Unit 2
Unit 2 was opened in 1940 as the Children’s Hospital or preventorium. This four story structure combined all the up to date amenities deemed necessary to care for the children with tuberculosis with a beautiful classical style.[1] It housed both boys and girls and offered them a structured routine that combined proper diet, plenty of rest, class work and play time. By 1946 100 children resided at the preventorium and they ranged in age from 18 months to 17 years. In describing the makeup of the population The Record Herald in 1947 stated “noticing a large percentage of colored children in the preventorium, a visitor may be astounded to discover that the Negro toll is 2 ½ times that of the white race. In fact, exactly one-half of the feminine population in the preventorium is made up of negro girls.”[2] Why is that, and are there any conclusions we can draw from these facts?
As we can see Unit 2 is vacant and has been since 1985. Many plans have been proposed to reopen this structure, but this impressive structure still stands empty. What should be its future?