Help Save an Important Chiropractic Landmark

The chiropractic profession has a splendid and varied history. Sadly, many landmarks have been lost to bulldozers and wrecking crews, such as the Ryan Building, Little-Bit-O-Heaven, Spears Chiropractic Hospital, and Clearview Sanitarium.

A still-standing and operating chiropractic landmark some refer to as our "Mayo Clinic equivalent" is the world-renowned Gonstead Chiropractic Clinic in Mount Horeb, Wisc. Unfortunately, it, too, is under threat.

Just three years ago, Gonstead's adjacent hotel, the Karakahl Inn, was sold, demolished and replaced with a Walgreens pharmacy. Years before that, Gonstead's adjacent airport was sold and subdivided for a neighborhood. The remaining clinic, placed up for sale a few years ago and nearly lost to become a library or nursing home, is now owned by a nonprofit organization called the C.S. Gonstead Chiropractic Foundation.

I and others volunteer our time and talents to operate, restore and preserve the famous clinic.

Seven Big Reasons to Save the Gonstead Clinic

1. The impressive size. Gonstead built this mammoth 36,000 square-foot structure to accommodate his unparalleled patient load coming from not just all 50 states, but also many foreign countries. Gaze at the immensity and a question forms – are we all thinking too small?

2. The extraordinary architecture. Gonstead certainly was a progressive thinker. One look at the building's profile reveals unique design, especially for its time of construction in 1964. Many elements of Frank Lloyd Wright's influence are present. The materials used are of high quality, including exotic stone work and solid walnut paneling throughout. Enter the massive cathedral-like waiting room and you'll know the meaning of the term jaw dropping.

3. The obscure location. The clinic's hilltop perch makes a provocative statement in itself, but the relatively small city of Mount Horeb (population 1,200 then, 4,500 now) makes one ask, "How could this success happen here?"

4. The reputation. Considering Dr. Gonstead's patient drawing area was essentially "the world" and his technique, the Gonstead Method, is recognized and respected universally as a "gold standard" in the chiropractic profession, makes it difficult to argue against the claim that this was the Mayo Clinic equivalent in chiropractic. The name Gonstead is world-renowned among DCs even now, 38 years after his death.

5. The mystery. "How did he do that?" That question arises endlessly, not only upon visiting the clinic, but also when considering his nearby home was equally impressive; his patients often sought his help for problems well beyond just musculoskeletal pain; a hotel and airport were needed to accommodate them; he commonly worked 12-16-hour days, six days a week for 50-plus years; and yet with all that, he is described by co-workers, friends and patients as a simple and humble man.

6. The era. Consider that his years of practice were during a time of no insurance coverage and some of the darkest days in chiropractic history, as the AMA was bearing down full bore by jailing some chiropractors and orchestrating its well-organized campaign to "discredit and ultimately eliminate" the chiropractic profession. Dr. Gonstead's reaction to the difficult and hostile environment provokes another mystery – he thrived when others struggled.

7. The legacy. Many chiropractors deserve recognition for their efforts and accomplishments. For example, D.D. Palmer was The Founder of chiropractic, B.J. The Developer and Dave The Educator, but Clarence Gonstead can easily be proclaimed The Chiropractor. His practice size, attention to detail both in spinal analysis and adjusting, refinement of equipment, development of a technique still taught in most chiropractic schools, and 50-plus years of dedicated patient care warrant that label.

How You Can Help

Built in 1964, 50-plus years and hundreds of thousands of patient visits have taken their toll. Crumbling masonry, rotting wood, leaking pipes and outdated wiring need attention. Gonstead built the clinic to last with high-quality engineering and materials, so the overall structure is straight, sound and very salvageable. However, the current operating clinic has a small patient load inadequate to fund the needed repairs.

So, no matter what chiropractic technique or method you utilize, this is our chance to save and preserve this important chiropractic landmark; not just for ourselves, but also as a shining example of ultra-success to which all DCs can aspire.
Consider the impact the clinic can have for generations. The mystery of Gonstead's success becomes motivational as chiropractors contemplate and then conclude what the secret to his success really was – exceptional patient care. We need that as a timeless standard.

I sincerely ask for your financial help. The Board of Directors and I are all volunteers, and the foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, so all your contributions are fully tax deductible and will go directly to the clinic's restoration and preservation.

Donations can be made to a GoFundMe fundraising campaign called "Gonstead Guardians." More details including pictures can be found at www.gofundme.com/gonsteadguardians. I also encourage you make it your goal to visit the famous clinic on the hill in Mount Horeb, Wisc. The staff would be happy to arrange a tour for you.