The Swan Brothersthe story of arthur and gilbert swan

The Swan Brothersthe story of arthur and gilbert swan

The Swan Brothersthe story of arthur and gilbert swan

Written By

Matt Welch

MWPublisher

Based on factual events.

Copyright © 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 9

Our History 11

Correspondence 25

Visit 37

Reunited 45

Home 67

9

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.

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The Swan Brothers

May 20, 1928

I 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.

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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 don’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

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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. I’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.

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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.

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.

foom

foom

foom

foom foom

foom foom foomfoom foom foom

foomfoomfoomfoom

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.”

19

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.”

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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”

21

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.

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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.

23

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 I’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 won’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.

25

The Swan Brothers

July 3, 1928

I 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.

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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.

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.

July 3, 1928

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Matt Welch

29

The Swan Brothers

Today 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.

July 5, 1928

30

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. I’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 I’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.

31

The Swan Brothers

I have written to Arthur a few times this week, but he is

yet to respond. He’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.

32

Matt Welch

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

July 5, 1928

The Swan Brothers

33

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Matt Welch

35

The Swan Brothers

Ihave 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 won’t accept two members of the same

family. It doesn’t make any sense to me at all.

Just let me be with my brother!

August 5, 1928

36

Matt Welch

37

The Swan Brothers

I 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.

August 13, 1928

38

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 doesn’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.

39

The Swan Brothers

September 24, 1928

Over 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.

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Matt Welch

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

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The Swan Brothers

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Matt Welch

43

The Swan Brothers

October 16, 1928

T 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. I’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.

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Matt Welch

45

The Swan Brothers

October 22, 1928

I have been admitted to the jcrs! when i learned of

this excellent news, I don’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!

Arthur’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.

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The Swan Brothers

November 2, 1928

A 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.

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.

Swiftly?

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The Swan Brothers

November 15, 1928

My 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.

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The Swan Brothers

November 22, 1928

I 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.

57

The Swan Brothers

December 17, 1928

Mother 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.

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Matt Welch

59

The Swan Brothers

February 26, 1929

Mother 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.

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Matt Welch

61

The Swan Brothers

March 9, 1929

Mother has requested i come back to texas.

I have been feeling fairly steady in health.

I’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.

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Matt Welch

63

The Swan Brothers

March 13, 1929

I 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 I’m fighting is a losing one I feel. I’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 I’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.

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Matt Welch

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

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The Swan Brothers

There is nothing better than being able to say that.

66

Matt Welch

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The Swan Brothers

March 16, 1929

The 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.

68

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 don’t infect their bright faces with consumption.

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

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The Swan Brothers

70

Matt Welch

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The Swan Brothers

June 20, 1929

Mother 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

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Matt Welch

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The Swan Brothers

July 10, 1929

I 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.

I

must

sleep

84

Matt Welch

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 can’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

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The Swan Brothers

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

Colophon

Patient Records courtesy of Dr. Jeanne Abrams

JCRS Collection

Beck Archives Special Collections

Penrose Library 2010

Acknowledgements

The Swan Brothersthe story of arthur and gilbert swan

Written By

Matt Welch

MWPublishing