Manufacturer: John Maddock & Sons – England
User: Fargo Sanitarium – Fargo, North Dakota
Date of platter: circa 1904 – 1942

Early Photograph of the Fargo Sanitarium

Postcard of the Fargo Sanitarium after renovations and expansion

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Notes: The Fargo Sanitarium at 1329-33 Third Avenue South in Fargo, North Dakota, was started around 1904, with Dr. James E. Cavanaugh as director.

From a 2019 article in BethanyNorthDakota.org: "Dr. Cavanaugh was born in Morristown, New York. He studied medicine in Ontario and Chicago and became interested in the study of Psychological Therapy. He moved to North Dakota around 1903, and began to practice the 'science of magnepractic.' He quickly became known as 'Dr. Cavanagh: the drugless physician/surgeon' and had a reputation for using mysterious practices on patients.

"Within one year of being in North Dakota, Dr. Cavanagh became president of the Fargo Sanitarium. He performed surgeries, magnetic chiropractic care, electroshock therapy, and treated acute and chronic conditions without the use of drugs or knives.

"After remaining in North Dakota for a year, Dr. Cavanagh returned to Chicago and completed studies in practical psychology, osteopathy, and electrotherapy. He received diplomas from the Chicago School of Psychology, with the degree of Doctor of Psychology, the National School of Osteopathy with the degree of Doctor of Osteopathy, and the Edison School of Electrotherapy.

"Although electroshock therapy and magnepractics are not commonly performed anymore, Dr. Cavanagh entranced the people of North Dakota. In 1942, the sanitarium was purchased by Bethany Retirement Living. Bethany cared for residents there for nearly 20 years. Though the Fargo Sanitarium building is long gone and was replaced by the existing Bethany on South University Drive."

White body platter with a green pinstripe at the rim, followed by a burgundy red band and then another green pinstripe. There is another green pinstripe at the verge. At the top of the platter, starting at about mid-rim is a green laurel wreath that spills down into the well. In the center of the wreath are the stacked words "Fargo" and "Sanitarium" in green block letters.

Source:
BethanyNorthDakota.org – history of the sanitarium and Dr. Cavanagh

Contributors:
ID and photos: Roland Burritt
Author: Ed Phillips