An old proverb says, "When an old man dies, a library burns to the ground."

It is that line of thinking that encouraged New Iberia native R.C. Sealy, 83, to write his memoirs.

Titled "A Collection of Recollections," the book chronicles Sealy's life, focusing on his early years in New Iberia and Jeanerette. He recently donated a copy to the Iberia Parish Library's Parkview Branch.

Sealy said he first began writing his memoirs six years ago after his daughters encouraged him to do so.

He began taking a life writing course at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.

"I never had an interest in writing until I got in this class," he said. "It really kindled my interest."

Sealy spent five years in the class, writing about 75 stories which would eventually make up his book.

He published 14 copies for members of his family and may have published more had he known the library would receive several requests to purchase it.

"I was very much surprised at the interest it generated," he said. "I had no concept whatsoever that anybody outside my family would have the slightest interest in it."

Sealy said the early part of the book deals with growing up in New Iberia in the 1930s. While it wasn't apparent at the time, the Great Depression had a profound impact on those who lived through it, he said.

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Jeff Moore
THE DAILY IBERIAN