This simple yet charming chapel was built and designed by Dr. Samuel G. Dixon, Pennsylvania’s Commissioner of Health, in 1911 and has served as the physical and spiritual center of the complex. [1] It is the oldest building still standing and offers an opportunity to learn about the early years of the institution.
An article in The Record Herald, one of the local newspapers, in 1947 is a pleasant introduction to the founding of the center. " In mid summer of 1902-about the time a young farmer named Charles Johnson was attacked and injured by a wild cat on South Mountain-a middle aged physician made his appearance in the South Mountain area. It was ‘Old Doc’ Rothrock, called the father of Pennsylvania’s forests, who pulled his horse-drawn wagon to a stop in a grove of white pine four miles above Mt. Alto, and unofficially established the now famous tuberculosis health resort.” [2]
It was first named the White Pine Camp, a private enterprise that welcomed those who needed the fresh air and sunshine for their various afflictions. It is speculated that Rothrock suffered from some sort of lung disease, possibly tuberculosis. During these early years conditions at the camp were very primitive with the residents living in tents or wooden shelters.[3]
In 1907 Pennsylvania Dixon