FRESH AIR CAMPS

FRESH AIR CAMPS. Dubuque's first Fresh Air Camp was conducted by the VISITING NURSE ASSOCIATION in June 1911. Held on the WARTBURG THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY grounds the camp was open to malnourished children and those in need of medical care. Supported financially by the sales of Christmas seals, the camp depended upon tents supplied by Dubuque residents. Children were brought to the camp in light-covered carriages called "carry-alls."

In 1913 a Fresh Air Camp for sickly and frail children was opened at Rhomberg Park. The site was a one block square in the Eagle Point area at Shiras and Rhomberg avenues. The area was later the site of the Eagle Point apartments. The park was owned by Alphonse and Catherine Rhomberg who allowed the VNA to use the land without cost.

The number of children enrolling in the camp grew annually. By 1931 unemployment was so high that the VNA only enrolled those in the greatest need. In 1933 the VNA was allowed to use Ridgemount, the vacant Massey home at the corner of James and Langworthy STREETS.

Complaints from neighbors and the suggestion of the Iowa tuberculosis association to discontinue camps led the VNA to cancel their plans in 1936. Funds raised were used in the schools and for Mantoux tests which tested hypersensitivity to tuberculin that indicates infection. Tuberculosis Health Seals were sold in December of each year. Money raised helped establish Open Window Rooms in schools.

During the school year, if a child's weight and general health declined, parents were advised to enroll their child in the Open Window Room. In these sites, children were given help to strengthen them from to resist tuberculosis. From 1914 to 1921 an open window room was operated at JACKSON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL for under-nourished and under-weight children. This was operated in cooperation between the Board of Education and the VNA.

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Source:

Kruse, Len. "Visiting Nurses," My Old Dubuque, Center for Dubuque History, Loras College, 2000 p. 45-46