Los Angeles has a lot of interesting places with interesting histories. Take, for instance, Dodger Stadium and how it came to pass in Chavez Ravine. But just adjacent to Dodger Stadium is another place that has an interesting history and purpose in the CIty, and around the world. Located at 2000 Stadium Way, Barlow Respitory Hospital was founded in 1902 as the Barlow Sanitarium to treat the tuberculosis epidemic that swept the nation. In fact, it was opened by Dr. Walter Jarvis Barlow, who moved from New York when he contracted tuberculosis in 1895 for the more temperate, dry climate of Los Angeles.

Currently, it is a long-term care unit operated in part by USC where the average stay of a patient is 30 days. In the 80s, it's focus shifted to treat patients with AIDS, as tuberculosis was no longer as critical as when the hospital first opened. It is a City Historic-Cultural Monument (#504) with 31 seperate buildings from the first half of the 20th century contributing to the historic designation, and legend has it that the physical location of the hospital is situated in a canyon that facilitates a constant stream of fresh air to pass through.

So, the next time you drive to Dodger Stadium, take note of the small bungelows that have saved lives for over 100 years... and "breathe easier."

Photo by Shutr via Flickr