The star-independent. [volume] (Harrisburg, Pa.) 1904-1917, 1915-02-15
Edward Aurand. Who
Is Known to Many
School Children. Can
See Cross River Now
SEEKS NEW KIND
OF EMPLOYMENT
Man Long Deprived of the Use of His
Eyes Has So Far Recovered It That
He Applies for Work at Govern
ments Bureau in the Postoffice

Among the score of applicants for
work who have taken out blanks at the
United States government s employ
ment bureau in the local postotfice since
it opened for business several days ago,
is a man who had been blind for nearly
three years, but whose sight was re.
stored in successful operation in this
city seven weeks ago and who, with his
now strengthened sight, is eager to get
work after his enforced idleness that
he may gain livelihood for himself
and wife.
1t was years ago that an accident de-
stroyed the sight in the right eye of
Edward Aurand of 1926 Logan street,
and cataracts in the left eve then
brought blindness. Seven weeks ago to-
day an operation was performed in the
Harrisburg Polytechnic hospital on the
left eye by DR.. Samuel L. Shopa special
list, and. sight was restored.
The operation is considered note.
worthy one by members of the hospital
staff and many other city physicians
and surgeons who witnessed the opera
ton, since the new novoeain method
which is at present creating lively in
terest was used for the first TIME in
this city and with marked success.
Sold Candy to School Children
Mr.. Aurand is middle aged man.
He came to this city twenty years ago,
and WAS the conductor on the first ear
that crossed the Walnut street bridge
in the lines of the Valley Railways
Company, on which he was employed,
1t was when his eyesight failed that
he was thrown out of employment.
During tine last year, while blind, the
unfortunate man gained support by
making his way to school buildings and
selling candy made by his wife. He has
been familiar figure on the edges of
the Fairgrounds at uptown schools,
and has made himself favorite with
the children through his wares.
He always had difficulty in getting
about, he says, and several times mar
rowly escaped death in crossing streets.
Can See Across River Now
During the operation at the Poly.
clinic hospital, which occupied fifteen
minutes, Mr.. Aurand was aware, he
says, of all that was going on. The
pain, of course, was deadened by the
novocain. When the bandages were re-
moved later. he says. he remembers see
ing first the face of the surgeon, then
he exclaimed:
Now | can see You, doctor Thank
God, Then he thoIght of friend in
this city in position similar to his,
and ne rejoiced at the idea that the
sight of that man might also be re-
stored
There is striking similarity between
this case and the case of Scranton
woman who not long ago had cataracts
removed in Philadelphia and whose first
thought after the bandages were re-
moved was that a blind friend of hers
in Scranton might receive sight through
a similar operation.
Mr.. Aurand is undergoing careful
treatment, and says his sight is
strengthening rapidly, and with great
delight he assures those who speak to
him on the subject that he can "see
clear across the river now He says
his sight is better to-day than it had
been for twenty years.