Record Attendance at the Maybury History Hike

It was a beautiful Saturday morning to learn about Maybury State Park’s unique past as a tuberculosis sanatorium (1921-1969). Almost all of the 150 attendees indicated this was their first time at the History Hike.

Karen Gourlay, who herself has a notable 40-year history working for the DNR at Maybury State Park, opened by providing the group with an overview of tuberculosis, William H. Maybury, and the opening of the Maybury Sanatorium. Historical photos were shared pertaining to each topic. The attendees were then split into two groups for the hike, led by Karen, and Ranger Sarah Zalewski of Maybury State Park.

Did you know?

• It could take several months – to years – to recover from tuberculosis (before antibiotics).
• Mr. Maybury oversaw all aspects of the layout and construction of 40 sanatorium buildings, without pay.
• Old glass plates from X-rays were purchased from area hospitals for use as windows at the Sanatorium.
• Maple Shelter was where the doctors’ apartments were located and just west of this was the main ambulatory building which stretched for 1/3 of a mile.
• Most of the paved trails in the park today were originally roads from the Sanatorium.
• Sadly, Mr. Maybury died from tuberculosis onsite at the farmhouse in 1931.

> Download Map of the Sanatorium grounds, ca. 1940 (474K, PDF)

Attend next year’s hike to learn more.

Thanks to everyone who came out for the History Hike at Maybury State Park. Special thanks to Karen Gourlay and Park Ranger Sarah Zalewski for leading the hikes, and a shout-out to the Friends of Maybury volunteers for their support, as well at Travelin’ Tom’s.