Chasing The Cure

Frances Wisebart Jacobs, working with others in Denver’s acculturated largely upper middle class German Jewish community, was the impetus behind the founding of National Jewish Hospital. Known as Denver’s “Mother of Charities” for her pivotal role in philanthropy, Frances made the treatment of tuberculosis victims her personal mission. In addition to visiting the sick and often paying for medicine and doctor’s visits from her own funds, Mrs. Jacobs lobbied on behalf of consumptives. In 1900, when sixteen portraits of pioneers were selected to be placed in the windows of the dome of the Colorado State Capitol building, Frances Wisebart Jacobs was chosen as one of the small elite group and the only woman.

Unfortunately, Mrs. Jacobs tragically died of pneumonia at an early age before the hospital could be opened, but it was initially named the Frances Jacobs Hospital in her memory. Following the opening of the hospital in 1899 the mayor of Denver paid tribute to Mrs. Jacobs observing, “Out of her efforts has grown an institution national in scope and dedicated to the humane and charitable work in which during her lifetime she so earnestly engaged.” National Jewish Hospital Records, B005 are part of the Beck Archives.