Gary Norton Bullinger
an M.D. from St Charles & Aurora
The son of Daniel Norton and his wife, Sarah Gerry, Dr. Garrett Norton graduated from Rush Medical College in 1884 and had a practice in St Charles and Aurora. In 1910 he opened the "Brightside Sanitarium" at 299 North Lake Street, Aurora.
The name suggested the optimistic spirit which abided within the facility. Alot of his work was psychotherapy which is the scientific application of human psychology to the cure of diseases of the mind and nervous system. It was a large field at that time.
Upon graduating from Rush Medical College in 1884, Dr Norton enjoyed a lucrative practice at Junction City, KS where he was the U.S. examining surgeon for the pension department and was also surgeon for the Union Pacific Railway Co. Then in early 1890, he occupied the office soon to be vacated by Dr. Patterson, the latter having secured an appointment on the medical staff at the Elgin asylum.
In February of 1910, Dr Norton moved his office from the Coulter block, where he had been doing a general practice for more than 20 years, to his new resisence at 299 North Lake Street. This home included 6 acres on the west bank of the Fox River with a grand view to the north and east. It is at this private sanitarium that he would treat patients, but would also continue his family practice for a few more years. Dr Norton's new "Brightside sanitarium" suggested an optimistic spirit from within. His work here contiued until 1926 at which time he started psychological work at the big sanitarium in Denver, Colorado. For the previous 6 years, Dr Norton had been a student in psychology, philosophy, and ethics, doing post graduate work at his Alma Mater, the University of Chicago. Now, the work in Denver was limited to psychotherapy which is the scientific application of human psychology to the cure of diseases of the mind and nervous system.
< I am uncertain where 299 N. Lake was located, but it would presumably be just south of the "Pancake House" near the "Bible Translator" building, looking at the current street numbering. If my memory serves me well, I recall a conversation about a "large" mansion where the Pancake House now is located. Could that have been the sanitarium? I have not checked with the Aurora Historical Society yet, but I'll have to do some more research. >
Gary Norton Bullinger
Warrenville, Illinois
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