Pat O'Day 7-22

[partscounterman]

When I first started working the parts counter, we still looked up our parts on microfiche film cards. When things were slow, I would view the old film cards just for fun. I remember seeing parts breakdowns for old GE wringer washers that had washtubs similar to the one in todays patent. The filmcard refered to these machines as "Polio Washers". What do these washers have to do with polio? I assume they are refering to the crippling disease that was eliminated (Thank God) in the middle '50's

 

[roto204]

A-ha!

At least now we know:

[excerpted]

After a few days, they began whatever form of treatment was in vogue back then. I remember that we had to take some vile kinds of red and green liquids. I'm not sure if I had to take one or both, but I know that when the tray came around, I didn't want to drink either of them. My most vivid memory, however, is hearing the large, wringer washers being rolled down the hall. They used those washing machines to heat up the water in which they would dip green army blankets. Then they'd put them through the wringers and wrap our bodies in them. I believe they did that twice a day, maybe at ten or eleven in the morning and then at about four or five in the afternoon. I was never one to be bothered by the heat, but the combination of the sultry August weather and those hot, moist blankets was very uncomfortable (p. 113).

Polio Interviews

Excerpts of interviews with polio survivors/

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