The Adirondack Cure

Numerous times in class the subject of the healing powers of wilderness, especially in the Adirondacks, has arisen. In browsing through the Adirondack Explorer, I came across an interesting article relevant to some of these class discussions. It talks about President Benjamin Harrison’s wife, Caroline Scott Harrison, and her struggle against tuberculosis in the summer of 1892. Since the medical treatment of T.B. at the time was usually just rest, the First Lady thought the Adirondacks would be most beneficial in restoring her health. In early July, Caroline Scott Harrison journeyed from Washington D.C. to Loon Lake by brand new train tracks constructed especially for her arrival. Many relatives journeyed with the President and his wife, ending their journey by being pulled several miles by a coach and four horses. The President, however, returned to Washington D.C. the following week.

Although reports that Caroline Harrison was “fully recovered” circulated, we now know that her condition did not really improve. On September 13, the papers reported that the President had to cancel a speaking tour for re-election due to the severity of his wife’s illness. It was clear the Caroline Harrison had not recovered from the Adirondack wilderness and wished to journey back home to Washington D.C. Once again a special train was arranged to bring her most comfortably back. Citizens waited at the train stations she passed through to give her their well wishes. She died on October 25, 1892 followed by President Harrison’s defeat for the presidency.

History reveals that although the wilderness seems like a cure from city diseases, sometimes it is not enough. It is interesting though that we still seem to hold the same conceptions. I am sure that fresh air can help us breath easier. It is ironic, however, that the outdoors can sometimes even make us sicker, like when it is too cold and wet and our immune systems are more susceptible to succumb to illnesses. I question when and why this socially constructed notion of wilderness arose in the first place. 

Sketch of President Harrison's cottage from the New York Press, September 18, 1892
 http://www.adirondackalmanack.com/2014/09/loon-lake-a-first-ladys-failed-adirondack-cure.html#sthash.Tf659qvz.dpuf

Source: http://www.adirondackalmanack.com/2014/09/loon-lake-a-first-ladys-failed-adirondack-cure.html