Slice of History - Mobile Chest X-Ray Unit

Oct. 24, 2023

Black and white image of woman’s (center) shoulders being adjusted to proper alignment with an X-Ray machine (right) by a man (left)

An example of JPL’s historical and ongoing approach to public health, these photos document an on-Lab X-Ray clinic that was hosted in conjunction with the Pasadena Tuberculosis Association. This mobile X-Ray unit was stationed “immediately east of the JPL First Aid Room” all day on 27 July 1955, when these photos were taken. JPLers were invited to “use this opportunity to obtain a chest x-ray on Laboratory time,” and encouraged to perform annual chest x-rays as a preventative health measure.

Black and white image of five individuals (two women, three men, in alternating order) waiting in line, the two on the right ascending a three-step staircase that leads to the X-Ray trailer, with two seated women in the left background

Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech

This became an annual health checkpoint for JPL during the 1950s, and staff would line up to take advantage. In this photo, [P-520B here] (left to right) Sylvia Granath, Ed Quick, Marie Mandroian, Dee Campbell, Ed Hane, and Russell Waldo climb the “stairway to health” and wait their turns. According to the August 1955 issue of Lob-Oratory, “[l]ast year, 437 JPL [staff] took advantage of this Laboratory service, showing an increased interest this year in preventative personal health.” CL#22-6272

The content presented here should be viewed in the context of the time period. Our intent is to present the history of JPL in a factual manner that uses primary resources and historical context. We recognize that some information or images do not reflect the current values, policies, and mission of JPL.