Pants
Object number2018.138.11
Manufacturer
Specially For You
MediumCotton; Velcro
Credit LineGift of Holly Dick
DescriptionPair of black cotton pants that were specially made.DimensionsLength x Width x Depth: 47 × 25.25 × 25.5 in. (119.4 × 64.1 × 64.8 cm)MarksWhite tag states "Specially TM / For You Inc. / Ph (605)765-9396 / www.speciallyforyou.net".
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 pair of Paul Dick's trousers were one of the last ones made for him by "Specially For You". It reflected his inability to manipulate a zipper in his last few years. This closure enabled him to hook a finger in its loop and open and close the velcro. These trousers were also made much larger throughout the hips to accommodate an individual who has to spend his entire waking hours seated in a chair.
Previous owner
E. Paul Dick
(died 2010)
On View
Not on view
Kathy Peterson
1939-1945
1995-2000
