Fredrick Brent Eldridge, Salt Lake City, Utah: an interview by Becky B. Lloyd, January 30, 2010

Transcript (59 pages) of interview by Becky B. Lloyd with Fredrick Brent Eldredge on January 30, 2010

Eldredge (b. 1941) discusses his family, schooling and growing up years. He contracted polio at age 9 in 1951, and was initially treated at the Salt Lake County Hospital, where he was in isolation for two weeks prior to being sent to LDS Hospital for rehabilitative treatment. His total hospitalization time was approximately three months. During the acute phase of the disease his vocal cords were damaged, producing a very deep voice for life. In addition, he was paralyzed from the chest down and was treated with hot pack therapy. He returned home with crutches and a lift in one shoe and received physical therapy and home schooling for some months. He started to develop scoliosis and was sent to Primary Children's Hospital for two corrective spinal fusion surgeries that prevented further growth. He was in that hospital for nine months, wore a body cast, and recalls a number of experiences and memories from that time. He describes his recovery and re-assimilation with his neighborhood. He was left with a noticeable permanent limp and paralyzed stomach muscles. He discusses the effects of post-polio syndrome.Mr. Eldredge's career is in the printing industry. Polio Oral History Project. Interviewer: Becky Lloyd