Jules Corriere has been busy interviewing in Franklin County, as well as, having already begun to write our 2010 production for Land of Spirit. We’re doing something a little different in our third year - we picked a topic for the play and asked for related stories! The reason behind this new procedure is because we’re getting a new hospital in Franklin County and as we do so - it brings back fond memories of how our first hospitals were formed - Brown Hospital in Royston and later Ty Cobb Memorial in Royston. And, when thinking of hospitals it’s only natural to think of Doctors and Nurses and those who have contributed to this respected profession. We want this production to help all the community to remember those who have served our needs over the years.
And, leave it to Jules to bring other interesting and exciting stories into the medical fold - like old home remedies for treating the sick; the healing power of our Lord and Savior; and, a few surprises she saves for the final reading of the play. 2010 is going to be a play to be remembered for a long time.
And, as Jules researches and writes our play, it bring back fond personal memories for me. You see, I was delivered at home right here in Lavonia by Dr. Poole - in 1944 -during World War II. We didn’t have a local hospital in those days, so Dr. Poole just came out to the house and delivered when the time came. Today, I treasure a beautiful crystal bowl that once belonged to Dr. and Mrs. Poole, having bought it at a yard sale many, many years ago - from his former nurse.
As a young child about 10 years of age, Dr. Poole treated me when I cracked a bone in the wrist - while trying to draw water from the well which was close to a field where we were picking cotton. You see, I was a city girl and was not familiar with drawing water - but, I did pick cotton so I could earn money for the annual fair that came to town. I can still see the embarrassment on my Mom’s face when she had to carry me to see Dr. Poole, with me in my ragged and torn jeans, dirt all over my face, hands and clothes.
And, also, I remember other Lavonia doctors - there was Dr. John Shearouse who treated me when I had Rheumatic Fever in my teen years. Later, after I began working as a Hairdresser I called to see Dr. Shearouse and asked if I could run down at lunch to get something for a cold. He was gracious enough to see me immediately. I told him I had a cold and could not afford to be out of work so I needed something immediately. He obliged and treated me for the cold. As I was about to leave, I said - “Oh yes Doc, I think I may have been bitten by a spider - I have these little places on my back.” He said, “let’s take a look.” He did - and then he proceed to ‘rake me over the coals’ for having diagnosed my own illness, for asking him to treat it and he did - with it being the WRONG diagnosis. He said “Judy, you have the shingles and here I have treated you for a cold - don’t you ever come in here telling me again what is the matter with you - I am the doctor.” He was a dear sweet man. Never again did I make the diagnosis, I let him be the Doctor. Today, His son John is my neighbor and he grows the most beautiful Japanese Maples one can imagine. And, John helps me out with removing snakes from Kenneth’s workshop.
And, who could ever forget Doc Williams - people laughted about Doc giving shots for whatever ailed them, but yet they would be first in line to get those shots when they got sick. If you remember back in the old days we didn’t have turn signals on our vehicles - we simply stuck our arm out the window and motioned as to which way we were turning. People would laugh and say Doc Williams was driving under the traffic signal one day and someone had their arm out to make a turn. As he drove by, Doc Williams popped ’em with a shot! That story is probably taking it a little too far, but you can imagine from this little story what Jules must be hearing as she gets stories from over all of Franklin County and not just Lavonia’s doctors.
I can’t wait to see how Jules treats the stories of one of my favorite doctors - Dr. Robert Sullivan from Carnesville. Dr. Sullivan retired a few years ago from who knows how many years of practing medicine in Franklin County. Jules was able to interview Dr. Sullivan and to get stories first hand - not, from some of us who are still learning to do interviews!
Dr. Sullivan was the family doctor for my grandmother, her 4 sisters and their families, for my mother and father, for me and my husband Kenneth, and for Kenneth’s mother, his sisters and brothers and their families. He was there to bring our family into the world and there when they left. In those days if you got sick in the middle of the night, you could go to Dr. Sullivan’s home and he and June (who is a nurse) would care for you in a little office next to their garage. He NEVER displayed any annoyance that you had interrupted his private time with his family.
However, I love Dr. Sullivan not just for his service to this community but for the love and dedication he shows to his family and especially his wife June and son Bobbby. I would think for a doctor this must be one of the most painful experience he could have in life. He watches everyday as his son and wife fight their battles with Hunington’s Disease and he cannot make them well. Several years ago when June suffered a stroke Bob was there to personally be her care giver, and he continues today as she bravely marches on with her illness. They are a joy to watch as they look at each other with a smile on their face and a twinkle in their eye - you can just feel the love they have for one another.
When God calls Dr. Sullivan home, He can truly say - Well done my faithful servant!
Knowing Jules, there will be lots of laughter in the play , too. I know she has been gathering stories about the founder of Cobb Memorial - lengendary baseball player Ty Cobb and she has stories from Zadie Pruitt Gaines who grew up in a funeral home so I expect she may have a few funnies about some of their true life stories.
I guess you can tell from my fond memories that I am excited about this year’s production. I can’t wait to see how Jules has taken these stories and wound them into a beautiful production, but she will. Then, in April Richard will return to Lavonia, joined by 85 or so wonderfully talented LOCAL actors, and he will add the most creative direction to Jules words. In the end you will be entertained with another Land of Spirit production that will you not soon forget!!!
Make plans NOW to attend one (or more) of 19 productons in 2010 - Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings and Saturday Matinees each WEEKEND IN JUNE - and, July 1,2,3 NO July 4th show!!! Call 706-356-1926 or 706-356-8202 for more information.
See you at the theater, Judy