“Dunbar,” a Convalescing Sanatorium 10020 Corinthian Drive Stone Harbor, N. J. 1914
Featured here are two images: (1) a vintage Stone Harbor picture postcard postmarked in August of 1914 depicting the “Dunbar” and (2) a single-page combination advertisement/cover letter for mailing purposes prepared by the owner of the same building. As for the postcard shown here, we know it was published by the owner/proprietor for the expressed purpose of promoting and creating awareness of the services being provided at the “Dunbar” in 1914. Containing a printed six-line informational caption including the name “Ada M. Tear, R.N.” on the reverse side of the postcard, this mailable item was most likely available to all interested persons on a complimentary basis. This was not an uncommon practice to use picture postcards in the early 1910s as the vehicle or means to promote one’s business establishment.
The large 2-story structure shown is overlooking the Stone Harbor Yacht Basin. Situated at 10020 Corinthian Drive near 101st Street, we are looking in the direction of the northeast. We know this because in the lower-left corner of this view in the distant background is the iconic town water tower located at Second Avenue and 96th Street.
This house was designed and built by Ada M. Tear, a Registered Nurse, for the care of “difficult cases” where patients could enjoy stable and healthy home life at the Jersey Seashore. In the words or language of that era, the building served as a “modern” sanatorium for convalescing, usually long-term care.
To put it more succinctly, we know that there were single and double rooms as well as en suite accommodations available to patients. There were porcelain baths and toilets on each floor, electric lights, steam heat, spacious porches on both the front and the back, a sun parlor overlooking the bay, an open fireplace in the smoking room and a designated ladies reception room. Especially important, medical attention was provided on the premises along with a full-time registered nurse. Specifically mentioned and incorporated in their promotional materials was the reassuring phrase made with emphasis that “physician’s orders (are) implicitly followed.”
The second image shows a letter with a photo view of the “Dunbar” facility titled “THE PLACE IN WHICH TO GET WELL: IN THE HEART OF THE FASTEST GROWING RESORT ALONG THE ATLANTIC COAST.” While undated, this letter served as a means of promoting the benefits as well as soliciting individuals to consider receiving care at this convalescing sanatorium. A copy of this letter resides in the Stone Harbor Museum archives section and gives us yet another glimpse into what life was like in Stone Harbor in the early 1900s. I hope you find perusing and reading this letter to be beneficial. Such images, letters, advertisements and correspondence from our past have in essence become like snapshots or a moment in time, frozen! As always, my intent is to enhance your knowledge and understanding of the development of the borough. Buildings like the “Dunbar” and individuals like nurse Ada Tear have indeed become intertwined with the history and times of Stone Harbor.
Some years later we understand this building changed owners and was repurposed and thus became a popular “rooming house” conveniently located and offering expansive views of the Great Channel and spectacular sunsets. According to present-day Stone Harbor residents, this 112+ year-old building is still standing. Perhaps some of our readers might even have personal recollections and memories of staying at the rooming house that was once called the “Dunbar.”