MY FATHER'S COUSIN Fred Watts was a doctor in Creston, Ia. He had encountered several cases of polio in that area. So my father asked him to come and consult with Dr. Catterson.
When he arrived, the doctors decided the only way to verify the diagnosis was to test some fluid from my spine.
I shall never forget that experience. To this day I can feel the pain of the needle when I think about it.
There was no anesthesia used. They simply bound my hands and feet together with towels and then two men grasped me by my arms and two by my feet and held me motionless in the shape of an arch.
The doctor promptly inserted the needle into my spinal column and withdrew the desired fluid. Needless to say, it was years before I would speak to cousin Fred.
In those days the only treatment they knew of was something called serum. I believe it was extracted from the blood of others who had had polio. The nearest place to obtain this serum was Des Moines, Ia, which was about 60 miles from Oskaloosa.
At that time my father had a 1928 Chevrolet sedan. Once they had verified that the serum was available my father jumped in the car and headed for Des Moines.
I remember him telling how he held the accelerator to the floor all the way there and back. In his words “If they wanted to stop me after I got back they could - but not until then!”
Enough serum was obtained to give shots to both of my brothers as well as myself. Unfortunately, it didn't prevent my younger brother Wayne from contracting the disease also.
