Drake, Lenny - Page County

General Comments:

My most vivid memory of the polio scare was of things left unsaid. I remember a phone call to my mom--the "phone tree" was all abuzz with news of Fred Hachett Jr. falling ill. Fred was my age, in my class at school & church. He was ill with a high fever and a stiff neck. The Doctor feared it was polio. My mother finished her conversation and went on to call another mother. There was no panic--only a controlled and reserved fear controlled as only those '50's "June Cleaver" mom's could do. After the call all that was said was that Fred Jr. was ill and at the hospital. No one said the word--Polio. Later my parents said I wouldn't be going to the swimming pool or the movies or skating rink for awhile. After that there would be whispered fears among friends - it was the first time I ever heard the words - iron lung. Fred Jr. was all right - the mass vaccines were ordered to be given out at the armory - all school children should go. But the loudest words were the ones not spoken - everywhere the unspoken words - "Please, not my child!"