Texas Disability History Collection

Mary Elizabeth Runkles of San Angelo, Texas had polio as a child. She is posing in a wheelchair next to her cousin Francine Mann of San Antonio, Texas. They are in front of a set of wooden steps leading up to a porch. Ms. Runkles is smiling and wearing a flower print dress. Ms. Mann is wearing a white dress. 

Ms. Runkles and Ms. Mann were in Fort Worth to see President Franklin D. Roosevelt who was traveling through the city. Ms. Runkles was a visitor to Warm Springs, Georgia and had met the President there. During a downpouring of rain, Ms. Runkles caught site of Mrs. Roosevelt through a train car window. Mrs. Roosevelt smiled at the girl and brought her to the attention of the President. The President, remembering Ms. Runkles, smiled, clasped both hands above his head and shook them at Ms. Runkles. After speeches were made the train began to pull away, the President again spotted Mary Elizabeth and waved goodby to her.