Leg Braces and Shoes worn by an indivudual with Polio
Name/Title
Leg Braces and Shoes worn by an indivudual with PolioEntry/Object ID
2026.3.1Description
Four children's leg braces, and five shoes worn by an individual with Polio. Leg braces and shoes are all of varying sizes. All shoes are made of leather. Braces are metal with leather supports. Shoes in particular are quite desiccated and in poor condition. Donor noted these were worn by her uncle who contracted Polio at a young age. In overall fair to poor condition with very obvious signs of use, wear, and storage.Use
Leg support and footwearContext
Polio or poliomyelitis, has been around for thousands of years, but during the early and mid 20th century cases increased to epidemic proportions. While cases peaking in the 1940s and 50s, the development of a vaccine in 1955 by Dr. Jonas Salk was considered a modern medical miracle. These braces serve as a stark reminder of the impacts the polio virus had on the population, particularly in children and young adults.Cataloged By
Matthew AdelmanCategory
Medical