Cornick Bungalows
San Angelo, Tom Green County, Texas
Marker Inscription
In 1907 Dr. Boyd Cornick built 30 cottages here as part of his pioneer efforts in treatment of tuberculosis. Having previously recovered from the often-fatal disease, Cornick found that rest, a dry, warm, climate, and proper diet were an effective cure. These new methods replaced common treatments of the day, including hot cane juice, honey with wine, and arsenic. Patients came here from all over the U.S. About 1910 Cornick drew up Texas' first sanitary code and later influenced the building of the first State Tuberculosis Sanitarium at Carlsbad, Texas. (1968)
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Dr. Boyd Cornick had survived tuberculosis himself, and in 1907 he built thirty cottages here to treat others with the methods he trusted: rest, a dry warm climate, and careful diet — a sharp break from period remedies like hot cane juice, honey and wine, or even arsenic. Patients traveled to San Angelo from across the country. Cornick went on to draft Texas' first sanitary code and helped bring about the state's first tuberculosis sanitarium at nearby Carlsbad.
Why it matters
Cornick's cottages mark an early, science-based turn in American public health, when fresh air and rest replaced folk cures in the fight against a leading killer.
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Related people
- · Boyd Cornick
Themes & tags
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