Laurel Sanitarium | Laurel History Boys

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Laurel Sanitarium

By Kevin Leonard

The one Laurel landmark that seems to generate the most interest is the long-ago demolished Laurel Sanitarium. There’s much information on the Internet about it, but as my research discovered, a whole lot of myths and tall tales passing for truth. The true story of the sanitarium is so bizarre it doesn’t need embellishment.

The column ran in the Laurel Leader on July 10, 2014.

This article is a follow-up to a 2014 "History Matters" column Kevin wrote for the Laurel Leader. You can read that original column by clicking on the image above. BALTIMORE SUN

Dr. Coggins’ sanitarium car and driver. I found this after the column appeared. Source: Laurel Historical Society.

The Brewster Park Hotel, which was moved to the sanitarium grounds and became a dormitory. Source: Laurel Historical Society.

Source: Laurel Historical Society.

Source: Baltimore Sun archives.

Source: Laurel Historical Society.

This article appeared in the Washington Post on Jan. 14, 1907. Source: Washington Post archives.

This photo shows a typical hydrotheraphy session, similar to what was performed at the Laurel Sanitarium. Source: Life Magazine archives.

This aerial photo shows the sanitarium in relation to the Laurel Shopping Center. Source: The Berman Collection.

Source: Laurel Historical Society.

Source: Laurel News Leader.

An original paperweight from the sa

Dr. Coggins and his second wife. Source: Laurel News Leader.

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