A healthy baby, in 1887 Helen Keller came down with a very high fever at 19 months old. The fever spared her life, but rendered her deaf and blind. Sad to think how today's miracle medicines might have changed her life! The docents make a real point of explaining how Helen's father would allow no discipline of her and was insistent that she always be in the center of any and all family activities. She was truly a wild child. That is until Annie Sullivan entered her life. We've all seen the movie, I hope!! The pictures below are of Ivy Green, the family home; the cottage where Ann and Helen lived while Ann worked to break through to her pupil; the famous pump where Helen finally connected the finger tip alphabet word and water and the family dining room where Ann struggled to teach Helen manners. Like so many other small towns we've been in, there are so many beautiful Victorian homes in Tuscumbia. Some well kept; some sadly neglected. Lots of empty storefronts on Main Street. Be sure to note the gorgeous old tree in front of the cottage. That's the other thing we enjoy looking at... the many stately old trees. The photo of Helen and Ann was just recently discovered and put on display. Pretty, isn't it!
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