THURSDAY, AUGUST 19, 2021

THE ART OF MEDICINE THRIVED IN TEMPLE

Two talented artists created a massive collection of pathologic moulages of tumors and diseased organs from the digestive, circulatory, urinary and reproductive systems for Scott & White hospital between 1932 and 1955. A moulage is a wax model used for educational purposes.

S&W artists created wax marvels

By DAVID STONE, Our Town Temple

Tucked away inside Baylor Scott & White’s Richard D. Haines Medical Library are the remains of a massive collection of wax body parts and food items created by staff artists.

At one time, the collection numbered more than 3,000 pieces and were frequently used in teaching and in traveling exhibits, said Jeff Swindoll, facility librarian.

“It’s still one of the largest collections of wax medical models in the United States,” Swindoll said. “We still have about 1,300 pieces.”     

The collection was created between 1932 and 1955 by husband-and-wife artists Kenneth and Margaret Phillips. The models — commonly known as moulages — won numerous awards at exhibitions and medical conferences around the county.

The Phillips came to Temple in 1924 from the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn.  They had received their training in the Department of Art in Medicine at Johns Hopkins Medical School in the early 1920s. Margaret had also attended the prestigious Chicago Institute of Art, Swindoll said.

Dr. Arthur Carroll Scott, one of the founders of Scott & White, met the then-single artists in Minnesota. Scott had travelled to Mayo Clinic to meet with prospective medical artists about becoming illustrators in Temple.

After several interviews, he offered the position to Kenneth Phillips, but he ended up getting a two-for-one deal. Kenneth and Margaret married before moving to Texas.

“Kenneth went to work illustrating medical papers and creating animated films for the hospital, and Margaret cared for their growing family at first,” Swindoll said. “But in 1932 she began making wax models of body parts, food, and diseases in various stages of growth. She made about one model every week.”

Hospital administrators were impressed, and by 1935 she was employed full time and worked alongside her husband making models for exhibits and educational purposes.

Models were constructed using beeswax, paraffin, cornstarch and talcum powder. When a specimen arrived in the art department, Margaret would make a quick watercolor sketch while Kenneth prepared plaster of Paris and heated the wax mixture. 

The plaster was used to create a mold of the subject. Once dry, the mold was filled with the wax mixture to create the wax moulage. Margaret then cleaned the figure and painted it with oil paints, using her sketch as a guide.

According to Swindoll, most of the collection consists of pathologic moulages of tumors and diseased organs from the digestive, circulatory, urinary and reproductive systems. Moulages of diseased gall bladders contained actual stones removed from patients.

The 26 dermatologic moulages in the collection represent cancers, fetuses, deformed hands and gangrenous feet, he said.

“The dermatology department at Scott & White was formed in 1946, and these moulages undoubtedly provided a lifelike aid to physicians for the education of students, residents and medical staff,” Swindoll said.

There were also wax models of food items that were used by the hospital’s dietary department, some of which were used to educate diabetic patients.

Unfortunately, time has not been kind to much of the original collection. While many of the moulages are being stored in acid-free archival boxes, some pieces are on display in the medical library. 

“Parts of the collection were lost to poor storage and the Texas heat,” Swindoll said. “Rumor has it that some of the food moulages were looking ‘dirty’ and were put in a dishwasher. They didn’t realize the ‘food’ was made of wax.”

Although many of the original pieces have been lost, Swindoll said the hospital values the collection as historical artifacts.

“Kenneth and Margaret Phillips were truly artists who were dedicated to creating these products,” he said. “Their dedication shows in the finished project. They sketched, painted and occasionally attended surgeries to make sure their moulages were an accurate representation of the original organ.”

Solana Ranch: Disney rumors untrue

By DAVID STONE, Our Town Temple

Put away those Mickey Mouse ears — Disney is not coming to Central Texas. At least not anytime soon.

Rumors have been circulating on social media platforms and around Central Texas in recent weeks that The Walt Disney Company is purchasing at least a portion of the Solana Ranch between Salado and Jarrell. According to Kirk Michaux, president of Solana Ranch, the rumor is not true.

Michaux said the 8,200-acre cattle, wildlife and hunting ranch is not for sale. It has been in the Michaux family since 1950 and it will be for years to come, he said.

A Scottsdale, Arizona, developer who specializes in upscale housing developments did approach Michaux about the land and even contacted water companies and utilities to make sure service would be available. 

Michaux suspects that’s how the rumor started.

Mother Earth News events canceled at Expo

Our Town Temple

Mother Earth News announced Wednesday it has canceled its fair and workshops scheduled for the Bell County Expo Center in October.

“With re-emerging safety concerns regarding COVID-19 and the highly contagious Delta variant, we have made the difficult decision to postpone our in-person events until 2022,” Mother Earth News officials said in a news release.

“Canceled shows include fairs in Pennsylvania and Texas. We feel that given circumstances and unknown impact to the events because of shared concerns among the many sponsors, speakers, exhibitors and attendees, this is the best decision.”

The Mother Earth News statement said the company will issue full refunds for tickets already purchased. Refunds will be directly to the card used to make the initial purchase.

“We will be shifting our attention to future events as well as continuing opportunities for learning through our growing Mother Earth News Fair online platform,” the release stated.

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What’s happening, Temple?

August 20, Friday - Family Night at Summer Fun Water Park. 7 p.m.

August 20, Friday - Coffee with a Cop, Bella Blue Cafe, 7-10 a.m.

August 20, Friday - Clint Walker Blues Band, O’Briens Irish Pub. 9 p.m.

August 20, Friday - Bell County Kennel Club, Bell County Expo

August 20, Friday - Karaoke Night at Corky’s. 8 p.m.

August 21, Saturday - Lone Star Gun Show, Bell County Expo Assembly Hall, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

August 21, Saturday - Bell County Kennel Club, Bell County Expo.

August 21, Saturday - PetVet at Tractor Supply Co., Community clinics provide affordable, convenient walk-in veterinary services. 9:30 a.m.

August 21, Saturday - Bob Schneider, Texas Music Series,Cultural Activities Center. 7:30 p.m.

August 21, Saturday - Ethan Smith & Dirt Road Rebellion, O’Briens Irish Pub, 9 p.m.

August 21, Saturday - Temple Park & Recreation’s Touch a Truck. Climb on a fire truck or big rig at Reuben D. Talasek Bend of the River. 9 a.m.

August 22, Sunday - Lone Star Gun Show, Bell County Expo Assembly Hall, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

August 25, Wednesday - Open Mic Comedy, Corkey’s, 8 p.m.

August 27, Friday - 13th Chamber Golf Classic Powered by Amos Electric. Wildflower Country Club. 11:30 registration and lunch, 1 p.m. shotgun start.

August 27, Friday - Craig Howell with Somewhere in Texas. Bo’s Barn Dance Hall. 8 p.m.

August 27, Friday - Karaoke Night at Corky’s. 8 p.m.

August 27, Friday - Megan Brucker & Charles Edward Ott, O’Briens Irish Pub. 9 p.m.

August 28, Saturday - Totally Rad 80’s Prom Gone Bad, A murder mystery. The Venue by Inn on the Creek, Salado. 6:30 p.m.

August 28, Saturday - People’s Choice, Bo’s Barn Dance Hall. 9 p.m.

August 28, Saturday - Full STEAM Ahead! Learn about optical illusions and how to make them. Bell County Museum. 11 a.m.

September 2, Thursday - Central Texas State Fair, Bell County Expo Center. Wade Bowen. 5 p.m. to midnight.

September 3, Friday - Central Texas State Fair, Pat Green. Twisted Metal Mayhem Derby. Bell County Expo Center. 5 p.m. to midnight.

September 4, Saturday - Central Texas State Fair, Flatland Calvary, Professional Bull Riding. Bell County Expo Center. 5 p.m. to midnight.

September 5, Sunday - Central Texas State Fair, Aaron Watson, Professional Bull Riding. Bell County Expo Center. 5 p.m. to midnight.

September 11, Saturday - A Sami Show Arts & Crafts Market, Bell County Expo Center. 10 a.m.

September 11, Saturday - Weird Science. Explore different adaptations animals have made through presentations, fun games, and activities. Bell County Museum. 11 a.m.

September 11, Saturday - Pink Fishing’s Reeling in the Cure, 6th annual bass tournament. Proceeds benefit breast cancer patients and cancer research. Cedar Ridge Park. 6 a.m. Call (254) 681-0102 for details.

September 11, Saturday - 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb & Ceremony. Wildcat Stadium. 7-11 a.m.

September 11, Saturday - Rescue Magazine’s Pet Adoption Extravaganza. There will almost 400 Animals up for adoption and fun for the whole family. Bell County Expo Center. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

September 12, Sunday - A Sami Show Arts & Crafts Market, Bell County Expo Center. 10 a.m.

September 12, Sunday - Rescue Magazine’s Pet Adoption Extravaganza. There will almost 400 Animals up for adoption and fun for the whole family. Bell County Expo Center. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

September 15, Wednesday - Tiny Thinkers, Kids 5 years old and younger are invited to the museum to experience the State Fair! Bell County Museum. 10 a.m.

September 18, Saturday - Harvest Celebration. Bring your family and friends to enjoy grape stomping, food trucks, music, and wine. This is a ticketed event. 3 Texans Winery. 6 p.m.

September 25, Saturday - Fun at the Fair! Join us at the museum to for fun at the fair! View the newest exhibit and take part in fun activities - explore symmetry by decorating a popcorn bucket, build your own mini rollercoaster, race your family in duck races, and visit our petting zoo! Bell County Museum. 11 a.m.

September 25, Saturday - Dale Watson, Texas Music Series,Cultural Activities Center. 7:30 p.m.

September 30, Thursday - TLC’s Celebration of Crazy, Sexy Cool with Bone Thugs-N-Harmony. Bell County Expo Center. 7:30 p.m.

September 30, Thursday - Funniest Comic in Texas semi-finals. Corky’s. 

October 8, Friday - Painting with a Twist, 3 Texans Winery. 6:30 p.m.

October 9, Saturday - Shinyribs, Texas Music Series,Cultural Activities Center. 7:30 p.m.

November 6, Saturday - Chris Hillman, Texas Music Series,Cultural Activities Center. 7:30 p.m.

November 13, Saturday - Market in the Vines. Take a walk through the vines and shop with over 50 vendors! Free to the public. 3 Texans Winery. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Have an event you would like to promote? Email info to OurTownTemple@gmail.com with “What’s Happening” in the subject line. Keep it short and sweet — what, when and where. You may include a short description. You must include a phone number for verification purposes. The phone number will not be published unless requested by submitter.

KETTLEBELL KINGS 25-POUND BELL It is in great shape, not even a scratch. $40. (254) 624-4010.

REMODELING KITCHEN AND MUST SELL KItchenAid Dishwasher. It is in great shape. $100. (254) 913-8309. 

Selling that velvet Elvis painting? Let your friends know with an Our Town classified.

HEY, REAL ESTATE AGENTS — Here’s a perfect place for your newest listing!

SELLING YOUR CAR? Post it right here!

BIG MEDICINE BALL — 40-pound soft-sided Rage Fitness medicine ball. Great for Atlas drills. Like new. $40. (254) 624-4010

MAKE GREAT SMOOTHIES — Vitamin. Great condition. Comes with two pitchers. Also great for salsas. $200. (254) 624-4010

LOOKING FOR SOMETHING? HAVE SOMETHING TO SELL? List it here!

PLYO BOX: Soft-sided, 20x24x30 plyometric box. Great condition. $40. (254) 624-4010

Subscribers get FREE classifieds up to 25 words. Email info to OurTownTemple@gmail.com

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FREE COFFEE WITH PURCHASE OF ANY BREAKFAST ITEM — Easy As Pie, 1217 S 1st St A, Temple. 

To list your business in Our Town Deals, call (254) 624-4010