History 21 The Podcast - 5.16 The Kline Sanitarium

A large brick building, complete with tower, overlooks the Mississippi River in Anoka. Uncover its fascinating history as the Kline Sanatorium, a cutting-edge (for 1902!) medical facility founded by the tireless Dr. James Franklin Kline, and now a building on the National Register of Historic Places.

Hosts Sara Given, ACHS Volunteer Coordinator, and Rebecca Desens, ACHS Executive Director.

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Dr. James F. Kline

1862-1932

James F. Kline was born in Pennsylvania in 1862, and grew up there. He received two business degrees (Ohio, 1879 and Minnesota, 1885). He earned his degree in Homeopathic Medicine from the University of Minnesota in 1892 and opened his Anoka practice in 1893.

In addition to being a member of, and medical examiner for, many fraternal organizations, Kline also worked for the Great Northern Railroad and the New York Life Insurance Company. He and his wife, Anna, had four children: Stella, Jessie, Harry and Franklin.

The town of Anoka was widely considered a healthy place to live, and Dr. Kline’s practice experienced success. He purchased land along the eastern shore of the point where the Rum and Mississippi Rivers meet, and in 1902, Kline opened his Sanitarium there.

The Doctor was known for his kindness, as well as his medical skills. He worked right up until he passed away from rectal cancer in 1932. In his honor, the Mayor of Anoka requested that all businesses in the city be closed during his funeral service, which was attended by large numbers of people.

The Clio National Register Tour