Object Record
Images
Metadata
Object Name |
Clipping, Newspaper |
Source |
Dexter Historical Museum |
Iowa History Era Tag |
World War II to an Urban State (1940-1963) |
Catalog Number |
2018.009.038 |
Credit line |
Dexter Historical Museum - Dexter, Iowa |
Description |
This newspaper clipping from 1952 discusses several stories related to polio in Iowa. One of the stories discussed is Marilyn (Lawson) Bode's admittance into Raymond Blank Memorial Hospital in Des Moines. In late 1952, Bode contracted polio and she underwent treatment and physical therapy over the next few months. She later wrote about her experiences in a children's story, "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 includes activities. Content can be used with the following standards: SS-U.S. 9-12.23 Iowans Influence US 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 the Blank Children's Hospital and placed in a ward with other polio patients. While in the hospital, Bode recieved treatment to help keep her muscles healthy such as stretches and wrapping her arms and legs in 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 an iron lung machine. The hospital soon became overrun with patients and 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" describing her experience. |
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 #: 2018.045.110- History of Medicine in Iowa |
Primary/Secondary Source |
Secondary Source |
People |
Bode, Marilyn |
Relation |
Show Related Records... |
Multimedia Links |
Click here to view/hear the file. |
Search Terms |
Health & Wellness People Polio |
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. |
