Catherine McDonald

Become a member today to see the image(s) below in full resolution color. In addition, you'll gain access to detailed info on each performer and image in the collection.

From Elizabeth Anderson':

Virginia Catherine McDonald was born in Shenandoah County, Virginia, on November 10, 1910. From her lower abdomen grew the inferior half of an undeveloped twin, consisting of buttocks and two well-formed legs. In the photo below, both of the supernumerary legs are bent upwards with the feet pointing towards her, while her own legs hang down on either side. Her exhibition career was cut short when she fell ill with tonsillitis and bronchitis at the age of four. She died on December 29, 1915, soon after her fifth birthday.