This reprint from 1908 is fascinating. In that era, “sanitarium” meant private hospital as opposed to public hospital (Sarasota Municipal Hospital was over a decade in the future; its current moniker of Sarasota Memorial Hospital was even further on.)

And the benefit below, “No Contagious or Infectious Diseases admitted“, refers to the fear of patients seeking health cure stays of being unwittingly infected with tropical fevers or tuberculosis.

The Halton Sanitarium

Sarasota, Florida

Until now, there has been great need for a properly equipped, modern sanitarium located in a warm and pure climate; where at all seasons, even in mid-winter, the temperature is comfortable; where

patients may convalesce amid balmy breezes and shady palms, where the waters of the Gulf of Mexico lie at the front door; where the Sanitarium Launch is always ready for service; where a competent staff of physicians are in constant attendance; where proper skill and absolute comfort are paramount.
It is the intention of Dr. Halton to make this institution an ideal home for the sick. No fads or fanatical methods of treatment will be employed. All patients will receive his personal attention and will be treated scientifically by methods and medicine best suited to each individual case.
The Culinary Department is in the charge of a first-class chef. The Nursing Department is in the charge of an experienced New York graduate nurse. Everything will be done to make the inmates as comfortable as possible, and the rates as low as is consistent with good service.

Sarasota is noted for its Artesian water. An Artesian Well 600 feet deep furnishes water for the Sanitarium. Many people have been coming to Sarasota for years to drink the medicinal sulphur water from her ever-flowing wells.
Physicians who desire to accompany their patients south will receive every courtesy and constant consultation while in the institution, or by letter should they wish to return.
Dr. Halton specially requests that he may have the privilege of being communicated with by physicians contemplating placing their patients in such an institution.

The Sanitarium is ideal in location, in the midst of a natural palm grove, and from the porches one has an unobstructed view of Sarasota Bay, with its numerous islands and passes, to the “grand old Gulf of Mexico” just beyond, to which Sarasota owes so much for its comfort, cool and balmy breezes.

The Climatic Conditions on the west coast of Florida excel those of any other section of the United States with respect to equibility of temperature, dryness, high percentage of sunshine, lack of humidity, and general freedom from violent storms and rain, and has been pronounced by expert climatologists an ideal climate for the sick.

The Sanitarium, just completed, is of concrete stone, three stories high, and has accommodations for about twenty-two patients.

The Equipment, both medical and surgical, is scientific and complete and while the Sanitarium is equipped in detail for the treatment of the Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat, it also has all necessary appointments for the treatment of all non-contagious diseases and the carrying on of all kinds of surgical work.

There is a large operating room, with sterilizing, treatment and dressing rooms. All the latest devices for the administration of Electrotherapy, viz.:

Static Machine, High Frequency Coils, Galvanic, Feradic, Sinusoidal and Vibratory Currents, X-Rays, Ultra-violet and Mannin Rays. A Thermo Therapeutic Outfit is also a feature of the institution, where rheumatism, joint affectations, etc., are treated by the super-heated air method, combined with massage, both manual and mechanical. The building is well-lighted and the furnishings are excellent.

open fireplaces add much to the general attractiveness. Rooms may be had ensuite with bath or singly; each room has a stationary sanitary porcelain wash bowl with hot and cold water, flat-screen TV and wi-fi.
Hay Fever and Asthma— Sufferers from these affections find the climate of Sarasota superior to the Northern Michigan resorts. Many northern people come here for the Hay Fever period and all receive immediate relief.

The social life will be found very enjoyable; in the reception room is a grand piano. A fine Tennis Court and Croquet Ground adjoins the house.

Boating, Fishing and Bathing are excellent, and patients are allowed to enjoy all the sports possible. Sarasota is situated on Sarasota Bay, a beautiful body of salt water studded with numerous little islands, and separated from the Gulf of Mexico by a line of quays covered profusely with palm trees and sub-tropical foliage.

On the west coast of Florida, seventy-five miles south of Tampa, the terminus of the Seaboard Air Line R. R., and can be reached direct by rail from New York or the west by the Seaboard Air Line, or any railroad or steamer that touches Tampa or Jacksonville.
Board can be had at hotels, boarding houses, and in private homes from $1.50 a day
Small furnished cottages can also be rented in the immediate vicinity of the Sanitarium by friends or relatives of patients. The Belle Haven, Siesta, and De Sota Hotels, first-class tourist hotels are in close proximity.

Dr. Halton will also have office hours at the Sanitarium for the treatment of non-resident patients.
He would be gratified to receive letters of inquiry regarding details not touched upon in this brochure, and will be pleased to answer all questions regarding individual cases as well as to quote prices and terms obtaining in the Sanitarium.
In brief, it is his desire to provide the best professional skill with a comfortable home, in an ideal climate, at reasonable rates.

Dr. Halton has spent much of his time in Europe and is well-known in the following American institutions:
Miami Medical College,
Cincinnati, Ohio Cincinnati
City Hospital Cincinnati
Post-Graduate School of Physiological Therapeutics
Cincinnati Ophthalmic Institute
New York Eye and Ear Infirmary

And yes, the Halton still exists. It’s now a law firm at 308 Cocoanut Avenue, on the northeast corner of the intersection of Cocoanut and Fruitville.