Lansing in Ingham County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Drs. Pearl Kendrick and Grace Eldering
Photographed By Bill Rieske, May 26, 2017
1. Drs. Pearl Kendrick and Grace Eldering Marker
Dr. Pearl Kendrick (1890-1980) and Dr. Grace Eldering (1900-1988)
In 1932 a severe outbreak of whooping cough struck Grand Rapids. Pearl Kendrick, director of the Michigan Department of Health laboratory there and her colleague Grace Eldering decided to tackle the highly contagious disease. Causing thick mucus and severe coughing, whooping cough was particularly dangerous to young children.
With few models to follow, the scientists put in long hours collecting and studying samples and standardizing diagnostic methods. Speaking to professional, civic and parents’ groups, they built the community cooperation and support needed to test their vaccine and demonstrate its success. Thanks to their work, children can be protected from a disease that once killed 6,000 children each year in the United States.
Erected 2007.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Science & Medicine • Women. In addition, it is included in the Michigan Walk of Fame series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1932.
Location. 42° 44.199′ N, 84° 33.125′ W. Marker is in Lansing, Michigan, in Ingham County. Marker can be reached from North Washington Square, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Mack-e-te-be-nessy “Andrew J. Blackbird” c. 1815-1908 (within shouting distance of this marker); Jonas Salk (within shouting distance of this marker); Lansing 9/11 Memorial (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); William Crapo “Billy” Durant 1861-1947 (about 300 feet away); Elijah McCoy 1843-1929 (about 300 feet away); Muzyad Yahkoob “Danny Thomas” (about 300 feet away); Walter Reuther 1907-1970 (about 300 feet away); Gordie Howe (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lansing.
Also see . . .
1. Dr. Pearl Kendrick, from Wikipedia. (Submitted on June 16, 2017, by Bill Rieske of Lansing, Michigan.)
2. Dr. Grace Eldering, from Wikipedia. (Submitted on June 16, 2017, by Bill Rieske of Lansing, Michigan.)
3. Drs. Pearl Kendrick and Grace Eldering, from the National Institute of Health. (Submitted on June 16, 2017, by Bill Rieske of Lansing, Michigan.)
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2017. It was originally submitted on May 26, 2017, by Bill Rieske of Lansing, Michigan. This page has been viewed 267 times since then and 8 times this year. Photo 1. submitted on May 26, 2017, by Bill Rieske of Lansing, Michigan. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. A wide shot of the marker and its surroundings. • Can you help?
