The time was 1952. Dorothy Tiberdy was 28 years old and single. She had graduated from the local high school and the City Hospital School of nursing. After graduating from nursing school she took a job as a RN at City Hospital. Until 3 months ago her life had been busy but uneventful.

Three months earlier Dorothy had received a phone call from John Richardson, an old friend of hers and her parents. The Richardsons lived one block away from where Dorothy had grown up and she had often done baby-sitting of their daughter Carol. John was calling to inform Dorothy that Carol's mother had died the day before and to let her know about the funeral arrangements.

About two weeks after the funeral, John called again, this time to ask a "huge favor" of Dorothy. John had just been informed that he was being assigned to a job in Europe. He went on to explain that it would be very difficult for him to bring Carol with him and look after her properly. He further explained that Carol had some minor medical condition that she required help with. The favor that he had to ask was if Dorothy would consider becoming Carol's temporary guardian while he was out of the country for the next two years. He would cover all of Carol's expenses and even pay Dorothy a monthly salary of $300.00.

At first Dorothy was reluctant to take on the responsibility, but after meeting with Carol and her father and considering the addition of $3600 to her annual income she agreed to take care of Carol. She also found out that Carol's medical condition was nothing more than an occasional bout of constipation. No problem thought Dorothy, I can handle this.

Two weeks later Carol's father met with Dorothy and provided her with the guardianship papers and explained how the trust department at the bank would send Dorothy a monthly check to cover her salary and Carol's expenses. He also provided her with a list of the names of all of Carol's teachers, doctor, and dentist. The most impressive bit of information was the medical history that Carol's mother had kept. The information was contained in a loose-leaf notebook and was almost three inches thick. "This is all of Carol's medical history that her mother kept," explained the girl's father. "Mary was always very concerned about Carol's health and kept a close eye on her. I am trusting that you will do the same. When you have more time take a look at the records and you will see what Carol's needs are."

"I will do my best. I have always liked Carol," replied Dorothy.

"One last thing that I must mention," said John Richardson, "Since her mother's death Carol has cut some classes at school. I have had several calls from the school and I have spoken to Carol. Naturally, she promised not to do it again, but she hasn't lived up to her promises. Please keep an eye on this."

A week later at a prearranged time, Carol's father left her off at Dorothy's apartment with two suitcases and some boxes. After a tearful goodbye, John Richardson left for the airport and Europe. Dorothy put her arm around the tearful teenager and helped her into the apartment.

After only three days Dorothy began to realize that this was not going to be a routine guardianship. Carol began to complain of stomach pains and reluctantly said that she was probably constipated.

"What did you take for it when you lived at home," Dorothy asked.

"Mom always gave me an enema," replied the girl.

"But what did you take after your mom died ?"

"My dad had a nurse come in after school and she gave me enemas. I have always needed an enema to help me go to the bathroom. I think it's all in Mom's book that Dad gave you and he packed all of the enema stuff in one of the boxes."

"How often did the nurse come to give you an enema," asked Dorothy.

"Three times a week, Monday, Wednesday and Friday."

Looking concerned Dorothy said, "I'd rather not give you an enema unless it's absolutely necessary. If you really can't go, let's try a suppository first."

"Mom tried different kinds of suppositories but they never worked. Mom said that an enema was the most natural way to take care of constipation."

Dorothy pressed on with her questions. "When did you start getting enemas ?"

"For as long as I can remember. I didn't like them at first, but then I got used to them. When I was smaller Mom used one of those small squeeze bulbs and then a bigger squeeze bulb when I got a little older. I think I was ten when Mom said I was old enough for her to use the red bag."

Dorothy was becoming more interested as the girl's tale unfolded. "How often did you get an enema," she queried.

Carol explained that she received an enema every Friday night before bedtime. Her mother said that it was to help keep he colon clean. Mother called it "her weekly". Shortly before bedtime on Friday nights her mother would tell her that it was time for her weekly and to come up stairs and get ready. When she was about twelve Carol also began getting a special enema each month that was referred to as "the monthly". The "monthly", unlike the weekly enema was not a mild, two-quart soapy solution, but one of the more irritating solutions that Carol's mother liked to use. Not only were the initial enemas more potent, the monthly continued with clear rinses given with a colon tube inserted high into the colon. The rinsing process continued until her mother was satisfied that Carol was "running clear". Sometimes this took an additional three or four quarts of water.

Carol went on to say that for a long as she could remember her mother supervised the results of her time on the toilet in the morning. If she didn’t have a bowel movement in the morning she could count on an enema when she got home from school or later that evening.

Carol also related that any time she was sick with a cold or the flu her mother usually gave her two enemas every day. Her mother told her that enemas helped remove the toxins from her body.

After talking more with Carol and briefly reading the medical history that her mother had kept, an image of the mother began to emerge. While she was alive, she was doting and overprotective. She started giving Carol enemas at a very young age and never stopped. As it turned out, Carol's mother was raised in a house where enemas were given weekly as a "regular clean-out", for any signs of irregularity, and for most illnesses. Carol's mother carried this tradition over to her caring for her daughter.

When Dorothy finally realized that an enema was the only thing that would correct her young charge's problem, she prepared and gave Carol an enema. Fittingly it was Friday night and it was time for Carol's "weekly".

Over the weekend Dorothy poured over the notebook that Carol's mother had kept. It was half diary and half chronological history of most if not all of the enemas that she had given Carol over the years.

The diary portion of the record related her concerns about Carol's health, conversations that she had had with doctors and nurses, and clippings from medical journals. There were also two hand written pages listing various enema solutions. Recommended amounts and retention times were noted for each solution. Notations next to the solutions indicated that she had used many of them at one time or another. Next to several she had written "not affective". Next to another solution she wrote, "Severe cramping but good results". The notation for another solution read, "Slow but thorough, requires overnight retention. Use rectal plug, diaper and rubber pants".

Dorothy was amazed by what she was reading. It was becoming apparent that over the years Carol had been subjected to almost every type of enema imaginable.

The chronological list of enemas started when Carol was about six years old and continued on until the time Carol's mother became ill. The date and time of day of each enema was recorded as well as the type and amount of solution used and how long she had her daughter retain the enema. Dorothy could see that over the years the enemas became larger and more frequent. The last four years of records showed that in addition to the scheduled "weekly", that Carol was given an enema two or three times a week. Most contained the notation, "No morning BM" or "Two days no BM". Because the monthly enemas always used the stronger solutions, records of these enemas had more detailed notations. "Strong and fast reaction good results" or "Carol could not hold this 5 minutes complained of bad cramps. Good results, use this again".

Another entry for one of the monthly enemas indicated that a new solution had been tried but that it produced poor results. "2 qt. Owens solution ineffective. Followed up with 2 qt. MMT. Good output Carol cried a lot." Dorothy remembered from reading the solution sheets that MMT was a mixture of milk and molasses with 2 tablespoons of turpentine. It was no wonder the girl had cried.

Sunday morning Dorothy told Carol she wanted to go through the contents of the box that contained the enema equipment. Carol reluctantly agreed. When the box was opened the aroma of rubber was very noticeable. Inside the main box were three flat boxes that obviously contained fountain syringes. "Three enema bags?" asked Dorothy.

Carol laid them out on the bed and opened them one by one. "This is the one mother used when she gave me mineral oil enemas," Carol said quietly. "This is the bag that she used for regular enemas. She used this one a lot." The third box was larger and Carol opened it slowly. Inside was an amber colored bag that must have held 3 quarts and looped around it was a long, red, colon tube.

Carol hesitated for a moment and then said, "This is the bag that mother used for the monthly enemas. I didn't like them much. She used the real long tube and she made me hold the enema for as long as I could."

"It must have been very difficult," said Dorothy in a consoling manner. "What else is in the box?"

Carol continued to retrieve items from the box. Folded rubber sheeting, two diapers, two pair of rubber pants, several lengths of red and gum rubber tubing, and a small, worn cardboard box. When Carol didn't open the box right away, Dorothy took it from her and removed the top. Inside the box were at least two dozen enema and douche nozzles. Dorothy had worked in a hospital over seven years and had never seen nozzles like these.

"Mom said a lot of these belonged to grandma and that grandma used them on her when she was a little girl," Carol blurted out. "Mom said that she didn't like enemas either but that she had to take them too.” Dorothy reached for one of the larger nozzles and realized too late that it was a plug and not a nozzle. As she pulled her hand back, Carol sheepishly offered that that was the plug she had to wear when her mother wanted her to hold an enema over night or for several hours. "It hurt to wear the plug, but Mom said that I had to do it."

Trying to change the subject Dorothy said, "Leave out one small syringe and a rubber sheet. Put the rest of it back in the box. We shouldn’t be needing the other items for a while."

On Sunday afternoon, Dorothy sat down with Carol and explained that she would give her an enema as often at was necessary, but that she needed to see a doctor to get her condition assessed. Carol said that her mother took her to see the family doctor, Doctor Fitzgerald every two months. Most of the time the doctor would just shake his head and tell Carol's mother to keep giving her enemas and that eventually she would outgrow her problem.

Dorothy knew of Dr. Fitzgerald and had heard from more than one source that he was too old to be practicing and that his medicine was very dated.

Dorothy explained that a family doctor wasn't always the best person to treat an illness and that sometimes a specialist was needed to diagnose and treat certain conditions. She said that she knew of a specialist and that she would try to arrange an appointment.

Sunday night Dorothy gave Carol the enema she needed. She couldn't help but notice how submissive the girl was when enema time came. When Dorothy told her to get on the bed and roll over on her left side she said, ”yes ma'am" and did so immediately. When she told Carol she was going to start the enema, Carol's response was, "yes ma'am, I'm ready."

When the bag had emptied and Dorothy said that the enema was done, Carol asked, "How long must I hold it ma'am?"

Dorothy told her that she didn't need to hold this enema and that she could use the toilet as soon as she felt the urge. Without hesitation Carol made her way to the bathroom.

A few minutes later Dorothy called to Carol through the bathroom door. "When you're done on the toilet get washed up for school tomorrow, but don't take too long. I need to get ready to go to work tonight. I'm working the night shift, but I'll be back in time to see you off to school."

After Carol had put her nightgown on Dorothy guided the girl into the kitchenette and sat her down at the small table. For the first time Carol heard hardness in her voice and it immediately got her attention. "In the past our families have been friends, you and I have been friends, and I baby sat for you on many occasions. I know that are going through a difficult time with your mothers death and now your father leaving for Europe, but this is not an excuse for bad behavior. Your father mentioned that you have been cutting classes and that you haven't been doing your homework."

Carol interrupted with, "I only cut a few classes and I usually do my homework."

The reply from Dorothy was very matter of fact. "From this day on you will not cut any classes and you will do all of your homework ! If you fail to comply, the consequences will be severe. I will accept no excuses for laziness or substandard work. I am not your baby sitter anymore, I am your legal guardian. If you fail to obey, you will be punished. Do you understand?"

Carol looked at Dorothy in disbelief and could only muster a weak, "yes ma'am".

"Good, now off to bed with you. I'll be in to say goodnight."

Dorothy got home the following morning while Carol was still dressing for school. She walked into the bedroom just as Carol was attaching her stockings to the garters of her girdle.

"Do you always wear a girdle?" asked Dorothy.

"No, just when I wear stockings or if I'm wearing a straight skirt. Mom thought I should wear a girdle all of the time the way she did, but I don't like them."

When the girl stood up it was immediately obvious to Dorothy that the girl's bra and girdle did not fit well, but now was not the time to mention it and she allowed the girl to finish dressing.

After seeing Carol off to school she made breakfast and cleaned up around the apartment waiting for 9 o'clock when she could call the doctor's office. At two minutes after nine she made the call. A receptionist answered the phone, "Doctor Barnes office, may I help you?"

"My name is Dorothy Tiberdy and I would like to speak to Dr. Barnes. I'm a former patient and it's quite important that I speak with her."

Shortly after being put on hold Dorothy heard the voice of Dr. Ruth Barnes. "Hello Dorothy, how good to hear from you. How have you been?" The no-nonsense voice brought back a lot of memories but Dorothy put them out of her mind for now.

"I have been well doctor, it's good to talk to you again.” After some small talk Dorothy tried to explain the situation and Carol's condition. As soon as Dorothy told her about the notebook that Carol's mother had kept the doctor told her to come in at 1 o'clock and to bring the book.

Dorothy arrived at the office shortly before one. The office was located near City Hospital in an old Victorian style house that had been converted to a doctors office and small clinic. On the wall outside the front door was a sign that read, DR. R. BARNES M.D., GYNECOLOGY & PROCTOLOGY. Inside the front door was a vestibule with an inner door. The upper half of the inner door was pebbled glass and in the typical black outlined gold letters of the day it carried the same message as the sign outside plus a little more. The lettering read, DR. RUTH. BARNES M.D., GYNECOLOGY, PROCTOLOGY & SEXUAL DISORDERS. In 1952 the words "sexual disorders" were not put on the outside of a building, even on a medical office.

Now the memories became stronger. When Dorothy was seventeen, her mother had made arrangements for her to go to summer camp in the Catskills. Dorothy assumed that Pine Lake Camp was a typical upstate camp with boating, swimming and camping and that she would be there for a week or two. It wasn't until two days before she was scheduled to leave that her mother told her that camp lasted three months and that she wouldn't be home until the end of August. Her mother explained that Pine Lake Camp was a weight loss and finishing school camp for girls run by a local doctor. "It will do you a world of good to loose some weight and get lots of fresh air and sunshine. You will also learn how to dress and act like a proper young lady. Everything has been arranged so no arguing." This was not how Dorothy had planned to spend her summer, but she learned a long time ago not to argue with her mother. Both of her parents were strict disciplinarians and even at seventeen she was not immune to a bare bottom spanking.

Dorothy shook off her thoughts, opened the door, and stepped into the waiting room. She introduced herself to the receptionist and was told that the doctor would be with her shortly.

A large oak door opened and Dr. Ruth Barnes strode out with her hand extended. "How good to see you again Dorothy. You look very well. Trim and fit I see."

"Please come in and have a seat and tell me more about your friend. And let me see that book. From what you have told me it sounds incredible."

Doctor Barnes looked through the book intently, occasionally pausing to ask Dorothy a question or to make a comment about one of the entries. A half hour passed before the doctor closed the book and sat back in her large leather chair.

"It's obvious that there is at least one problem here and I'm sure if we look closely enough that we will find others. The child cannot continue to depend on almost daily enemas just to have a bowel movement. It is quite obvious that by administering enemas too frequently the mother created a dependency on them. But, I think there may be an underlying problem that caused the need for the enemas in the first place. However, without a complete physical examination and testing I can't be certain of anything. I can have my receptionist set up an appointment if you would like me to see the girl.”

"I would really appreciate it doctor." Dorothy explained that Carol was in school and that she would prefer an appointment after school if possible. “If necessary I can get her released from school early, but I'd rather she didn't miss class.”

The doctor buzzed her receptionist and over the intercom asked what her afternoon schedule looked like for this week and next. "You are open at 1 o'clock on Wednesday this week and after three every day next week."

"Thank you Jean. Dorothy, this exam is going to take several hours. Why don't you get Carol released from school early on Wednesday and we'll get this started right away."

"I agree, we'll see you on Wednesday. Does Carol need to be prepped before the exam?"

"Nothing at home, we will do all of that here," replied the doctor.

Dorothy paused and said, "I've given Carol two enemas since she has been with me and when I lubricated he with my finger her anus seemed unusually tight. Do you think that could be a problem?"

"It's one of the things that I intend to check during my examination."

Then, Dorothy thought she heard the faint sound of a woman's voice crying out. Because it was so faint she couldn't tell if it was pain or pleasure, but she heard it several more times before it stopped.

Doctor Barnes realized that Dorothy had heard the sound and explained that one of her nurses was giving "an orgasm extension and enhancement treatment" to a patient. "Sounds like they’re finishing up," she said with a smile. "I really must get that treatment room sound proofed.”

When Dorothy got back to her apartment she mentally checked off the first item on her list, contacting the doctor. The second item to be addressed was Carol's underwear. She didn't want to embarrass Carol by saying anything, but there was no question that the girl needed new underwear. Her two stays at Pine Lake Camp had instilled the need for a woman to have good foundation garments. Dr. Barnes and her staff at Pine Lake had seen to that.

Dorothy only shopped at one store in town for her undergarments, Kramer's Specialty Store on Division Street. While the name of the store didn't tell you what they carried, looking in the windows made it clear that they specialized in women's undergarments or foundations as they were called at the time. On display in the window to the left of the door were the standard foundations of the day. Girdles, panty girdles, bras, and corselets. Some were displayed on torso mannequins other items were draped over display fixtures. The window to the right of the door displayed the heavy-duty foundations of the day. These were the off white and peach colored brocade garments with minimal elastic and abundant hooks and eyes and laces. Some had straps and buckles and all had enough steel boning to deflect a bullet. Garments by Camp and Gossard were featured in this window.

The store was owned by Mrs. Kramer and run with the help of her daughter Ann. Ann Kramer was Dorothy's age and they had graduated from high school together. Kramer's also employed a fitter who helped women with the selection and fit of the garments and made any necessary alterations. When you bought your underwear at Kramer's you knew it fit properly.

After two rings the phone was picked up and a voice said, "Kramer's Specialty".

"Hi Ann, this is Dorothy Tiberdy, how have you been?"

"Hello Dot, I'm fine and you?"

Dorothy said that she was well and explained that she had a young friend in need of some new undergarments. She told Ann that Carol was in school and that she wouldn't be able to come until late in the afternoon or on a Saturday. She asked Ann if it would be possible to give Carol some personal attention given the girl's inexperience buying bras and girdles. She said that she didn't want the girl buying the flimsiest items just because they were the most comfortable.

"I understand perfectly," said Ann. “We're open Thursday nights until 7 o'clock. Why don't you come in around six? If we're not busy I'll close early and I'll give her a private fitting.”

"That would be great. I really appreciate you helping like this. Thanks Ann."

"Glad to help an old friend and a good customer. See you on Thursday."