Thank you to Iva P.for the two issues of the Ridgeway Journal from 1941! I haven’t had a chance to read them thoroughly yet, but the first article that I noticed was an item about Dr. Lake Brewer. The Feb 13, 1941, issue reported that she had purchased a “shortwave health machine” that used electricity via different types of pads to treat sinus troubles, rheumatism, arthritis, and lumbago. The machine was described as a “polished box that looks something like a radio set”. Interestingly, shortwave diathermy machines are still used today by physical therapists for pain relief.
Dr. Lake Brewer was born in Ridgeway and was the first woman to graduate from the University of Missouri School of Medicine in 1908. She practiced her entire career in Ridgeway and was an active member of the community. She passed away in 1967 at the age of 85. (The Kansas City Star, Dec 17, 1967, Page 26)
