As part of her Iola United Club book report Monday, Kit McGuffin reviewed The Strange Case of Dr. Couney How a Mysterious European Showman Saved Thousands of American Babies, by Dawn Raffel.
McGuffin recounted a spell-binding tale, in which Couney revolutionized neonatal care more than 100 years ago, saving more than 7,000 infants in the process.
Couney used incubators and careful nursing to keep previously doomed infants alive, while displaying these babies alongside sword swallowers, bearded ladies and burlesque shows at Coney Island, Atlantic City and venues across the nation.
But, Dr. Couney also had something else to hide, McGuffin continued, noting the author drew upon historical documents, original reporting and interviews with surviving patients in order to unravel the mysterious doctor.
Mondays meeting was hosted by Judy Arbeiter in her home. Seventeen members answered roll call.
The next meeting is March 25. Donna Lower-Nord will host the meeting. Helen Ambler will present the program.
