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Board

Object number2018.138.5

Made by Charles O. Dick

OriginClaysburg, PA

MediumWood

Credit LineGift of Holly Dick

DescriptionBrown, wooden rectangular sliding board that was custom made.DimensionsHeight x Width x Length: 0.75 × 7.875 × 30.5 in. (1.9 × 20 × 77.5 cm)
Historical NotesObjects used by Paul Dick, who spent his life in a wheelchair after contracting polio at the age of 14. Paul Dick, who grew up on a farm in Claysburg, PA, contracted polio in September 1954, just as the first polio vaccine was being tested by Jonas Saulk. Two of his sibllings also contracted polio at the same time. He spent time in an iron lung in Altoona hospital, during which time he was completely paralyzed. After rehabilitation in Altoona and Warm Springs, GA, he was able to recover some movement, but would spend the rest of his life in a wheelchair. This wooden sliding board was made by Paul's father in 1955. He used it most of his adult life to transfer to and from his wheelchair and the bed, toilet, and car. During the last few years of his life he had to switch to an electronic lift.

Previous owner E. Paul Dick (died 2010)

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