Edie Lewis
Edie grew up in a West Toronto suburb. While she did not have polio herself, her baby boom childhood was filled with memories of the way polio made headlines or struck her classmates. The fear of polio was so great at times, that her mother became overproctective.
"I remember one summer my mother being very very particular about where I could go. I was always swimming, but that summer [1954] I was only allowed to swim in our backyard."
Edie in her backyard with her cousins in 1953. She is the child with dark hair. Photo courtesy of Edie Lewis.
As a child, Edie had measles, mumps, and rubella. Her bout with measles was particularly severe as there was fear of heart damage. Every time she got sick, she would bring home the illnesses to her brother. When vaccines became available, her parents and school were adamant that all children get them. She does not recall anyone being an anti-vaxer in that era.
Edie has a strong memory of being lined up in her elementary school gymnasium to receive innoculations for childhood diseases, including the polio vaccine from a flock of nurses in white coats.
"They used glass needles...[There was] an overwhelming smell of alcohol because they put alcohol on your arm first. Some of the kids were crying, some of them were fainting…They had no choice those days. It was pretty intimidating."
Edie at age 7 pictured with her younger brother in 1956. Photo courtesy of Edie Lewis.
Canadian student receiving the polio vaccine in 1959. Source: Library and Archvies Canada/ Fonds de l'Office national du film/e011177051
Today, Edie lives in Brantford with her husband Mike. She is retired. A life-long learner, Edie takes courses at Laurier Brantford.
Edie in 2020. Photo courtesy of Edie Lewis.