Dr. Samuel Edwin Solly (1845-1906)
Dr. Samuel Edwin Solly was the “parent” of Cragmor Sanatorium. Solly was responsible for creating all ideas behind Cragmor being home to the wealthy with consumption. As a survivor of TB, Dr. Solly believed that Colorado Springs was the cure necessary to heal those suffering from TB, as in his opinion it was what had healed him. It is said that Solly was in love with the city of Colorado Springs and that his dream was to be able to provide the wealthy with a place to heal away from the poor sanatoriums around Colorado Springs.
Solly was a well-respected and prominent member of society and was very well known in Colorado Springs. Dr. Solly’s dreams came true on June 20th, 1905 when Cragmor officially opened their doors! While Solly did not have the building that he wanted he hoped that eventually he would have the grand building drawn up by MacLaren. Naturally, Solly became the physician for all patients in Cragmor at the time and was considered to be the one in charge.
Unfortunately, less than 18 months after opening, Dr. Solly died, forcing Cragmor Sanatorium to close its doors for six months. Cragmor was a dream that Dr. Solly wouldn’t live to see prosper.
