OVERVIEW
Minnesota Historical Society
Kenny, Elizabeth,
1886-1952.
Elizabeth Kenny papers.
1862-2001 (bulk
1942-1952).
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.
11.00 cu. ft (11 boxes).
See [Detailed Description](a9) for shelf
locations.
BIOGRAPHICAL NOTE
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.
SCOPE AND CONTENTS
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).
ARRANGEMENT
These records are divided into the following three sections:
- Personal Papers
- Kenny Institute
- Biographers' Research Papers
CATALOG HEADINGS
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.
Document Types:
Books.
Manuscripts.
Motion pictures (visual works).
Photographs.
Occupations:
Nurses -- Minnesota.
ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
Use Restrictions:
Copyright retained by Wade Alexander for Sister Elizabeth
Kenny: Polio Nurse Heroine, an expanded version of his biography
Sister Elizabeth Kenny: Maverick Heroine of the Polio
Treatment Controversy published in 2003. Quotation or publication
beyond the fair use provisions of the copyright law requires written permission.
For further information concerning copyright status and/or permission to
publish, please consult the reference staff.
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; 16,078; 16,388
Processing Information:
Processed by: Frank Hennessy, May 1995; Deborah Kahn, January 2005; Alex Kent,
January 2010
Catalog ID number: 001731445
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
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.
143.E.10.3B
1
Biographical Data.
Empty commemorative leather notebook for correspondence,
1947.
8 1/2 x 12 in.
Given to Elizabeth Kenny "for distinguished service to Minneapolis and to
the peoples of the World," by the Minneapolis Chamber of Commerce.
Commemorative coin and stamp,
1968.
Sterling silver coin issued from Franklin Mint. One and one-half inches
in diameter. Depicts a portrait of Sister Elizabeth Kenny on one side.
Serially numbered on the edge. Part of the "National Collector's Society
issue of medallions during the 1960's and 1970's. The stamp is of
Elizabeth Kenny's signature.
Miscellaneous,
undated, 1945-1951.
Includes telegrams, notes, articles, brochures, informational booklets.
Autobiography:
Correspondence:
Douglas Baker and Martha Ostenso, undated and
1942-1945.
Miscellaneous, 1942-1944.
Typed Manuscript.328 pages.
Reserve 35
Autobiography, et. al.:
Contains handwritten manuscripts of Elizabeth Kenny's autobiography (414
p.) and account of her first experience with polio (2 pages), 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).
143.E.10.3B
1
Personal Correspondence and Related Papers,
1942-1951.
Formal correspondence to Elizabeth Kenny,
1942-1952.
Includes a typed signed letter from Hubert H. Humphrey to Kenny
discussing her bill.
Informal correspondence to Elizabeth Kenny,
1948-1949.
Photographs: Elizabeth Kenny, 1943-1945.
Contains wire photographs.
Photographs and pictures: Elizabeth Kenny,
undated, 1937, 1946, 1952.
Various sizes, mostly unidentified but are probably of Kenny.
Newspaper articles,
1951-1954, 1986.
2 folders.
About Kenny, the treatment of infantile paralysis, and other topics.
Journal articles,
1941-1978.
About Kenny, the treatment of infantile paralysis, the Sister Kenny movie, and other topics.
Kenny Institute
143.E.10.3B
1
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.
143.E.10.3B
1
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.
Cancer and polio research bills and resolutions,
1947-1948.
Includes the bill to allow Kenny entry privileges to the U.S.
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.
2 folders.
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.
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.
143.E.10.4F
2
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.
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.
4 folders.
Reports and essays,
undated, 1947-1948.
4 folders.
By Kenny and other authors dealing with infantile paralysis and
treatment.
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.
McAllister, Robert A. vs. Cosmopolitan Shipping Co.
stenographer's minutes: Dr. John A. Difiore testimony on behalf of
McAllister,
February 4th, 1948.
Marshall Field Company, 1947.
Miscellaneous, undated and 1940, 1946-1948.
Minnesota Poliomyelitis Research Commission,
1946.
Morningstar, Dr. C. H., 1945-1946.
National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis:
Bell, James Ford, 1942-1946.
Coss, Warren, 1943.
Cusack, Peter J. A., 1942.
143.E.10.5B
3
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.
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.
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.
University of Minnesota:
Board of Regents, 1945-1946.
Continuation Courses in the Kenny Technique:
Course Schedules and Rosters, 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.
143.E.10.5B
3
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.
143.E.10.5B
3
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.
143.E.10.5B
3
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.
143.E.10.5B
3
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.
143.E.10.6F
4
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.
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.
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.
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.
Williams, Jane, 1945.
Miscellaneous, 1943-1946.
143.E.10.6F
4
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.
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.
143.E.10.6F
4
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.
142.G.14.7B-1
10
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).
143.E.10.6F
4
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.
143.E.10.6F
4
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 Hospital),
1943.
Kirby, Dr. Harold J., 1943.
McGillivray, T. A., 1943.
McGregor, Dr. D. U., 1943-1945.
Phair, Dr. J. T., 1943, 1947.
Vonderharr, Wanda E., 1947.
Miscellaneous, 1941-1944.
143.E.10.7B
5
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.
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.
143.E.10.7B
5
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 Hospital),
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.
143.E.10.7B
5
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.
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.
143.E.10.7B
5
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.
143.E.10.7B
5
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.
143.E.10.7B
5
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.
143.E.10.8F
6
North Dakota, 1941-1946.
Ohio:
Knies, Dr. Philip T., 1941-1943.
Miscellaneous, 1941-1945.
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.
143.E.10.8F
6
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.
32 folders.
This small set of chronological correspondence is similar in
content to the larger one that follows. Its relationship to that
set is unknown.
143.F.2.5B
7
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.
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.
Poliomyelitis (article reprints),
undated and
1941-1964.2 folders.
"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
hot packs, 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.
143.E.10.9B
8
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.
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.
143.E.10.9B
8
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.
Sister Elizabeth Kenny: Polio Nurse Heroine
2009.
5 folders.
Use and reproduction restricted. Copyright
retained by Wade Alexander.
Text of expanded version of Sister Kenny biography first published by
Wade Alexander as Sister Elizabeth Kenny:
Maverick Heroine of the Polio Treatment Controversy.
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.
Books by Elizabeth Kenny:
Infantile Paralysis and Cerebral
Diplegia: Methods Used for the Restoration of Function
(Sydney: Angus & Robertson Limited,
1937).
146.K.8.5B
9
"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,
1937-1938.2 folders.
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.
"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.
146.K.8.6F
11
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.