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GERALDINE BROWN : 1952 ORIGINAL, SAD, SIGNIFICANT MANUSCRIPT DIARY HANDWRITTEN BY THE WIFE OF A MAN SLOWLY, INEXORABLY DRAGGED DOWN TO HIS DEATH BY ALZHEIMERS

8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall. On offer is a rather poignant journal of a woman caring for her elderly and ill husband in the final year of his life. It measures 8 inches by 6.75 inches and contains 200 pages. It 30% complete. The cover has wear marks but the binding is intact as are all pages. The handwriting is clear and legible. The author of the journal is Geraldine Brown, wife of Fayette Brown. Fayette Brown was born in 1883 and, in the 1930's, was President of the Interlake Iron Co. in Toledo, OH. The journal covers the period from May 10th to Oct 20th, 1952. At 70 years of age, Fayette was suffering from Alzheimer's and his wife was caring for him at home. The couple lived in Painesville, Ohio and had several grown children. The diary opens with Geraldine writing about her motivation and inspiration to keep this journal: "This book came from Aunt Alice's when we closed her house. There were so many of her diaries which have inspired me to start this as in the future there may be some events which would be helpful to refer to, especially as to dates." [May 10]. Little was known about Alzheimers at that time. She referred to it as his 'dark cloud'. Despite that challenge, she is devoted to her husband and that love comes through in comments such as these: "Austin came out about four. Thinks that I should get away. I know that it is the only sensible thing to do. The only thing I want to do is to go and see Ralph and Fan and the baby. Would prefer waiting a month but he seemed insistent that I go immediately so will call Mrs. Shevel and see when she can come. Had long talk with Hall about his work. He does not feel it is too much for him. Austin in his talk with him evidently suggested a night nurse and for Hall to take over the day but that is entirely unnecessary now. As long as I am here, do not want any one else around in day time besides it's too confusing for Fayette. I have a feeling that the boys thing there should be some one else here because of me. They just do not understand how much it means to me to be able to do something for Fayette and as long as he realized that I am with him, no one else is going to take over. Besides what would I do. I don't want to be any other place and am not happy when I am away." [May 20]; "Fayette had a wonderful night didn't stir until 7:30 this morning then went back to sleep until 9:30. He is standing up under the heat remarkably well. The only change I find is I have to help him almost entirely with his meals and when he walks he drags his feet." [June 16]. In spite of the challenges of helping her ill husband, she also notes happenings in the wider community. The general election campaign is underway and one of her daughters is working in it: "... my heart aches for her. Politics is certainly a dirty business I have to have any of mine in it and yet what will happen to the country if those with ideals and the will to work hard [ ]" [July 11]. Eisenhower won the 1952 election, to her approval. Alzheimers Disease places an enormous strain on the caregiver and immediate family. What comes through in this diary is Geraldine's love and care for her husband as this incurable illness slowly progresses in him. Her last entry was in September: "... I thought when I got back from Bennington that Fayette seemed stronger mentally but the last few days he hasn't seemed as well. Maybe it is the change of personalities. We weighed him this morning and he was only 164. Our first snow and hail last night and this morning. Much too early. Katherine is on her vacation and Ward is here taking her place." [Oct 20]. Fayette Brown passed away 3 months later. Geraldine lived another 29 years, passing away at the age of 91. This is an excellent glimpse into the daily life of someone caring for a loved one who is suffering from the ravages of Alzheimers. It is particularly valuable to a social historian or a researcher looking at the ways people cope with the huge challenges presented by this disease.. Illustr.: /. Manuscript. Book Condition: Good

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