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ELIZABETH KENNY:

An Inventory of Her Papers at the Minnesota Historical Society


OVERVIEW OF THE COLLECTION

Creator:Kenny, Elizabeth, 1886-1952.
Title:Elizabeth Kenny papers.
Date:1862-2001 (bulk 1942-1952).
Abstract:Personal papers documenting the life and career of an Australian nurse who discovered a revolutionary treatment for infantile paralysis and devoted her life to the dissemination of the treatment throughout the U.S. and abroad, as well as research files of two Kenny biographers.
Quantity:9.6 cu. ft (10 boxes).
Location:See Detailed Description section for box locations.

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BIOGRAPHY OF ELIZABETH KENNY

Elizabeth Kenny, the daughter of Michael and Mary Kenny, was born September 20, 1886 in New South Wales, Australia. At 16 she graduated from St. Ursula's College, Queensland, Australia. She received her nursing training at a private hospital and served as a nurse in the Australian bush country from 1911 to 1914. It was during this period that she encountered her first case of infantile paralysis (1909) and developed her treatment for the disease. During World War I Kenny served as an Australian Army nurse and was promoted to the rank of "sister," the Nurse Corps equivalent to a first lieutenant.

After the war Kenny returned to civilian nursing. Her treatment and concept of infantile paralysis gained the recognition of the medical profession and the support of the Australian government. Her clinic at Townsville was given government status and Kenny clinics were established throughout the country.

Kenny came to the U.S. in the spring of 1940 but was disappointed by the cool reception her treatment technique received on the West and East coasts. In June 1940 she demonstrated her treatment at the University of Minnesota Medical School and Minneapolis General Hospital. The medical personnel at these institutions accepted Kenny's treatment method as an entirely new concept of infantile paralysis and the first American treatment center was opened at Minneapolis General Hospital. In December 1942 the City of Minneapolis established the Elizabeth Kenny Institute and the following year the Sister Elizabeth Kenny Foundation was formed to financially support the Institute's work and to forward the teaching of the Kenny method throughout the U.S. and abroad. Elizabeth Kenny died November 30, 1952 at her home in Toowoomba, Australia.

Biographical data was taken from the collection.

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SCOPE AND CONTENTS OF THE COLLECTION

Papers include correspondence, telegrams, a typed transcript of an autobiography, reminiscences, reports and essays (undated and 1937-1982), photocopied government and legal documents (1862-1951), motion picture scripts and documentary films (1940s-1950s), newsletters (1945-1958), photographs, scrapbooks, printed matter, journal articles (undated and 1941-1981), newspaper clippings, and books (1937-[1955]).

Topics include Kenny's life prior to coming to the U.S. in 1940, Kenny's concept and treatment of infantile paralysis and her struggle to gain acceptance of the treatment by the U.S. medical establishment, the creation and administration of the Elizabeth Kenny Institute and the Sister Elizabeth Kenny Foundation in Minneapolis, the training of Kenny technicians and the establishment of clinics throughout the world (1942-1952), the public's admiration and support of Kenny's efforts, media coverage and public relations including the production of a motion picture depicting Kenny's life starring Rosalind Russell (1942-1946), and Kenny's death after returning to Australia (1952).

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ORGANIZATION OF THE COLLECTION

These records are divided into the following three sections:
Personal Papers
Kenny Institute
Biographers' Research Papers

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INDEX TERMS:

This collection is indexed under the following headings in the catalog of the Minnesota Historical Society. Researchers desiring materials about related topics, persons or places should search the catalog using these headings.
Topics:
Children -- Diseases -- Treatment.
Medicine -- Practice.
Nurse--physician joint practice.
Nurse and physician -- United States.
Nursing -- Practice.
Poliomyelitis -- Nursing.
Poliomyelitis -- Research.
Poliomyelitis -- Patients.
Poliomyelitis -- Hospitals.
Poliomyelitis -- Alternative treatment.
Women in medicine -- Minnesota.
Persons:
Alexander, Wade, 1931- .
Cohn, Victor, 1919- .
Cole, Wallace H.
Curtis, Dorothy E.
Dayton, Donald C.
Gudakunst, Don W.
Haverstock, Henry W., 1922-
Henderson, Melvin S. -- (Melvin Starkey), 1883-1954.
Henry, James.
Huenekens E. J.
Kenny, Elizabeth -- Books.
Kenny, Elizabeth -- Manuscripts.
Kline, Marvin L.
Knapp, Miland.
Krusen, Frank H., 1898- .
O'Connor, Basil, 1892-1972.
Pohl, John F.
Russell, Rosalind.
Organizations:
Elizabeth Kenny Institute.
Emergency Polio Committee (Minneapolis, Minn.).
National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis.
Ray-Bell Films.
Reid H. Ray Film Industries.
RKO Radio Pictures, Inc.
Sister Elizabeth Kenny Foundation.
Types of Documentation:
Books.
Manuscripts.
Motion pictures (visual works).
Nurses -- Minnesota.
Photographs.

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ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

Preferred Citation:
[Indicate the cited item and/or series here].Elizabeth Kenny Papers. Minnesota Historical Society.
See the Chicago Manual of Style for additional examples.
Accession Information:
Accession number: 8,392; 10,913; 13,283; 13,287; 15,021; 15,193; 15,330; 15,376; 15,543; 15,701
Processing Information:
Processed by: Frank Hennessy, May 1995; Deborah Kahn, January 2005
PALS number: 09-00039984

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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE COLLECTION

Note to Researchers: To request materials, please note both the location and box numbers shown below.

Personal Papers:
Includes magazine articles, correspondence, and essays providing biographical data; a photostatic copy of Kenny's appointment into the Australian Nursing Service (May 1915); and her obituary (November 1952). There is also a typed transcript of Kenny's autobiography and related correspondence. The original manuscript of the autobiography, as well as Kenny's handwritten account of her first experience with polio, have been placed in reserve. The remaining papers consist of personal correspondence with friends, letters and telegrams related to Kenny's travels, and six photographs of Kenny. The photographs are wire photos and may not be reproduced.
LocationBox
143.E.10.3B1
Biographical Data.
Autobiography:
Correspondence:
Douglas Baker and Martha Ostenso, undated and 1942-1945.
Miscellaneous, 1942-1944.
Typed Manuscript (328 p.).
LocationBox
Res. 35
Autobiography, et. al.:
Contains handwritten manuscripts of Elizabeth Kenny's autobiography (414 p.) and account of her first experience with polio (2 p.), an autographed photograph of Rosalind Russell and her family, a power of attorney granted to James Henry by Elizabeth Kenny (May 1, 1951), an award recognizing Henry's service to the Sister Elizabeth Kenny Foundation (December 31, 1945), and letters by Elizabeth Kenny and Rosalind Russell (undated and 1942-1952).
LocationBox
143.E.10.3B1
Personal Correspondence and Related Papers, 1942-1951.
Photographs: Elizabeth Kenny, 1943-1945.

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Return to the Organization of the Collection Section


Kenny Institute:
LocationBox
143.E.10.3B1
Administration:
The bulk of the papers consist of Kenny's correspondence with individuals and organizations while she was connected with the Elizabeth Kenny Institute. Primary correspondents include the Institute's administrators and board of directors, officers of Kenny Institute chapters in other states, technicians trained by the institute, officers of the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis, U.S. government officials, parents of polio victims, and the general public.
Topics include fund raising; training of doctors and technicians in the Kenny treatment, including continuation courses at the University of Minnesota and various conferences; requests from polio victims and parents for treatment; Kenny's status with the immigration and naturalization service, including Hubert Humphrey's assistance in securing her unrestricted entry privileges (1950); and three European tours that Kenny made in order to disseminate knowledge of her treatment technique (1947-1950).
A substantial amount of material relates to Kenny's struggle to validate and gain recognition for her concept and treatment of infantile paralysis. There are a number of reports documenting the development of the treatment and evidence of its effectiveness, and a group of correspondence related to a dispute Kenny had with the American Medical Association and the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis regarding funding for research and accusations that Kenny's claims regarding the treatment were false. There is also correspondence pertaining to a Congressional investigation (1945) stemming from the dispute and letters of support from parents of Kenny's patients and the general public.
LocationBox
143.E.10.3B1
Applied Science Foundation, 1948.
Articles on the Institute's History.
Bastis, Albert G., 1945.
Baxter, Dr. Stephen H., 1944-1945.
Board of Directors, undated and 1944-1950. 3 folders..
Brandon, Rodney H. (Illinois Chapter Chairman), 1947-1948.
Brochures and Printed Matter.
Chicago Associate Nurses: Response to AMA Report on Kenny Method, 1944.
Christmas Card Lists of Sister Kenny, 1946-1948.
Cole, Dr. Wallace H., 1940-1947.
Complimentary Letters and Parents' Appreciation, undated and 1942-1949.
Conference on Poliomyelitis (Minneapolis). December 3-5, 1945.
Crosby, George C., 1945-1951.
Dayton, Donald C., 1944-1948.
Doctors' Conference (Minneapolis), August 16-17, 1946.
Drake, Dr. Nicholas Terzake, 1948.
LocationBox
143.E.10.3B1
Emergency Polio Committee (Minneapolis), 1946.
European Trips, 1947-1950. 3 folders..
First International Poliomyelitis Conference, 1948.
Fund Raising:
Cash Donations, 1942-1947. 3 folders..
Miscellaneous Donations, 1943-1949. 2 folders..
Kenny Foundation Fund Drive, 1946.
Knickerbocker Ball, 1948-1950.
Proposed Annual Membership, 1948.
Gould, George W. (Illinois Field Director), 1946-1948.
Harrington, Dr. F. E. (Kenny Institute Superintendent), 1943-1946.
Harris, Calvin, 1944-1945.
Hastings, Tom, 1944-1947.
Haverstock, Henry W. (Kenny Institute Secretary), 1942-1951.
Hearn, Richard J. (New York Chapter), 1946-1948. 2 folders..
LocationBox
143.E.10.3B1
Henry, James, 1943-1948.
Historical Articles, undated and 1953-1972.
Hotels, 1942-1945.
Huenekens, Dr. E. J., 1947-1949.
Humphrey, Hubert, 1949-1950.
Inventory: Journal Articles, Papers and Letters in "Kenny's Brown Bag."
Johnson, Lloyd P., 1944.
Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, 1948.
Jungeblut, Dr. Claus W. (Columbia University), 1948-1949.
Keller, Nick (Illinois House of Representatives), 1945.
Kenny Concept and Treatment: History and Evidence:
Reports, undated and 1943-1952. 2 folders..
LocationBox
143.E.10.4F2
Reports, undated and 1943-1952. 2 folders..
Poliomyelitis Research League of California, 1948.
U.S. House of Representatives. Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce, 1948.
Kerr, Kenneth and Dolly Cohen (Ohio Fund Drive), 1945-1946.
Kline, Marvin L.:
Correspondence, 1942-1959.
Larceny Trial, 1960.
Knapp, Dr. Miland, 1944-1945, 1949.
LaRoche, Clara and Chester, 1945-1948.
McAllister, Robert A. vs. Cosmopolitan Shipping Co., 1948.
Marshall Field Company, 1947.
Miscellaneous, undated and 1946-1948.
Minnesota Poliomyelitis Research Commission, 1946.
Morningstar, Dr. C. H., 1945-1946.
LocationBox
143.E.10.4F2
National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis:
Bell, James Ford, 1942-1946.
Coss, Warren, 1943.
Cusack, Peter J. A., 1942.
Gudakunst, Dr. Don W., 1941-1944.
O'Connor, Basil, 1940-1947. 2 folders..
Printed Matter, 1943-1948.
Miscellaneous, 1941-1947. 2 folders..
Newsletters:
Kenny Herald, 1945-1946.
Kenny Stretch, 1947-1948.
Kenny News Letter, 1955-1958.
Onan, D. W., 1944-1945.
Pfeifer, Sidney B. (Kenny Foundation of Buffalo, New York), 1945-1949.
Phillips, Philip P. (Kenny Institute Business Administrator), 1942-1944.
Pohl, Dr. John F. (Kenny Institute Medical Supervisor), 1949-1952.
LocationBox
143.E.10.4F2
Pohl, Mrs.: Complete Review of Literature, 1945.
Rassner, Jacob, 1948.
Ray of Light Letters: Public Response to AMA Report on Kenny Method, 1944.
Requests for Treatment, 1942-1945.
Russell (Brisson), Rosalind, 1948-1952.
Ryan, Judson D., 1945.
Seljeskog, Dr. S. R. (Kenny Institute Superintendent), 1946-1947.
Smith, Howard R.: Friends of Sister Kenny, 1944.
Sullivan, Ed, 1946-1947.
Technicians:
Training Course, 1944-1948.
Bell, Stanley Willis, 1943-1945.
Burns, Ethel, 1943.
Gardner, Ethel, 1942-1943.
Hannan., Vivian C., 1943-1951.
Harvey, Valerie, 1942-1946.
Kay, Ida M., 1942-1949.
Kenny, Mary Stewart, 1942-1947.
Lembkey, Alva, 1942-1943.
Lovass, Dorothy, 1947-1948.
LocationBox
143.E.10.4F2
Truax, Jeanette, 1948-1950.
Walkins, Virginia, 1943.
Miscellaneous, 1941-1949.
Thye, Edward J., 1945.
Transportation, 1944-1945.
U.S. Government:
Congressional Investigation:
Letters of Support, undated and 1945. 2 folders..
O'Toole, Donald L. (House of Representatives), 1945.
Resolutions in Support of Kenny, 1945.
Crabtree, James A. (Acting Surgeon General), 1946-1947.
Immigration and Naturalization Service, 1943-1949.
Miscellaneous, 1943-1946, 1951.
U.S. Department of State:
Beckwith, Frank O. (Office of International Informational and Cultural Affairs), 1947.
Williams, Dr. Louis L., 1947.
Wolverton, Charles A. (House of Representatives), 1948.
LocationBox
143.E.10.4F2
University of Minnesota:
Board of Regents, 1945-1946.
Continuation Courses in the Kenny Technique:
Course Schedules and Roosters, 1942-1945. 2 folders..
O'Brien, Dr. William A.: Director, 1943-1945.
Diehl, Dr. Harold S. 1943-1945.
Nursing Course, 1946.
Variety Clubs of America:
Harris, John J., 1942-1944, 1952.
Mack, Irving, 1943.
Miscellaneous, 1943-1948, 1952.
Webber, Mrs. Charles C., 1941-1945.
Winton, Charles J. and Jean S. (Mrs. R. C.), 1945.
LocationBox
143.E.10.5B3
Organizations:
Consists almost exclusively of correspondence with civic, fraternal, and religious organizations active in combating the polio epidemic of the 1940s. A good portion of the correspondence consists of invitations requesting Kenny's presence at events, her replies, and logistical arrangements for her appearances.
American Academy of Pediatrics, 1942.
American Legion: Dr. Joseph E. Malcomson, 1947.
American Legion Auxiliary, 1942-1944.
American Physiotherapy Association, 1941-1942.
Ancient and Accepted Rite of Free Masonry, 1947.
Anti-Vivisection Society, 1943-1947.
Banking, 1942-1943.
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks (Queensborough Lodge #878): James T. Hallinan, 1948.
LocationBox
143.E.10.5B3
Benevolent Patriotic Order of Does: Eula H. Brown, 1948.
B'nai B'rith, 1943-1946.
British Societies, 1943-1948.
Canadian Association of Chiropractors, 1947.
Central Congress for World Security, 1947.
Churches, 1943-1945.
Crippled Child Relief: Della H. Olsen, 1942-1947.
Dream House: H. A. McDaniel, 1948.
Exchange Club of Jersey City, 1948.
Hadassah (New York Chapter): Mrs. Samuel H. Hartley, 1947-1948.
Illinois Federation of Women's Clubs: Mrs. T. S. Chapman, 1946-1947.
LocationBox
143.E.10.5B3
Improved Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the World: J. Finley Wilson, 1947.
Junior League (Chicago and Evanston, Ill.), 1943.
Kiwanis Club, 1942, 1945.
League of Minnesota Poets, 1943.
Minneapolis Exchange Club, 1946-1948.
Miscellaneous, 1942-1946.
Non-Medical Associations, 1943-1945.
North Shore Sunday Evening Club, 1944-1948.
Red Cross, 1942-1945, 1950.
Relief Wings (New York, N.Y.), 1943.
New York, N.Y.
Retail Credit Association of Minneapolis: M.E. Mortenson, 1947.
Rotary Club, 1944, 1946.
St. Anthony Aerie No. 1247 (Minneapolis): N. J. Portlance, 1948.
Schools and Libraries, 1944-1946.
LocationBox
143.E.10.5B3
Shriners, 1942-1944.
Sinai Temple Forum, 1942.
Sisterhood of Temple Israel, 1948.
Soroptimist Clubs, 1944-1945.
South Shore Country Club (Chicago, Ill.), 1943.
Town Hall, Inc., 1944-1948.
United Chemical Workers CIO (District Council No.2): Gordon K. Safarian, 1946.
U.S. Navy, 1943.
University of Illinois College of Medicine: Association of Medical Students, 1942.
University of Manitoba Students' Union: Bill Kennedy, 1947.
Walter Butler Shipbuilders, 1944-1945.
War Chest of Minneapolis and Hennepin County, 1942-1943.
Women's Clubs, 1943-1945.
Case Files:
Includes correspondence with patients, doctors, and parents concerning a number of individual polio cases. Topics include initial requests for treatment, medical reports, patient progress reports, and accounts of the patients' lives after treatment.
LocationBox
143.E.10.5B3
Ahlman, Richard, 1945.
Allen, Mrs. Howard, 1944.
Andress, Ruth, 1943, 1947.
Bless, Hans, 1943-1945.
Carnahan, Roy E., 1944.
Cox, Vernon, 1945-1946.
Domes, Virginia, 1946.
Eckhoff, John G., 1943.
Fletcher, Mrs. J. Carroll, 1942-1944.
Fox, William, 1946-1947.
Gibson, Mary Joan, 1943-1944.
Gleeson, Julia S., 1943, 1945.
Grey, Mrs. Donald, 1943-1945.
Higginbotham, W. C., 1942-1946.
Hull, J. W., 1943.
LocationBox
143.E.10.5B3
Johnson, Allen, 1944-1946.
Kalstein, Mrs. Morris, 1946-1947.
Keegan, Maureen, 1943-1944.
Kistler, Mr. and Mrs. William, 1943-1946.
Lawrence, Marjorie, 1941-1944, 1947.
Levering, Barbara, 1942-1943.
Levig, Mrs. Chester, 1944.
MacArthur, C. P., 1945.
Miller, H. Wisner, 1945-1946.
Musselman, Erdine, 1944.
Nadorf, Benjamin, 1945.
Oberne, Mrs. John E., 1947.
Owens, Howard E., 1944.
Parker, Brian, 1943-1946.
LocationBox
143.E.10.5B3
Rajtic, Peter, 1946.
Sass, Diane, 1946-1947.
Schaeffer, H. B., 1945.
Schwinghamer, Andrew, 1945.
Siotis, John, 1945-1946.
Stern, Marilyn Dianne, 1943-1944.
Strauss, Mrs. Carl, 1942.
Theaman, Dr. Herman, 1942-1947.
Weinstein, Les, 1943.
Wilburn, Dr., R. A., 1946.
Willimin, Jane, 1945.
Miscellaneous, 1943-1946.
Media Coverage, Advertising, and Public Relations:
Contains correspondence with newspapers, magazines, and radio stations primarily related to the Kenny Institute's national promotion of the Kenny concept and the positive and critical editorial comment the treatment received.
A group of correspondence and scripts related to the production and distribution of two motion pictures is also included. The first film, The Kenny Concept of Disease in Infantile Paralysis (1944) was a documentary produced by Ray-Bell Films. The second film, Sister Kenny (1946) was produced by RKO Radio Pictures and told the story of Kenny's life, with Rosalind Russell playing the lead role.
There are also copies of five documentary films promoting the work of Kenny, the Institute, and the Foundation, including The Kenny Concept of Disease in Infantile Paralysis.
LocationBox
143.E.10.5B3
Newspapers:
Associated and United Press, 1943-1945.
Betty Betz, 1948.
California, 1943-1944.
Connecticut, 1947.
Illinois, 1943-1945.
Indiana, 1943.
Michigan, 1945.
Minneapolis, 1941-1948.
Missouri, 1941.
Nebraska, 1944.
New York, 1943-1944.
Ohio, 1943.
Oklahoma: Tulsa Tribune, 1943-1945.
Pennsylvania, 1944.
Texas:
Corpus Christi Caller-Times, 1943.
Miscellaneous, 1943.
Washington, 1944.
Washington, D.C.:
Washington Times Herald, 1944-1945.
Washington Report on the Medical Sciences, 1948.
LocationBox
143.E.10.5B3
Magazines and Journals, 1942-1948.
The American Weekly: Lionel C. Moise, 1943-1945.
Who's Who, 1943-1947.
Radio:
American Broadcasting Company: Karl R. Sutphin, 1946.
Blue Network, Inc., 1942-1945.
Cavalcade of America, 1942.
Columbia Broadcasting System, 1943-1944.
Erwin, Wasey & Co., 1942.
Miscellaneous, 1941-1946.
Neblett Radio Production, 1944.
Speeches, 1942-1945.
WMCA (New York, N.Y.): Alice Huges, 1943-1944.
Motion Pictures:
Hudson Productions: Lady in Blue, 1947.
Paul Kohner, Inc.: Elizabeth Dickinson, 1942-1946.
Elizabeth Dickinson.
RKO Radio Pictures:
McCarthy, Mary, 1942-1944.
Mainwaring, Dan (Publicity Department), 1943-1944.
Miscellaneous, 1942-1946.
Sister Kenny: Final Script, 1945.
Ray-Bell Films/Reid H. Ray Film Industries:: The Kenny Concept of Disease in Infantile Paralysis, 1944-1948.
LocationBox
142.G.14.7B-110
Value of a Life, undated. 1 film reel (master) and 1 videocassette (VHS user viewing copy).
So That More May Walk, undated. 1 film reel (master) and 1 videocassette (VHS user viewing copy).
The Kenny Concept of Disease in Infantile Paralysis (Reel 2), 1944. 1 film reel (master) and 1 videocassette (VHS user viewing copy).
So They May Walk, 1953. 1 film reel (master), 1 digital videocassette (Betacam submaster), 1 digital videocassette (DVCAM submaster), and 1 videocassette (VHS user viewing copy).
Because She Lived, 1955. 1 film reel (master) and 1 videocassette (VHS user viewing copy).
LocationBox
143.E.10.6F4
Advertising and Public Relations:
Bozell & Jacobs, 1944-1945.
J. Walter Thompson Company, 1943-1945.
Peat, Harold E., 1945.
W. Colston Leigh, 1944.
Young & Rubicam, 1943-1944.
Medical Personnel and Institutions:
Contains extensive correspondence with the medical community in the U.S. and abroad. Topics include the attention received by the Kenny treatment outside the U.S.; the Kenny Institute's efforts at providing trained technicians within the U.S. and abroad; the establishment of clinics and reports from Kenny technicians I the field; invitations extended to Kenny to visit various medical establishments; and the ongoing debate over the validity of Kenny's treatment.
Argentina:
Chans, Anibel Olaran (Secretary of the Commission on Paralysis), 1943.
Espil, Felipe A. (Argentine Ambassador), 1943.
Miscellaneous, 1943-1945, 1949.
Australia, 1939-1952.
Belgium:
Belgium Red Cross, 1945-1946.
Curtis, Dorothy, 1946-1950.
Housden, Nora, 1948-1950.
Laruelle, Dr. Leon, 1945-1951.
Ramaix, Dr. Hermance, 1946, 1948.
Sare, Helen, 1951-1952.
Miscellaneous, 1945-1950.
LocationBox
143.E.10.6F4
Bolivia, 1943.
Brazil:
Shaw, Mabel, 1943-1944.
Miscellaneous, 1943-1945.
British West Indies, 1942.
Canada:
Alberta, 1943.
British Columbia, 1942-1946.
Manitoba:
Chown, Dr. Bruce, 1941-1946.
Miscellaneous, 1941, 1945-1946.
Nova Scotia, 1942.
Ontario:
Feney, J. A. (Christian Culture Forum), 1944.
Henderson, Pamela (Ottawa Civic Hopsital), 1943.
Kirby, Dr. Harold J., 1943.
McGillivray, T. A., 1943.
McGregor, Dr. D. U., 1943-1945.
LocationBox
143.E.10.6F4
Phair, Dr. J. T., 1943, 1947.
Vonderharr, Wanda E., 1947.
Miscellaneous, 1941-1944.
Quebec:
Dube, Dr. Edmond, 1943.
Miscellaneous, 1942-1943.
Chile, 1943-1944.
Columbia, 1943-1947.
Cuba, 1942-1943.
Czechoslovakia:
Curtis, Dorothy, 1949-1950.
Miscellaneous, 1949-1951.
Ecuador, 1944-1945.
England:
Bauwens, Dr. Philip, 19445-1947.
Crom, Viola, 1945-1946.
Infantile Paralysis Fellowship, 1946-1948.
Lindsey, Amy, 1948.
Reardon, Margaret, 1947.
Rodenhurst, Leo, 1947.
Miscellaneous, 1942-1950.
LocationBox
143.E.10.6F4
France, 1948.
India:
Ismail, Fathema, 1947-1949.
Kutil, K., 1949-1950.
Miscellaneous, 1943, 1949-1952.
Mexico, 1944, 1946.
New Zealand, 1943.
Norway:
Siqveland, Th. (Consul General), 1947.
Miscellaneous, 1945.
Palestine, 1948.
Wolffe, Dr., Joseph B.
Portugal:
Penha, Dr. G., 1947
Miscellaneous, 1944.
South America: Institute of International Education, 1943-1944.
Spain, 1947.
Sweden, 1947.
Turkey, 1947-1948.
LocationBox
143.E.10.6F4
United States:
Alabama, 1942-1945.
Arkansas:
Carruthers, Dr. F. Walter, 1942-1945.
Miscellaneous, 1942.
California:
Fresno:
Ginsburg, Dr. H. M., 1942-1946.
Miscellaneous, 1942-1943.
La Crescenta: New Life Foundation, 1945.
Los Angeles:
Barnwell, John J., 1949-1950.
Childrens' Hospital Society, 1942, 1945.
McFarland, Dr. Wayne (White Memorial Hosptial), 1942-1944, 1949.
Moor, Dr. Fred B. (White Memorial Hospital), 1942-1947.
Nelson, Dr. Norman (Department of Public Health), 1944-1946.
Ruth Home, 1950.
Miscellaneous, 1942-1951.
LocationBox
143.E.10.6F4
Pasadena:
Behlow, Dorothy, 1942-1943.
Billig, Dr. H. E., 1942, 1948.
San Diego, 1942-1944.
San Francisco:
Bennett, Patrick, 1944.
Daniels, Lucille: Stanford University School of Health (Women), 1942-1944.
Miscellaneous, 1943-1949.
San Jose, 1944.
San Mateo, 1943-1944.
Santa Rosa, Barnett, Dr. E. D., 1942-1944.
Colorado, 1943-1944.
Connecticut, 1942-1946.
Delaware:
Boines, Dr. George J., 1941-1946.
Davidson, Dr. Douglas T., 1947.
Miscellaneous, 1945.
District of Columbia:
National Research Council, 1944.
Miscellaneous, 1944-1946.
LocationBox
143.E.10.6F4
Georgia:
Bennett, Dr. Robert L. (Georgia Warm Springs Foundation), 1942-1943.
Miscellaneous, 1942-1944.
Hawaii, 1943-1947.
Illinois:
Bundesen, Dr. Herman N., 1943-1944.
Centralia, 1948.
Chicago, 1943-1946.
Compere, Dr. Edward L., 1942-1945.
Evanston Hospital, 1943.
Green, Dwight, 1948.
Illinois State Nurses' Association, 1943.
Levine, Dr. Herbert, 1946-1948.
Lewin, Dr. Philip, 1943, 1946.
Michael Reese Hospital, 1943-1944.
Stafford, Dr. Wifred F., 1946-1948.
Winnet, Dr. Maude Hall, 1943.
Miscellaneous, 1943-1944, 1951.
Indiana:
Anderson, Charlotte Wright, 1943.
Miscellaneous, 1942-1946.
Iowa:
Iowa Lutheran Hospital, 1941-1947.
Miscellaneous, 1942-1946.
LocationBox
143.E.10.6F4
Kansas, 1943-1945.
Kentucky:
Untereker, John J., 1942-1943.
Williamson, Marian (R.N.), 1942-1943.
Miscellaneous, 1942-1943.
Louisiana, 1942-1943.
Maryland:
Yorkdale, Mrs. Elizabeth Q., 1944-1945.
Miscellaneous, 1944.
Massachusetts, 1943.
Michigan:
Calhoun, Dr. Ethel T., 1942-1948.
Larned, Abner E. Wayne (National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis, Wayne County Chapter), 1943-1945.
Michigan State Medical Society:
Burns, Bill, 1942-1943.
Foster, Dr. L. Fernald, 1942-1943.
Miscellaneous, 1942-1943.
Reichert, Marie, 1946-1948.
Sister Kenny Foundation: Michigan Chapter, 1946-1948.
Top, Dr. Franklin H., 1943.
University of Michigan, 1942, 1945.
Miscellaneous, 1942-1948.
LocationBox
143.E.10.7B5
Minnesota:
Ghormley, Dr. R. K. (Mayo Clinic), 1943.
Hatch, Rose E., 1943.
Henderson, Dr. Melvin (Mayo Clinic), 1942-1948.
Kahler Hospital, 1943-1944.
Krusen, Dr. Frank H. (Mayo Clinic), 1942-1947.
Minneapolis, 1943-1950.
Platou, Dr. Erling S., 1945.
Sher, Dr. Lewis, 1943-1944.
Miscellaneous, 1942-1945.
Mississippi, 1942-1945.
Missouri:
Alden, Dr. Arthur M., 1947.
St. Louis, 1942-1943.
Stewart, Dr. William J., 1942, 1945.
Miscellaneous, 1942-1946.
Nebraska:
Clarke, Dr. Floyd, 1943.
Thompson, Dr. James E. M., 1942.
Miscellaneous, 1942, 1946.
New Jersey:
Jersey City Medical Center, 1944-1949.
New Jersey College for Women (Rutgers University), 1944-1947.
New Jersey State League of Nursing Education, 1943.
Miscellaneous, 1941-1944.
LocationBox
143.E.10.7B5
New Mexico, 1943.
New York:
Adelphi Hospital, 1943.
Buffalo, N.Y., 1945-1950.
Central Club for Nurses, 1944.
Gurewitsch, Dr. A. D., 1942-1943.
Hansson, Dr. Kristian G., 1943.
Kings County Medical Society, 1944-1945.
Klein, Dr. Irving F., 1946.
Lebowitz, Henry and Martin, 1941-1943.
McGuinness, Dr. Madge C. L., 1941-1943.
New York City, 1942-1948.
New York University, 1943-1944.
Perkins, Dr. James E., 1944-1945.
Ruskin, Dr. Simon L., 1947-1948.
Stimson, Dr. Philip M. 1945-1951.
Whitman, Dr. Armitage, 1947.
Miscellaneous, 1942-1950.
North Dakota, 1941-1946.
Ohio:
Knies, Dr. Philip T., 1941-1943.
Miscellaneous, 1941-1945.
LocationBox
143.E.10.7B5
Oklahoma:
Oklahoma Commission for Crippled Children, 1943.
Miscellaneous, 1942-1943.
Oregon, 1943.
Pennsylvania:
American College of Physicians, 1947.
Gill, Dr. Bruce A., 1943.
MacMurchy, Lulu C., 1943-1944.
Trommer, Dr. Philip R., 1943-1944.
Miscellaneous, 1942-1946.
Rhode Island, South Carolina, and South Dakota, 1943-1946.
Tennessee, 1943.
Texas:
Carroll, Dr. W. B., 1943.
Tarrant County Infantile Paralysis Association, 1943-1944.
Miscellaneous, 1942-1946.
Utah, 1945-1946.
Virginia, 1942-1943.
Washington, 1942-1948.
Wisconsin: University of Wisconsin, 1942-1943.
Inventories of Physicians' Letters, 1939-1949.
LocationBox
143.E.10.7B5
General Correspondence:
This is one of the largest series within the collection and consists of correspondence with doctors, parents, patients, and the general public. The files comprising the series are arranged both chronologically (in two overlapping but separate sequences)and alphabetically, making a complete search of both arrangements necessary to ensure complete coverage.
A substantial amount of this correspondence consists of requests for technical information pertaining to the treatment of individual cases of infantile paralysis. Most of these requests were answered with a standard form letter indicating that the institute could not provide such advice through the mail.
Other topics include support and encouragement offered to Kenny during her struggle to achieve acceptance of her technique, various remedies that individuals felt would be beneficial in the treatment of polio, and letters of gratitude written by appreciative parents and the general public.
Chronological:
1942-1949. 3 folders.
This small set of chronological correspondence is similar in content to the larger one that follows. Its relationship to that set is unknown.
1943-May 1947. 14 folders.
LocationBox
143.E.10.8F6
June 1947-1949. 15 folders.
Alphabetical, 1946-1952. 21 folders..
Miscellaneous Papers:
Newspaper Clippings, undated and 1941-1982. 9 folders.:
The clippings document Kenny's service to victims of infantile paralysis in the U.S., her return to Australia and death in 1952, and the history of the Kenny Institute after her departure.
Poliomyelitis (article reprints), undated and 1941-1964.
Kenny Institute 50th Anniversary: Patient Letters, 1991-1992.
As a part of its 50th anniversary celebration in 1992, the Sister Kenny Institute asked former patients throughout the U.S. to share their reminiscences of Kenny's treatment and a number of those reminiscences are included.
LocationBox
143.E.10.9B7
Poliomyelitis (article reprints), undated and 1941-1964.
Kenny Institute 50th Anniversary: Patient Letters, 1991-1992.
As a part of its 50th anniversary celebration in 1992, the Sister Kenny Institute asked former patients throughout the U.S. to share their reminiscences of Kenny's treatment and a number of those reminiscences are included.
"Our Heads Bowed in Shame" (editorial cartoon) and "Sister Kenny's Lullaby" (lyrics and music), undated and 1949.
Scrapbooks (Dorothy Curtis):
Polio Equipment and Treatment Measures, [195-].
Includes photographs of equipment used in treatment such as slings, braces, transportation devices, and respiration aids, as well as photographs of various treatment measures including hotpacks, hot paraffin treatment, stretching, muscle re-education, discharge exercises, and follow-up examinations.
Kenny Treatment for Poliomyelitis: Elfriede Kohler, 1952.
Consists of a photographic account of the treatment of an individual polio case. The photographs and accompanying text follow the patient, Elfriede Kohler of Hof, Germany, from the onset of the disease, which almost completely paralyzed her, through the various stages of her treatment and recovery. Photographs of two additional cases which were not nearly as severe are also included.
LocationBox
143.E.10.9B7
Henry, James:
Henry was the co-founder of Nesbitt Bottling Company of Minnesota and a close friend of Elizabeth Kenny. He was Kenny's personal representative on the Kenny board of directors and served as its vice president until 1952. He was also one of three trustees designated by Kenny to carry out the terms of her will.
Henry's correspondence includes letters from Elizabeth Kenny discussing the administration of the Kenny Institute after her return to Australia and Henry's appointment as her personal representative in the U.S. (May 1, 1951). Letters and papers relate to the disposition of Kenny's will--including her directive that her collection of awards and trophies be kept in Minneapolis for the benefit of the community at large--and a small group of material containing biographical data on James Henry.
Other papers pertaining to Henry include individual portraits of Kenny and Henry; photographs of Kenny with patients, doctors, and administrators of the Kenny Institute; and three dismantled and photocopied scrapbooks containing newspaper clippings related to Kenny's work in the U.S. (1940-1952, 1986).
Personal Correspondence and Related papers, undated and 1943-1976.
Photographs and Newspaper Clippings, [194-]-1992.
Scrapbooks, 1940-1952, 1986. 2 folders.

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Biographers' Research Papers
Primary and secondary source materials by and about Elizabeth Kenny, compiled and created by Wade Alexander and Victor Cohn while researching and writing about Kenny's life and work, including correspondence, reports, professional papers, speeches, reminiscences, government and legal documents, newspaper and magazine articles, books, pamphlets, and photographs, as well as Alexander's and Cohn's research and interview notes, transcriptions, photocopies, annotations, and drafts.
LocationBox
143.E.10.9B7
Wade Alexander Papers, undated and 1862-1951, 2001 (bulk 1940-1951).
Annotated photocopies of letters, government documents, newspaper and magazine articles, and other papers cited by Alexander (born 1931) in his biography, Sister Elizabeth Kenny: Maverick Heroine of the Polio Treatment Controversy (Rockhampton: Central Queensland University Press, 2003). The items are those Alexander believed would be of most interest to researchers; that supported conclusions he reached that were different from those in Cohn's biography and Kenny's autobiography; and that were not present in the Kenny papers, which he utilized during his research.
Victor Cohn Papers:
Cohn (1919-2000), a journalist, was science and medical reporter for the Minneapolis Tribune (1947-1967) and science editor, science and medical reporter, and health columnist at the Washington Post (1968-1993). His interest in Kenny began while covering her pioneering polio work for the Tribune. His eighteen-part series, "Angry Angel: The Real Story of Sister Kenny," appeared in the paper during October-November 1953. His biography is entitled Sister Kenny: The Woman Who Challenged the Doctors (Minneapolis: University of Minnesota Press, 1975).
Sister Elizabeth Kenny Foundation Records: These files were given to Cohn by Foundation officials.
Elizabeth Kenny Correspondence, Reports, and Other Papers, undated and 1941-1951. 6 folders.
Dr. Frank H. Krusen's Elizabeth Kenny File, 1941-1944. 2 folders.
LocationBox
146.K.8.5B8
Books by Elizabeth Kenny:
Infantile Paralysis and Cerebral Diplegia: Methods Used for the Restoration of Function (Sydney: Angus & Robertson Limited, 1937).
"Autobiography of Sister Elizabeth Kenny," 1943. Typescript, 4 folders.
My Battle and Victory: History of the Discovery of Poliomyelitis as a Systemic Disease (London: Robert Hale Limited, [1955]). Advance proof copy.
Articles, Papers, Speeches, Pamphlets, Reminiscences, and Other Writings by Elizabeth Kenny, undated and 1943-1952. 4 folders.
Elizabeth Kenny Polio Treatment:
Reports and Papers On (by others):
Australia, 1937-1938.
United States and Europe, 1941, 1949.
"P. Med. 81A. Theory and Technique of Muscle Re-education: Laboratory Manual," 1968.
Used in a University of Minnesota physical therapy course that was based on Kenny's treatment methods and taught by a Kenny-trained nurse/therapist.
Elizabeth Kenny Institute and Sister Elizabeth Kenny Foundation:
Promotional and Informational Materials, 1942-1952, 1978.
Sister Elizabeth Kenny Foundation Scandal, 1960-1963, 1986.
Legal and court documents, newspaper articles, and a draft of an unpublished article entitled "The Dimes and Dollars of Little People: Marvin Kline and the Kenny Foundation Scandal."
Sister Kenny Motion Picture (1946), 1945-1946, 1979.
Final script (typescript, 1945), RKO Radio Pictures' promotion booklet, and photocopies of pages relating to the movie and to Elizabeth Kenny in Rosalind Russell's autobiography, Life is a Banquet (New York: Ace Books, 1979).
Newspaper and Magazine Articles Regarding Elizabeth Kenny:
Australia, undated and 1916-1952.
United States, undated and 1940-1954.
Kenny's Death: Australia and the United States, 1952-1955.
Victor Cohn Articles:
1948-1955, 1981.
LocationBox
146.K.8.6F9
"Angry Angel," Minneapolis Tribune, October 29-November 18, 1953.
Photographs of Elizabeth Kenny:
Some photographs may be wire photos, which cannot be reproduced.
Australia, undated and ca. 1890-1952. 2 folders.
United States, 1940-1952. 2 folders.
United States: "The Movie and Movie People," 1943-1946, 1950-1951.
Victor Cohn's Elizabeth Kenny Research Notes, Transcriptions, Correspondence, and Other Papers:
Key to, undated.
Explanations of abbreviations and symbols for names, sources, etc. used by Cohen. Some entries also include a brief identification or explanation.
Selected Chronology, undated and 1951-1955, 1971. 2 folders.
Materials relating to the following aspects of Kenny's life: family, birth, nursing status, first polio experience, Army service-World War I, and World War II, as well as her will and estate.
Elizabeth Kenny Letters, 1937-1952.
Interviews and Other Sources, A-W, 1940s-1970s. 10 folders.
Arranged in a single alphabetical sequence by surname, place name, etc.
Additional Research Correspondence, 1953-1974.
Victor Cohn Biography of Elizabeth Kenny:
Photographs: Correspondence Regarding and Captions for, 1974-1976.
Publicity, Reviews, and Reactions to, 1975-1978.
Miscellaneous Correspondence and Other Papers Regarding Elizabeth Kenny, 1953-1996.

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