Object Record
Images
Metadata
Object Name |
Print, Photographic |
Source |
Dexter Historical Museum |
Iowa History Era Tag |
World War II to an Urban State (1940-1963) |
Chronological Tag |
Postwar United States (1945-1970s) |
Catalog Number |
2018.009.036 |
Credit line |
Dexter Historical Museum - Dexter, Iowa |
Description |
This is a photo of Marilyn (Lawson) Bode. In late 1952, Lawson contracted polio and was admitted into Raymond Blank Memorial Hospital in Des Moines. Over the next few months, she underwent treatment and physical therapy for her polio. Marilyn (Lawson) Bode later wrote about her experiences in a children's story, "My Mean Mom." Content can be used with the following standards: SS-U.S. 9-12.2 Iowans Influence U.S. History in a lesson on Bode's experience with polio and the medical history of the mid-1900s. For any use other than instructional resources, please check with the organization that owns this item regarding copyright restrictions. |
Additional Research & Sources |
In 1952, Bode was experiencing flu-like symptoms when she was taken to the Des Moines hospital and diagnosed with polio. She was admitted to Blank Children's Hospital and placed in a ward with other polio patients. While in the hospital, Bode recieved treatments that kept her muscles healthy such as stretches and wrapping her arms and legs with wet hot packs made of steaming wool that were then covered in plastic. The procedure often resulted in burns and blisters forming, a painful memory for Bode. Another painful memory was seeing a boy in a iron lung machine. The hospital soon became so overrun with patients that Bode was sent home since she was no longer contagious. Bode was forced to continue her physical therapy exercises despite her hatred of them. She wrote a book called "My Mean Mom" which talks of the rigourous exercises such as taking hot baths twice a day in a house with no running water. Her book also informs children of the medical history of the 1950s and include activities. |
Notes on Related Objects |
Object is related to the following library resources, which can be found by searching the catalog number in the advanced search section: Catalog #: 2018.045.051- Des Moines, Together with the History of Polk County 2018.045.098- Centennial History of Polk County, Iowa 2018.045.110- History of Medicine in Iowa 2018.045.151- Hastie’s History of Dallas County, Iowa |
Primary/Secondary Source |
Significant - State/National |
County Tag |
Dallas |Polk |
People |
Bode, Marilyn |
Relation |
Show Related Records... |
Multimedia Links |
Click here to view/hear the file. |
Search Terms |
Health & Wellness People Polio Authors |
Legal Status |
Ownership of this resource is held by the Dexter Historical Museum and has been provided here for educational purposes only, specifically for use in the Iowa Museum Association's "Teaching Iowa History" project. It may not be downloaded, reproduced or distributed in any format without written permission from the Rights Holder. For information on U.S. and International copyright laws, consult an attorney. |
