The Swan Brothers: The Story of Arthur and Gilbert Swan by Matthew Welch

The Swan Brothers the story of arthur and gilbert swan

Written By

Matt Welch

MW Publisher

Based on factual events. Copyright ÂŠ 2010 by Matt Welch First Edition All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any means without permission from the publisher. Designed, printed and bound in Denver, Colorado.

In rememberance of all those that died of consumption.

Contents Prologue

Our History

Correspondence

Visit

Reunited

Home

Prologue The early part of the 20th century found the country ravished with tuberculosis. The Jewish Consumptives’ Relief Society (JCRS) in what is now Lakewood, Colorado was founded by a small group of caring Jewish medical professionals that wanted to aid in the fight against the “white plague.” The JCRS housed more than 10,000 patients during it’s time of operation.

The Swan Brothers

May 20, 1928

can’t remember a time without my brother. We’ve done everything together since birth. Our early years were spent in the same school, the same classes and

sometimes even the same clothes. Our mother was very kind to us in this respect as it made trickery an easy delight. Everything was a joint decision and we used our appearances to fool many of our friends. Even though he is technically my older brother by ten minutes, I have never felt like we have the hierarchy of siblings that I seen in other families. We treat each other entirely as equals and have always supported each other in all of our endeavors. Even as we grew and changed, we did it together. Within the past four or five years we have both started working careers. I worked as a steamship clerk and Arthur is a printer at a local bookshop. For the past year and one half, I feel as though I have done nothing but follow my brother Arthur. When the diagnosis arrived of his condition, I couldn’t help but think that I might already be infected. Arthur contracted consumption in May of 1926 and went to stay a short bout at the Texas State Sanatorium in February of 1927. Soon after he left to begin treatment, I came down with consumption as well. When I was first diagnosed, I stayed at home about three months where I attempted to stay rested and mostly stayed inside. 11

Matt Welch

During that time I missed Arthur a great deal and would go to visit him from time to time at the sanatorium. He talked about how nice it was to not have to worry about infecting anybody and how he could feel himself getting better over a period of time. For a short while, I also stayed in the Texas State Sanatorium along with Arthur. The physical discomfort caused by consumption is very great and is compounded by the wet air around Galveston. The short distance inland we went to get to the sanatorium seemed to help a little, but did not by any means entirely cure us. At least Arthur and I can always be together with our condition. We donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to worry about infecting each other at all. We just help keep each other in check and keep our heads up as the disease that afflicts us has already claimed many lives all across the United States. A few months ago, Arthur heard of a sanatorium in Spivak, Colorado, which is very near Denver. The elevation of the town at a mile high and dryness of the air will cure us. The sanatorium is run by the Jewish Consumptives Relief Society and is mostly meant for those of the Jewish religion, but they also let Catholics in; lucky for us they do. We contacted the sanatorium by telegraph and discovered that we needed to find a

The Swan Brothers

sponsor for each of us in order to be admitted. We found two local Rabbis named Henri Lieberman and Henry Cohen that offered to help. We were to be admitted as emergency cases as our condition has worsened in the recent past. A response was heard that the National Jewish Hospital would take and care for me. Arthur was admitted to the sanatorium and a spot was being held for him. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m not excited about the idea of traveling all that way just to be separated again, but in order for our health to improve we feel it is a necessary sacrifice. Our fare for the trip was entirely covered by the vice chairman of the Galveston JCRS named Jules Block. We left for Denver by train yesterday and are scheduled to arrive in Denver at about three thirty this afternoon, the 20th of May 1929. Mr. Ben Friedland of the JCRS will be meeting us at Union Station. Since we left Galveston, Arthur and I have seen parts of country we thought we would never see. We never had the opportunity to travel when we were healthy very much. The longest trip we ever went on was to visit Winifred, our older sister in Houston, but we had never even left Texas. The ride from Galveston to Houston was very familiar, as we had done it a few times before. Even though we had seen the city before, it was never like this.

Matt Welch

This time we saw it as travelers to a destination out of our reach. Entirely beyond what we have ever known. The wheels screeched on the metal track as we pulled into the bustling station. We watched as people went about their busy, healthy lives, hoping that someday we could live a normal life again. The train sat idle for a few moments while passengers came and left. foom

foom

foom foom foom

foomfoomfoomfoom and we were off from the station. As we pulled out of Houston, we were officially the farthest away from home we had ever been. As we traveled farther and farther from the coast we realized how barren much of this state is.

The Swan Brothers

The distance between Houston and Colorado seemed like ages. Arthur is complaining of a sore stomach and chest. I don’t blame him. Just yesterday he entered such a coughing fit that I was afraid his lungs were about to jump out, right onto the floor in front of me. His cough seems to have improved slightly since then, but if he enters a coughing fit like that on this train I don’t know what the other passengers would make of it. Being in public with this disease is unbearable. Even being around our mother turned into a ballet dance of tender care and keeping her away from us. The thought of myself infecting another human being with this disease sickens me. Every day my body aches and I hold back coughing fits just to keep a sense of healthiness in my life. Mother says that this trip will be good for us; I sure hope she’s right. Arthur seems to think that it is his fault that I came down with consumption soon after he did. It does make sense, but so does the fact that whomever Arthur got it from infected me as well. Arthur often tells me that he’s “sorry that he has brought this horrible disease upon our lives.” Arthur and I are very glad to be nearing Colorado and the fine mile high air.

Matt Welch

As we near Denver, I can hear Arthur beginning to cough next to me. “Arthur. ” I said. “You must try to contain your coughs.” “I can’t” replied Gilbert. “Being in this stuffy old train is making my chest feel all tight. It’s hard to breath after being in here for so long.” “Try your best, we’re almost to Denver. No need to start a ruckus over the boys in the back that can’t stop coughing.” I could tell he was trying to cough into his handkerchief, but all of his muffled coughs were beginning to grow in volume. Luckily the sounds of the track passing beneath us kept his coughs a secret that only our seats would know. After 30 long hours on the train, we had arrived at Union Station in Denver. As we departed the train, we saw a family of four collecting their baggage in the distance. I had only been away from home for less than two days and I already wondered what mother is doing. I hope she does not worry; Arthur and I will soon be in the care of some the finest consumption clinics in the world. I just wish I could

The Swan Brothers

join Arthur at the JCRS. I don’t see why they don’t admit both of us. Maybe I can ask Mr. Friedland when we meet up with him. Arthur’s coughing fit has finally subsided, but the blood left in his handkerchief is a permanent sign of our illness. I have grown accustom to carrying multiple handkerchiefs for times like these. If it’s not Arthur that is in need of a fresh one, it’s me. The past few months seem as though they can be measured entirely in handkerchiefs. Arthur walked to a nearby waste bin and deposits his used linen. As I was waiting for Arthur to return to where I was the platform cleared of passengers rather quickly. We began to exit the platform ourselves when I heard a low, booming voice. “Hello there!” I hear from my right. “You must be the Swan brothers.” “Uhhh.... And you must be mister Friedland. ” I said, with a sound of surprise in my voice. “A pleasure to meet you.” Ben Friedland was not a large man, but from his voice alone I would picture a man of great height and increased weight. This wasn’t the case at all. He stood shorter than I, which is very rare for I am only 5 feet 8 inches.

Matt Welch

“How was the train ride?” He asked. “Long.” Replied Arthur. “I’m glad to be out in fresh air again.” “Ah yes,” said Mr. Friedland. “I’ve heard that from many patients that I’ve come to pick up. Let’s get going.” “Sounds good.” Arthur and I said, almost in unison Mr. Friedland led us to an olive green 1928 Ford Model A that was waiting for us with the letters “JCRS” written on the side. We fit the small bit of luggage we had in the trunk of the car and I climbed into the back seat. As we were entering the car, Mr. Friedland explained that he would be taking me to National Jewish Hospital first and dropping me off, and then take Arthur to the JCRS. “Why must we be at different locations? Can’t I come to the JCRS?” I asked. “The fact of the matter is that we just don’t have a bed for you. I’m sorry son.” Replied Mr. Friedland. “You’ll be taken care of at National just fine.”

The Swan Brothers

Mr. Friedland was right. I had been by myself in the Texas State Sanatorium and I got through just fine. If what people say is true, we should be cured in no time and on our way back home. The trip to National was not very long and we soon were sitting out front of the hospital. “We’re here.” Said Mr. Friedland. I told Arthur I would be sure to visit him in the near future and that he best take it easy and focus entirely on feeling well. Each time we are separated for periods like this, I’m afraid that it will be the last time we see each other. Arthur exited the car and gave me a goodbye hug and said, “I’ll be seeing you soon, yeah?” And with that I was off to the entrance of the hospital with Mr. Friedland at my side. As soon as we entered the door a nurse greeted Mr. Friedland. “Hello Ben!” “Hi there, Lucy” he said. “This is Gilbert Swan, your newest patient.”

Matt Welch

“Nice to meet you Gilbert. I’ll probably be seeing a lot of you” “Nice to meet you too.” “Well I’ve got his brother in the car, wish I could stay and chat but we must get to the JCRS. Enjoy your stay Gilbert, I wish the best for you. We’ll take excellent care of your brother.” “Bye Ben.” Said Lucy. “Thank you Mr. Freidland, I’m glad he will be in such caring hands.” With that, Mr. Friedland turned and walked out the doors to the car. I could see Arthur cough a few times into a handkerchief and then he waved at me. Then the car started and drove away. I was all by myself in this place. “Let me show you to your room.” Lucy said. “Yes please”

The Swan Brothers

Lucy led me down the halls of the first floor of the building. The stark white walls shine with sterility. All the furniture is made of either dark wood or cold metal. With that, Mr. Friedland turned and walked out the doors The lights reflect off of these surfaces in a way that makes me feel like I’m back working on a steamship. The only difference is the moisture in the air. There is none here. It doesn’t move in this gigantic bland building.

I’ve been here three minutes and I already want out.

Matt Welch

Lucy shows me to my room and then is off to attend to another patient. The room is bare minimum, much like the Texas State Sanatorium. The room is a small dimly lit cube with nothing but a bed, a chair and a small table. Not a home by any means, but a place where I can fight this disease nonetheless. The only comfort of home that is here is what I brought with me, a picture of mother that she used to point at and say, “When I was a young child in Russia...” and then go off on some completely outlandish story. She immigrated to Galveston in 1896, four years before Arthur and I were born. I’m not really sure what happened between mother and our father, but I only vaguely remember him. From what I recall, it always seemed that he was working to support our family of five. Winifred knew him the best out of the three of us. Any question of what happened between him and mother has always resulted in lots of crying and a stern lip from my mother. Perhaps I will never know.

The Swan Brothers

Luckily the windows in this place allow the sun to radiate into this room. If not for that, it would be the coldest place on Earth. The orange and red rays from the nearing sunset are like nothing Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve ever seen. The splashes of color they project on the walls of my room appear as if done by the brush of an artist. Maybe this wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be so bad. I lie in my bed and close my eyes. I hope Arthur has arrived safely and his first night in the JCRS brings him much rest.

The Swan Brothers

July 3, 1928

have been here for a month and one half now and still haven’t been able to visit Arthur. For the past three weeks I have been bed ridden. I’ve hardly even

left my bed. I did receive a letter from Arthur though and we have been writing back and forth. The first few weeks we were here his condition didn’t improve much, but he said about four weeks ago he was finally able to leave his bed without having a coughing fit. Hopefully his condition continues to improve. It’s so incredibly unfortunate that our worst times with this disease so far have made it nearly impossible to see each other since arriving in Denver. At least we have both been in great care, although entirely different kinds. Part of Arthur’s treatment includes sitting in the sun and socializing with others around the JCRS. I have had the exact opposite experience. When I was feeling my worst, I was in bed in my room. Nobody besides Lucy came to visit me, and that’s just because she is my assigned nurse. She works with all of the tuberculosis patients. She is very kind, just the other day she brought me some books from a local store she thought I would enjoy. None of them intrigued my interest much, but it was a nice gesture. Besides Lucy, I haven’t really become attached to anybody. It sounds like Arthur is meeting and connecting with people that have just as much of a story to tell as we do. 25

Matt Welch

The main physician here, Dr. Bronfin, has been extremely kind to me as well. I told him of Arthur being at the JCRS in Spivak and he informed me that he was good friends with one of the men that helped create the JCRS. “The city of Spivak is named after him.” he said. “His name was Charles Spivak. He emigrated from Russia and saw a huge need for a place that those with tuberculosis could gather and build a community. It’s a fine establishment. You’re brother is in very able hands.” He suggested that I write a letter explaining why I want to be with my brother. I miss him so much. The fact that our lives hang in the balance everyday when I wake up compounds these feelings even more greatly. I have a lot of time today to write a note, so I’m going to make it the best I possibly can. Hopefully they will accept me and we can be reunited once again. Even if we are both sick, I’d rather be with him than stuck in this room.

The Swan Brothers

July 3, 1928

Dr. Schwatt Superintendent. of J.C.R.S. Sanatorium, Colo. Dear Sir: I would like to have you assist in helping me get in the J.C.R.S. I talked to Dr. Bronfin and he said he would transfer me if you all would accept me. I have a brother over there and I would be very glad if I could be with him he is the only relation I have up here and it is pretty lonesome. I would be very happy if you would help me out. Thanking you in advance and hoping you will answer this letter and let me know.

Yours Truly Gilbert C Swan 3800 E Colfax Ave Denver, Colo.

Matt Welch

The Swan Brothers

July 5, 1928

oday i received a letter from mr. friedland. it was not even close to the news that I had hoped to be awaiting me inside the little envelope. The JCRS

has rejected me as a patient saying they “ruled against the admission of more than one member of the family and we are sorry, therefore, that we cannot possibly accept you.” Why can’t they accept both of us? I don’t understand. I just want to be with my brother, it’s not like we’re going to cause any trouble for everyone. I heard from Arthur yesterday, and he said his condition has gone downhill fast and he is now bedridden again. That only intensifies how badly I want to be around him more often. Being unable to move from my own bed has proven difficult enough, maybe sometime next week I’ll be able to see him. Until then, I must focus on resting. I plan on writing mother, Jules Block and Rabbi Cohen about this recent development. Hopefully in the near future I can be transferred with some letters and influence on the admissions staff from them.

Matt Welch

It has been nearly two weeks since I last heard from mother, Jules Block and Rabbi Cohen regarding any progress in persuading the JCRS to let me be with Arthur. What can be taking so long? Arthur submitted his application and we were off for Colorado not two weeks later. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been here for two months and have yet to hear good news from the JCRS about a transfer. Dr. Bronfin has also put in a good word for me with the admissions committee. Hopefully his kinds words will persuade them. I miss being around anybody that Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve known longer than two months. Lucy is the closest person to me I feel. She is such a kind soul; I pray that her contact with me and all the other patients will not result in the spread of this wretched disease.

The Swan Brothers

I have written to Arthur a few times this week, but he is yet to respond. Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s usually been so good about writing back that I am beginning to wonder how serious his condition is. I finally feel much better after about a month of the worst I have ever been. My lungs were so sore it hurt to even take shallow breaths. I tried to rest a lot, but even trying my best to relax was not enough. The lack of sleep and short breaths piled up on each other and made life absolutely miserable. Even reaching across my chest to grab my pen and paper started a coughing fit from deep within my chest. As a result of this and not being able to leave my bed, my back has developed a great pain, mostly in the upper regions, but it is now a constant fact and I believe I must just live with it.

Matt Welch

The Swan Brothers

July 5, 1928

Mr. Gilbert C. Swan c/o National Jewish Hospital, 3800 East Colfax Avnue, Denver, Colo. Dear Friend: With reference to your letter of July 3, we regret exceedingly to advise you that our Admission Committee ruled against the admission of more than one member of the family and we are sorry, therefore, that we cannot possibly accept you.

Yours Sincerely, Ben Friedland Assistant Secretary

Matt Welch

The Swan Brothers

August 5, 1928

have had correspondence with jules block and Rabbi Cohen. They have assured me that they are trying their very best to have me admitted and

reunited with Arthur. Rabbi Cohen has said that the largest problem is that the JCRS has only limited spots for patients that are not of Jewish faith. He states he is unsure of why they wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t accept two members of the same family. It doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t make any sense to me at all.

Just let me be with my brother!

Matt Welch

The Swan Brothers

August 13, 1928

am going to see arthur today! it has been nearly three months since I last saw him. I have been feeling much better in the past two weeks and have been able

to walk around National Jewish and finally meet some of the other patients. Dr. Bronfin has arranged for Mr. Friedman to come and pick me up around 11 am and I will be able to share a meal with Arthur. I’m very excited! It’s nearly 10:30 now, and I can hardly contain myself. I have been up and dressed for nearly an hour, just waiting to see that olive green car come bumping into the lot. My mind has been racing with thoughts of Arthur ever since I found out that I would be able to see him, even more than usual. I can see the car coming into the lot! I waved goodbye to Lucy and I was off for my lunch with my brother! I’ll write more about our visit later. Arthur seems to be doing wonderfully. From the time that I last saw him, he has lost a small amount of weight, but no more than I have. We were able to sit outside of one of the buildings after eating for about two hours before Arthur felt too tired to talk any longer. We talked about some of the different activities that he does on a regular basis, one of them being sitting in the sun.

Matt Welch

It was nice to be able to just chat for a bit, without pen and paper in hand. I just wish we could do it more often. Apparently some of the other patients have family in town that visit often. Both of us being under the care of medical institutions doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t very easily allow for this, but one of the tramlines comes almost all the way out Colfax. Maybe sometime I could make that journey from National Jewish.

The Swan Brothers

September 24, 1928

ver the past month, i have been able to visit Arthur a few times. His condition seems to have stopped getting worse, but he’s not really

getting better either. I don’t know if that’s a good or bad sign. Either way, it has been nice to be able to see him once a week or so. A few days ago I received a message from Mother stating that Mr. Block and Rabbi Cohen have been hard at work with collecting funds and filling out documents to make a good case for me to get into the JCRS. I hope it all works. It has already been nearly three months since I asked to be admitted to their fine sanatorium. Recently my condition has fluctuated, but overall I have been staying fairly well. Both day and night are plagued with coughing fits, but those have just become a fact of daily living. My back doesn’t hurt as much anymore, but I also haven’t been spending day and night in my bed.

Matt Welch

The Swan Brothers

October 9, 1928

Rabbi H.B. Lieberman 2406 Hamilton Ave. Houston, Texas Dear Friend Lieberman: Many thanks for your letter of October 5th. I am sure you will do all you can do to bring the two Swan brothers together under one roof.

yours faithfully, Henry Cohen

Matt Welch

The Swan Brothers

October 16, 1928

oday dr. bronfin has informed me that rabbi Cohen of Galveston must write a letter to the JCRS and then all we have to do is wait for approval.

Hopefully all goes through for the transfer. I have had such great support from all of my family, Jules Block and Rabbi Cohen in this long process. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m really hoping this will be the end of it and I can be reunited with Arthur for more than a couple hours a week.

Matt Welch

The Swan Brothers

October 22, 1928

have been admitted to the jcrs! when i learned of this excellent news, I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think I could have packed my small amount of belongings any faster.

I even grabbed the books Lucy brought to me as a reminder of how kind she had been throughout the duration of my stay. The joy that is in my heart right now is unsurpassable! Arthurâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s condition has degraded very quickly since I last saw him, he still had color in his skin and had lost some weight, but now he is a stick! His skin has gone completely pale and clings to his bones very tightly. He seems to be high in spirit, although his physical condition does not seem very good at all. His neck causes him great pain. I wish I could do something for him, but it seems his pain has developed rapidly over the past few weeks.

The Swan Brothers

November 2, 1928

rthur passed away at about 6:30 this morning. I wish I could say I was at his bedside when he passed, but unfortunately I was asleep. I didn’t

even get to say goodbye to him. The nurses all tell me that it was not a surprise, but that he went swiftly.

Swiftly? Arthur was plagued with the damn disease for nearly two and one half years. I guess they mean relatively fast. He seemed like he was doing fine a few weeks ago but if quickly is over that period of time I guess they are right. I wish I had written more these past ten days since we were reunited, but I was so overjoyed I didn’t want to spend all of our time together writing. I can’t believe he’s gone. What hope does this leave for me? We were just reunited and now he has been ripped away. I don’t even know what to say, he’s always been there for me and I for him. Who do I turn to now? I’m all alone, far away from home. Even home doesn’t seem right anymore. Home ALWAYS included Arthur.

The Swan Brothers

November 15, 1928

y condition has gotten increasingly worse over the past two weeks. My thoughts have revolved around Arthur entirely. The flood of

emotions and memories that accompany even his name overcome me constantly. I knew that someday he would die, but I never wanted it to happen. He was only 20! We had our whole lives ahead of us! All of the nurses have said to “try to not think about death. Keep your thoughts positive” They don’t understand what a tall order that is.

I JUST LOST MY BROTHER.

The Swan Brothers

November 22, 1928

want to go home. the only problem is that if i do go home, all I would see is places that would remind me of Arthur. I don’t want to forget him by

any means, but I think about him enough as it is. It just makes me sad. My condition hasn’t improved since last week. I still hack constantly. If anything, my lungs feel the worst they’ve ever felt. The pain in my back has returned. My neck is as stiff as a rock. I just need to sleep. Sleep is the only time where I can get away from everything in this physical world; the only time where I can be with my loved ones. The only time I feel healthy. Every waking moment of my day is spent wondering when I’ll be able to be asleep again. Then I finally get back to sleep only to have it ruined by a hacking fit.

I hate this.

I want out.

Out of this prison that is my own body.

The ultimate jail cell.

The Swan Brothers

December 17, 1928

other sent a christmas letter to me, asking how I was doing. I haven’t replied yet. I don’t even know any more. One day the

sickness will seem to improve and the next I’m right back where I was a month ago. I have a constant fever, which is really bothersome while trying to sleep. I am consistently sweating while under the covers of my bed, but I’m so cold I feel like I’m frozen on top of one of the mountains in the distance. This is the first Christmas without my best friend and my brother. I can’t help but think of all the times we spent together over the course of our 19 years together. Mother is obviously very upset by his death, but I don’t know how much I can do all the way from Denver to console her. I want to tell her exactly how I feel, but I don’t want her to worry about me. I can overcome this disease eventually.

Matt Welch

The Swan Brothers

February 26, 1929

other has decided to sell our childhood home in Galveston and move in with Winifred in Houston. A letter from her reads:

I cannot bear to be in this building where you boys grew up. You both have always been a source of pride in my life, but it pains me to be here all by myself, surrounded by the history this house holds. I feel that I need constant companionship, and your sister will provide just that. I am slightly upset she decided to sell the house. I must ask her what will become of some of the belongings of Arthur and myself. Some of our shared possessions need to stay around for a while longer. His death still pains me, but I am learning to deal with it. I will never be entirely over this feeling, but I can now mention his name and smile with memories instead of shutting down and feeling bad about it. That seems to be a step in the right direction.

Matt Welch

The Swan Brothers

March 9, 1929

other has requested i come back to texas. I have been feeling fairly steady in health. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m also very lonely. Many other patients

here have made friends with each other and have family members come visit on a regular basis. I have neither. Going home seems like the best choice. The fresh Colorado air has helped slow my condition, but I feel it has progressed to past what can be helped here. I want to be with my family.

Matt Welch

The Swan Brothers

March 13, 1929

left the jcrs today. currently mr. friedland is driving me to Union Station where I will depart for Houston and once again be reunited with the

members of my family. The past two years with this disease have cost me many hours on a train and lots of separation from all that I know. The battle Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m fighting is a losing one I feel. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve known people that have been in my same position that have regained full health after a few short months in a sanatorium, but nearly everyone I know that has had the disease for an extended period of time has eventually lost. Consumption is such a wretched word, but it describes this disease perfectly. It has consumed every aspect of my life, and dictated my decisions. Never did I think I would be in Denver for nearly a year, just to go back home, but here I am. This is the first time Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been on a long train ride like this all by myself. Luckily the sun is just setting so by the time the train departs the view of the mountains, my eyes will be free from the blinding yet beautiful orange rays that welcomed me when I first arrived here a little over one year ago.

Matt Welch

I will miss the fresh air of colorado, but I am going home.

The Swan Brothers

There is nothing better than being able to say that.

Matt Welch

The Swan Brothers

March 16, 1929

he train ride was very long all by myself. I passed many of the hours by sleeping, which helped me to feel much more relaxed. It terrifies

me to be in a public place with this disease. I don’t want anybody to have to go through what I have. It’s no way to live one’s life at all. I was fortunate to only have a small coughing fit over the course of the trip. My fever has been running rampant though. I had a six and one half hour layover in Dallas, which did not help the situation. That was a horrible time.

Surrounded by Lord knows how many people, likely going about the country to visit relatives or on their way home as I was. There I sat, sick as ever, trying to hide the sweat that rolled down my ice-cold cheek. I was glad when my train finally came and I was able to hide behind rows of seats and relax. I filled the seat next to me with luggage to try to keep a barrier between myself and all other human contact.

Matt Welch

Upon my arrival to Houston, Winifred and mother greeted me with gigantic smiles. They both seemed in great spirits to see me. I was very glad to see them as. It had been over a year since I had last seen either of them.

I pray that I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t infect their bright faces with consumption.

The Swan Brothers

March 16, 1929

Mr. S.B. Kaufman Spivak, Colo. Dear Sir: Just a few lines to let you know Gilbert arrived home O.K. Gilbert stood the the trip fine. His temperature only went to about 100 and he was some what tired. He had to wait in Dalls six hours and a half. We are a having a rainy spring here. Everything is green. I will write you once in awhile. Mrs. P. Baade 6737 Avenue J Houston, Texas

Matt Welch

The Swan Brothers

June 20, 1929

other entered the hospital yesterday. The doctor diagnosed her with a severe chest cold; I hope that’s all it is. She can’t get

consumption. Just can’t. I would feel absolutely horrible! I wish my return home hasn’t caused this, but that was immediately my first thought. She is scheduled to return home tonight, with doctor’s orders of rest and relaxation. I have started to lose weight at an extremely rapid pace. My skin is still flesh colored, but I am becoming more and more dependent upon my bed. A quick glance in the mirror, and I can see glimpses of Arthurs features in my own face that I couldn’t see earlier. I fear the Lord is calling my name, but I continue to try to fight this disease. I don’t want to die. Mother and Winifred don’t deserve to go through the pain of death again. I’ve been part of this battle for too long to let it ruin all my life’s aspirations. I hoped to one day be married, to have children. Crazy talk. I can still do those things. I’m only 20; I have a long life ahead of me

Matt Welch

The Swan Brothers

July 10, 1929

can see my skin becoming more and more pale with every passing day. It hurts to stand. It hurts to lay down. It hurts to breathe in. It hurts to exhale.

Everything I do hurts me. Everything I do makes me tired. All I want to do is sleep. It’s the only time I have where I don’t hurt. Mother has been caring for me in any way possible, but I’ve been trying to keep her away from me to keep from spreading the consumption. Looking at my arms, I can see my skin tightly stretched right on top of my bones. I look like Arthur did right before his death. I’m growing very weak. I don’t know how much longer I’ll be able to stay awake today.

must

sleep

Matt Welch

The Swan Brothers

December 18, 1929

Mr. S.B. Kaufman Spivak, Colo. Dear Sir: Just a few lines to let you know that God has called my dear boy home July 10. I wrote to Dr. Schwatt and told him. Mr. Kaufman you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t imagine how I miss my two boys. This will be some lonesome Christmas for me without them. Gilbert died in John Sealy hospital and I was in there myself for six weeks.Wishing you and all a merry merry Christmas and a happy and prosperous new year.

Mrs. Susan Baade 6737 Avenue J Houston, Texas

Colophon Typefaces Univers LT Std Palatino LT Std Memphis LT Std Prestige Elite Std

Paper Cover Cougar Paper Digital Choice Smooth White Cover 80 lbs Interior Neenah Paper Company Classic Crest Text Super Smooth Finish Solar White 70 lbs

Fox Paper Company Howard Linen Text Warm White 70 lbs

Acknowledgements Patient Records courtesy of Dr. Jeanne Abrams JCRS Collection Beck Archives Special Collections Penrose Library 2010

The Swan Brothers the story of arthur and gilbert swan

Written By

Matt Welch

MW Publishing