Kids at the Wilson Home for crippled children, 1943

Kids at the Wilson Home for crippled children, 1943

Children lying in their beds in the solarium at the Wilson Home for crippled children in Takapuna, Auckland, 1943.

The crippling disease Paralytic Poliomyelitis (Polio) affected hundreds of children before it was virtually eliminated by a mass vaccination campaign in 1962. It wasn't until 2000 that New Zealand was officially declared Polio free.

Community contributions

4 comments have been posted about Kids at the Wilson Home for crippled children, 1943

What do you know?

peter pittar

Posted: 27 Mar 2017

I Spent 2 years at Wilson Home from the age of 5 to 7 with perthes .I came from Te Puke and my parents sent me there because they believed I would get better education than being in a hospital

The staff were amazing and I managed to go back there at the age of 33 and one of the nurses that looked after me was working in admin and gave me the grand tour

Amazing people thank you very much

Desiree Belling

Posted: 27 Dec 2015

My memory isn't that good but I am trying to obtain info re my self in going to the Wilson Home weekly or more and my mother forcing my limbs back whilst on a bed and telling me I would thank her in later life . Years would of been 1955 onwards and I was a guinea pig at school being examined in my singlet when the sabin came out in white cups by doctor then. I now have post polio ongoing where I can wake up and have a totally paralysed arm which by meds lasts for 24 hours only. I suffer from massive cramps in all parts of body fatigue I fight and very sensitive touch area and list goes on...mine condition was mild and hoping someone can help or a nurse in that era. Thanks

Shirley Roberts

Posted: 07 Jan 2015

Hi I am trying to make contact with any of the staff that knew as a child from the Willson home thanks Shirley Roberts

John Goodall

Posted: 30 Aug 2013

I am trying to contact my nurse, Robyn Williams, from the Wilson home. I was a patient, 1961-'62.
If she reads this could she please email,
John Goodall, [email protected].