Fragment
Object number2018.138.6
MediumMetal; Plastic
Credit LineGift of Holly Dick
DescriptionMetal and plastic steering wheel knob that is moveable. The knob is plastic with a star pattern on the inside.DimensionsHeight x Width x Length: 2.25 × 1.5 × 3.375 in. (5.7 × 3.8 × 8.6 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 knob enabled Paul to turn the steering wheel in his car without having raising his arm. While using this his weaker hand was strapped on to the hand control, which was used to apply the gas or brake.
Previous owner
E. Paul Dick
(died 2010)
On View
Not on view
Marx Trains
Toledo Scale Company
Claysburg-Kimmel High School
Eugene Dietzgen Company
Westinghouse
c. 1986
Westinghouse
