Another threat besides communism terrified people in the 1950s, especially because it primarily affected children: polio. 1952 saw the largest epidemic in US history: 57,879 people contracted polio that summer, and more than 3000 of died. By the end of the decade the disease was nearly eradicated in the US thanks to two forms of vaccines developed by Drs. Jonas Salk and Albert Sabin. Here are a few titles that help us understand this part of the recent past.
Epidemic: The Battle Against Polio Stephanie Draper Photo illustrated survey of the history of the disease, including a section on the debate over whether FDR’s paralysis was caused by polio or some other disease. Includes timeline of polio-related events. |
When daughter #2 was in 4th grade, she happened upon Peg Kehret’s “Small Steps.” She was enamoured with the book, and gave it to her Grandma (a polio survivor) for Christmas. Lo and behold, Grandma and Peg Kehret had been treated at the same hospital in Mpls, although a few years apart. That prompted a great discussion between Grandma and Kate…and a subsequent email conversation between Kate and Ms. Kehret. What a gracious author! And what a great memory for my daughter. Sigh…the power of books…