National Register Listing

Kline Sanatarium

a.k.a. Pierce Hotel

1500 S. Ferry St., Anoka, MN

The Kline Sanatarium is significant as Anoka's first hospital and as the only extant building associated with a significant theme in the city's history -- health and medicine. From its settlement in the mid-1850s throughout the first three decades of the twentieth century, Anoka was widely known as a healthful place to live. Throughout this period, Anoka was also noted for its excellent climate and water. At the turn of the century, Anoka became known, largely due to the fame of the Kline Sanatarium, as an unequaled place to seek restoration to health from numerous ailments. In addition, the Kline Sanatarium represents a significant architectural element in the city of Anoka landscape.

In 1902, after nine years of building a successful and widely acclaimed medical practice in Anoka, Dr. James Franklin Kline constructed this sanatarium. For thirty years the sanatarium provided a wide range of medical care and surgical needs. Dr. Kline and his staff of fourteen specialized in the treatment of "neurasthenia", "catarrh", and respiratory ailments. In addition, restorative baths and massages
were provided.

In addition to operating a hospital, Dr. Kline was a health officer for the city of Anoka; he served for nine years as a surgeon for the Great Northern Railroad Company and was a medical examiner for local Masonic lodges and for the New York Life Insurance Company. Dr. Kline was a member of the Royal Arcanum, Woodmen, Royal Neighbors, Workmen, and Degree of Honor.

Kline operated the sanatarium until his death in 1932. The work of the sanatarium was continued by Kline's son, Dr. Harry Kline, until 1935. In 1939 the sanatarium was converted to a hotel.

Local significance of the building:
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1979.