[Nashua, NH Films] Reel 3

Date1950s

AbstractSeveral shots of the exterior of Crotched Mountain Center. Footage of the interior including the auditorium and the sleeping chambers for both older children and infants. A few shots of a painting depicting scenes from children’s stories. Shots of three disabled boys in wheelchairs. Footage of the staff assisting some of the children brushing their teeth. A nurse helps a boy unbutton his shirt as another nurse watches. A young girl in a crib eats as a nurse watches. Footage of three disabled girls. Shots of beds with stuffed animals on the pillows and names written on scotch tape on the headboards. Footage of a nurse showing a young girl a toy elephant that blows bubbles. Several shots of a large room filled with disabled children, nurses and other adults highlighting the many decorations. Footage of a visit from Rex Trailer and his sidekick, Pablo, played by actor Richard Kilbride. Rex trailer enters with a guitar and waves to the children. Pablo enters carrying a cake. They sing songs and the children smile and clap. Pablo helps a few children blow out the candles on the cake. A woman cuts and serves cake to Rex and Pablo. Rex and Pablo perform tricks for the children. Several children play Rex’s guitar. Rex passes around his pistol to the children while Pablo passes around a sombrero. Pablo signs an autograph on a nurse’s back. Rex twirls his gun for a boy. Footage of the arts and crafts room with boys working on different projects. A nurse and a man help a young disabled girl up a few stairs as a boy pedals a stationary bike. A nurse inspects a boy. Footage of disabled children and a teacher in a classroom.