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. Adams. 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.
