Object Record
Images
Metadata
Title |
K-O Polio Official Campaign Button |
Object Name |
Button, Campaign |
Object ID |
2017.007 |
Description |
Circular metal pin-back button. Front of pin button reads "K-0/Polio/OFFICIAL" on red background. |
Date |
early 1960s |
Dimensions |
Dia-2.953 inches |
Material |
Tin |
Search Terms |
Polio Vaccine Disease Health Button Campaign Disability Studies Memorabilia |
Provenance |
"I did my pediatric residency from 1979-1982 at Moses H. Cone Hospital, Greensboro. Following residency I remained in Greensboro, in solo pediatric practice for 7 years before joining a group. Although I am not absolutely certain, I believe I encountered the button (with a photo copy of a brochure, which had 1964 written over its title: K-O Polio) in a ziplock bag, during a 'clean out' of a closet in our medical office. Our senior pediatric partner (retired) had been in practice in Greensboro since mid to late 1950s. I would presume that the button and photocopy of brochure were from a campaign to vaccinate against polio. During my residency I learned much about the history of polio in Greensboro (1948...on, in an article by local pediatrician-Dr Edward P. Benbow, Jr., M.D.) from several pediatricians, physical therapist Ruth Morton (who sub-let office space from a pediatric associate) and other specialists. A local neurosurgeon, Dr. Robert L Phillips, wrote a few books about the history medicine in Greensboro (Life and Writings of John Wesley Long, M.D. 1859-1926; History of the Greensboro Academy of Medicine 1946-1984). The physicians in town established a Polio Hospital to isolate the infected children and provide care." - Mary Alexander 6/2/2017 |