Tuberculosis, also known as Consumption and White Fever, was another constant threat. It wasn’t until the 1940s that antibiotics were used successfully to fight this disease. The first publicly funded TB sanitarium was in Cincinnati – Dunham Hospital.

In Glendale, one family’s struggle with tuberculosis was that of the Wiethorn Family of 755 Greenville Avenue.

“The 1920 census shows Alfred and Ellen on Greenville Ave. with Angeline 19, Edward 16, Clarence 13, Alfred 10, Howard 8, Paul 6, and Robert 3 1/2. Alfred’s occupation was listed as welder for the railroad. In 1922, Clarence died in the family home at age 15 from pneumonia associated with pulmonary tuberculosis. Uncle Al claimed that Clarence had gone swimming in the fall of the year and got pneumonia. Clarence was a school boy, well liked and a good worker. In the 1930 census, the family was still living on Greenville Ave. and Alfred was listed as a pipe fitter for the railroad. By 1930, the only daughter Angeline, was married to George Nienhaus and no longer lived in the family home. In November of 1931, Ella and Alfred’s 18 year old son Paul died at home from pulmonary tuberculosis. In 1932, Angeline died at age 32 from pulmonary tuberculosis leaving behind a husband and two children.” (Source: Glendale Heritage Preservation Archives – Wiethorn Family File).