The 72-point headline above the Enterprise logo on Page One read: “TRUDEAU SANATORIUM TO CLOSE DEC.1”

The closing 70 years ago, stunned the community; although many connected with this historic tuberculosis hospital, the first built in the United States, had read the writing on the wall.

Approximately 200 were on the payroll and my father at age 54 was one of those 200 to lose his job.

So many in Saranac Lake and the surrounding area had ties to Trudeau. It seems like half the teenagers in Saranac Lake worked at Trudeau during the summer vacations. Some were tray boys. My brother Charlie (Chic) and I were two of those, others worked in the kitchens (there was more than one) and some worked in the big laundry. Another Page One Headline read: “JOB PROBLEM FACES VILLAGE …”

The lead story:

“As of next Dec. 1, seven weeks from tomorrow, Trudeau Sanatorium, established in 1884, will cease to exist insofar as the treatment of tuberculosis is concerned.

“The research facilities at the Trudeau/Saranac Institute will continue unaffected by the closing of the sanatorium.

“D. J. Burns Amberson, president of the Board of Trustees, said,

“‘We will continue to carry out active research programs, not only in the field of tuberculosis, but in the many fields of lung diseases, particularly those of industrial origin.’

“Thus, after 70 years, [and we are reporting the story 70 years after its closing] a milestone in the struggle against tuberculosis has been reached.

“The decision to close the sanatorium was reached at a meeting of the Board last Friday in New York City. The Board meeting took place in the offices of Kidder, Peabody and Company on Wall Street, and was presided over by Dr. Amberson. The decision was made public this morning by Dr. Gordon Meade, director of the Trudeau/Saranac Institute, after he informed all members of the staff. The news was communicated this morning first to the department heads and then to the entire staff at a general staff meeting.

“The entire staff of the Institute numbers about 200 but of these some 75 are engaged in the research

activities. In view of the overlapping of the sanatorium and laboratory no immediate decision could be made in all staff cases.

“But it was clear that all of those exclusively concerned with the sanatorium, headed by Dr. Roger Mitchell, would be released as of Dec. 1. The Board has made provision for severance pay, although no specific details were made public.

“No decision has yet been made as to the precise name under which the research facilities will be operated. Nor could there be an immediate decision with regard to the use which will be made of the buildings and equipment of the sanatorium. A committee to investigate this problem will be set up by Dr. Amberson.

“Jacques DeMattos, president of the Saranac Lake Chamber of Commerce, has called a special meeting of the Chamber to consider the same problem this Saturday morning at 10 a.m.

“So far as the patients are concerned, Dr. Meade explained that, since no new patients were being admitted, there would probably be no more than 30 remaining by Dec. 1. These patients will be assisted in finding facilities in the area.

“Commenting on the Board’s decision, Dr. Amberson issued the following statement:

“‘We are now seeing the results of the pioneer work begun here by Dr. Edward Livingston Trudeau more than 70 years ago in the battle against tuberculosis. His untiring efforts were ably carried on by those who succeeded him. The result has been a very marked decline in the tuberculosis death rate. We have witnessed a corresponding decline in the patient census, not only at Trudeau but at most private and public tuberculosis sanatoria in the country. In the light of these changes we feel we cannot justify keeping our patient facilities open.’

“Dr. Meade, whose report to the Board last Friday on the decline of the patient census and the steadily mounting deficit despite the large scale economy measures adopted last December, told The Enterprise that the decline started four years ago, and reached serious proportions two years ago.

“Dr. Meade made it clear that tuberculosis has not been completely conquered but that ‘as far as the treatment is concerned, we feel that we have made our maximum contribution.'”