Victim of Infantile Paralysis Makes Living by Sewing Quilts

Oshkosh, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, 1912

CRIPPLE PIECES QUILTS IN ORDER TO MAKE A LIVELIHOOD

Former Resident Does Exacting Work at Oshkosh on a Sewing Machine Though he is Denied the Use of His Limbs

Oscar Lewis, a cripple residing on Ashland avenue, Oshkosh, has adopted a novel way of earning a livelihood. The Lewis boy is a victim of infantile paralysis, as a result of which he is a cripple from the waist down. He left Fond du Lac five years ago, and just recently specimens of his work have been sent here to show what he can accomplish though denied the use of all his faculties.

The boy makes quilts, and all of the work done on them is on a sewing machine which he operates with his hands. A stick is attached to the pedal and operated by hand because of his affliction. One quilt which was sent to this city is now the property of Mrs. William Forest, residing on Rees street. The quilt is pieced and is made up of 2,003 pieces; the work being done in the most creditable manner.

Lewis was taken ill with infantile paralysis fifteen months ago while at work in the Rueping tannery in this city. He is 32 years of age and is a nephew of John Mensch, 115 West Johnson street, this city.

—The Daily Commonwealth, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, December 17, 1912, page 5.

Comment: He's 32 years old and is called a boy in the article. Sounds kind of insensitive. Not to mention the cripple-this and cripple-that.