Children's Island Sanitarium

Children's Island Sanitarium was a sanitarium located on Children's Island in Essex County, Massachusetts. It operated from 1886 to 1946 and provided a summer retreat for chronically ill children, offering them the healing benefits of outdoor, ocean air.

Children's Island was previously home to a failed Island House known as Lowell Island House. The property was later donated by its final owner, Mr. Fredrick Rindge, to establish the Children's Island Sanitarium. The conditions of the donation stated that the property should be used exclusively for the purpose of the sanitarium, and if not, it would revert back to the donor and his heirs. Mr. Rindge also emphasized that children of all races, colors, and religions should be welcomed at the sanitarium.

The Sisterhood of Margaret of Boston was chosen to manage the sanitarium. This society already had experience in caring for ill or crippled children through their involvement with the Children's Hospital in Boston and the Sea-Shore Home in Winthrop.

During the late 19th century, sea air was believed to have healing properties for certain nutritional disorders, particularly those affecting joints and bones. The managers of the Lowell Island Sanitarium hoped that the sea air would benefit children suffering from chronic malnutrition. In July 1886, the Children's Island Sanitarium opened its doors for nearly two months, accommodating 150 children who were either exposed to diseases prevalent in crowded cities or affected by rickets.

The sanitarium carefully selected its patients, admitting boys under 10 and girls of any age or race who suffered from chronic diseases that could be improved by a marine atmosphere. Children convalescing from severe operations were also eligible for admission. Admission was free for children in need, and the usual stay was two weeks, which could be extended if necessary.

Contrary to popular belief, the Children's Island Sanitarium was not a tuberculosis sanitarium. Children with contagious diseases, especially active tuberculosis, were not admitted. However, children with joint and bone infections, both tuberculosis-related and non-tuberculosis-related, were accepted. Many children at the sanitarium suffered from deformities caused by rickets or vitamin D deficiency.

In addition to children, the sanitarium also provided a holiday retreat for working women in need, who could stay by paying for their board.

A journalist from the Boston Transcript visited the island in September 1890 and described the large house that served as the main facility.