Leprosy in Minnesota

When Minnesotans think about leprosy, they may recall Biblical references to the “unclean,” the National Leprosarium in Louisiana, or a Hawaiian leper colony. In our state, however, leprosy was a medical concern during the late 1800s and early 1900s, when many of the affected were Norwegian immigrants.

Beltrami County Poor Farm

The Beltrami County Poor Farm provided shelter and care for elderly and disabled people from 1902 until 1935, when old-age assistance programs replaced the poor farm system.

Minnesota State Sanatorium for Consumptives

Minnesota State Sanatorium for Consumptives

Minnesota State Sanatorium for Consumptives near Walker, Minnesota, September 1982.

Minnesota State Sanatorium for Consumptives

Minnesota State Sanatorium for Consumptives

Minnesota State Sanatorium for Consumptives near Walker, Minnesota, ca. 1950.

Burns, Dr. H. A. (1883–1949)

Dr. Herbert Arthur (H. A.) Burns was named superintendent of the Minnesota Sanatorium for Consumptives (Ah-Gwah-Ching) in 1928. Over the next fourteen years, he brought crucial changes to the institution that improved patient care, housing, therapy, and recreation.

Dr. H. A. Burns

Dr. H. A. Burns

Dr. H. A. Burns, ca. 1930s. From A Brief History of Ah-Gwah-Ching, Cass County Museum archives, Walker.

Button produced by the Minnesota Smoke-Free Coalition

Button produced by the Minnesota Smoke-Free Coalition

"Tobacco Payments for Tobacco Prevention" button produced by the Minnesota Smoke-Free Coalition, ca. 1995–2009.

"Camel Cash" advertisement issued by Camel brand cigarettes

: "Camel Cash" advertisement issued by Camel brand cigarettes

"Camel Cash" advertisement issued by Camel brand cigarettes. The Joe Camel character was central to the charge that tobacco companies marketed their products to children—the state's claim in State of Minnesota V. Philip Morris.

Anti-smoking bumper sticker produced by the Community Prevention Coalition of Hennepin County

Anti-smoking bumper sticker produced by the Community Prevention Coalition of Hennepin County

Anti-smoking bumper sticker produced by the anti-substance-abuse Community Prevention Coalition of Hennepin County, ca. 1993. The camel is an allusion to Joe Camel, a cartoon character used in marketing Camel cigarettes made by the R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company.

"Camel Cash" catalog issued by Camel brand cigarettes

"Camel Cash" catalog issued by Camel brand cigarettes

"Camel Cash" catalog issued by Camel brand cigarettes. The Joe Camel character was central to the charge that tobacco companies marketed their products to children—the state's claim in State of Minnesota V. Philip Morris.

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