its local fight against the “White Plague”, including the establishment of an open-air sanatorium in the Lemon Villa area and a cooperative program with the Army during the first World War for treatment of ailing servicemen stationed locally. The open-air camp, called Rest Haven Preventorium, became the focus of the Association’s activities beginning in the 1920s, as emphasis shifted from adult patients to the exclusive treatment of children. Rest Haven maintained its commitment to children through the expansion of the camp, annual Christmas Seal drives, and charity events. In the early 1950s Rest Haven relinquished operation of its facilities and became a foundation dedicated to the welfare of San Diego’s children.

Acquisition information:
Accession number 830601A.
Processing information:

Collection processed by Jennifer Vanoni on May 31, 2013.

Arrangement:

The collection is arranged by series:

Series I: Administrative Records

Series II: Scrapbooks

Physical / technical requirements:

The scrapbooks are in poor condition with loose pages and newspaper clippings that are discolored and fragile. Care should be taken when handling these items. (May 2013)

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Access and use

Restrictions:

This collection is open for research.

Terms of access:

The San Diego History Center (SDHC) holds the copyright to any unpublished materials. SDHC Library regulations do apply.

Preferred citation:

Rest Haven Preventorium for Children Records, MS 6, San Diego History Center Document Collection, San Diego, CA.

Location of this collection:
1649 El Prado, Suite 3
San Diego, CA 92101, US
Contact:
(619) 232-6203
Website