Dixie Lee Davis Edwards, Salt Lake City, Utah: an interview by Becky B. Lloyd, August 29, 2009

Transcript (42 pages) of interview by Becky B. Lloyd with Dixie Lee Davis Edwards on August 29, 2009. Accompanied by a page with family portraits

Edwards (b. 1939) was born in Leland, Utah, but contracted polio at age three while living in California. She was hospitalized at General Hospital during the acute phase, having lost her ability to walk, and later transferred to White Memorial Hospital. The disease mainly affected her right side. She relates her experiences in the hospitals, including her memories of quarantine, the nurses, brief iron lung therapy and some activities. Her recollection is being in the hospital from eight to possibly eighteen months. She was discharged from the hospital with a noticeable limp and was treated at home by her mother with hot packs. She later moved back to Utah and subsequently had two surgeries. The first was at age twelve for placement of a screw in her left knee to stop the growth on that side. She was placed in a cast from hip to foot. The orthopedic surgeon was Paul R. Mulligan. Her second surgery occurred during her senior year of high school when surgeons lengthened her heel cords. She was required to wear "ugly, big special shoes" for a period of time, and also a leg brace for some length of time. Ms. Edwards reports an active life while growing up, including dancing and gymnastics. She was left with a residual limp that was slightly noticeable. She relates an interesting story about participating in an MGM March of Dimes promotional newsreel with Clark Gable and Greer Garson. Ms. Edwards gave birth to seven children. With age her limp has become more persistent and pronounced, and she has developed other health complications. Polio Oral History Project. Interviewer: Becky Lloyd