The collection offers access to information about life within the hospital when it operated as a tuberculosis sanitarium. The "Grit-Grin" magazine was created by the staff and patients of J. N. Adam. Content included columns documenting stories about the patients, events happening within the immediate area, and drawings and poetry. The social isolation experienced by the patients is an important context to view this material. Most of the patients came from Buffalo, NY, located 36 miles away from the rural town of Perrysburg. The social fear of tuberculosis was a barrier that kept people away. Patients were often unable to see family or friends for weeks or even years. Consequently, the staff and patients were left to create their own community. The "Grit-Grin" magazine was one venue through which this community could express itself.
Scope of Collection
The J. N. Adam Memorial Hospital collection consists of 6 copies of the magazine “Grit-Grin” published between 1928 and 1939 and 10 postcards chronicling life within the hospital. “Grit-Grin” was produced by Hospital staff and residents and offers valuable insight into this isolated community.
