"Children! They are the only real wealth that the nation possesses. Will any one contend that every child's heritage should not be a healthy mind and body? Yet hundreds of thousands of them are denied this heritage, just as hundreds of thousands of adults are denied health and happiness they might otherwise have, because of disease which science can wipe out if public sentiment demands it. The American Social Hygiene Association is the voice of organized public opinion against the venereal diseases, just as it is against commercialized prostitution and other enemies of the home and family. It is a cooperative association organized for service, not for profit. Through a monthly bulletin and a quarterly magazine sent free to all members; through motion pictures and posters; through pamphlets and lectures; through lantern slides and placards, and with continual direct-by-mail publicity, it is aiding individuals and communities to know the facts and act upon them. Can YOU afford to be out of touch with the facts? Fill out the attached blank so we can furnish them to you. Can't they be given a fair start?"
]]>https://vdarchive.newmedialab.cuny.edu/items/show/394Healthy!"]]>
"V.D. (Venereal Diseases) Can Be Cured : Go to Your Doctor or Clinic Today"]]>2013-11-08T10:11:32+00:00
Dublin Core
Title
"War Front of Home Front, America Needs You Healthy!"
]]>https://vdarchive.newmedialab.cuny.edu/items/show/388
"You Can Have A Healthy Baby : Ask your Doctor to give you a Careful Physical Examination including Blood Test as soon as you know a Baby is Coming."]]>2015-02-25T13:05:49+00:00
]]>https://vdarchive.newmedialab.cuny.edu/items/show/359
"A physician in a middlewestern city asked the State Health Department to trace the source of infection in 3 cases of newly acquired infectious syphilis in his practice, all men (B). The infection was traced back to 1 woman, a prostitute (A). Then the inquiry turned to persons whom these men might have infected. It was discovered that 1 man had infected 1 girl, and another man 9 girls, of whom 6 were under 18 years of age (C). Of these, 4 girls in turn infected 4 other men (D). In all 24 persons were examined and 18 were found infected and placed under treatment."]]>2013-11-01T07:48:46+00:00
This chart shows the results of an epidemiological investigation of cases of syphilis.
"A physician in a middlewestern city asked the State Health Department to trace the source of infection in 3 cases of newly acquired infectious syphilis in his practice, all men (B). The infection was traced back to 1 woman, a prostitute (A). Then the inquiry turned to persons whom these men might have infected. It was discovered that 1 man had infected 1 girl, and another man 9 girls, of whom 6 were under 18 years of age (C). Of these, 4 girls in turn infected 4 other men (D). In all 24 persons were examined and 18 were found infected and placed under treatment."
]]>https://vdarchive.newmedialab.cuny.edu/items/show/358
"The Hare-Emergency Program: Treatment of every carrier of syphilis infection. The Tortoise-Long-Range Educational Program: Building in children and youth habits of self-control in sex as in all personal behavior, a sense of fair play, and an appreciation of facts, including timely correct information about venereal diseases. A Fast Track: A community environment free from unfair and difficult handicaps."]]>2015-07-09T11:51:31+00:00
Dublin Core
Title
"Hare and Tortoise--Three Essentials of Syphilis Prevention"
This poster describes long- and short-term social hygiene programs.
"The Hare-Emergency Program: Treatment of every carrier of syphilis infection. The Tortoise-Long-Range Educational Program: Building in children and youth habits of self-control in sex as in all personal behavior, a sense of fair play, and an appreciation of facts, including timely correct information about venereal diseases. A Fast Track: A community environment free from unfair and difficult handicaps."
This image juxtaposes two windows that represent society before and after life the promotion of social hygiene ideas. The "before" window reads "vulgar distortion of sex facts," "unsupervised amusements," "unsympathetic attitude of elders," and "low standards of living." The "after" window includes "correct information and sound view point on sex matters," "wholesome recreation -- wise use of leisure time," "sympathetic guidance," "good home environment." It also reads: "The American Social Hygiene Association is helping to bring about this window-cleaning by promoting: 1. The integration of sex education and character training in schools and colleges. 2. The training of parents in methods of sex education. 3. Increased recreational facilities and adequate supervision. 4. The use of visiting teachers, women police, probation officers, and other community protective agents."
]]>https://vdarchive.newmedialab.cuny.edu/items/show/354
"Gonorrhea and syphilis usually can be cured if treatment is given early enough by a reputable physician or at a clinic : Long-continued treatment is often needed for complete cure : Patent medicines and self-treatment are dangerous. Advertising doctors should be avoided"]]>2015-02-25T13:31:41+00:00
This poster describes the importance of treatment. It is part of a larger poster series called "Youth and Life."
"Gonorrhea and syphilis usually can be cured if treatment is given early enough by a reputable physician or at a clinic : Long-continued treatment is often needed for complete cure : Patent medicines and self-treatment are dangerous. Advertising doctors should be avoided"
]]>https://vdarchive.newmedialab.cuny.edu/items/show/353
"A true friend stimulates you to be your best self. He never asks you to grant liberties : true courtesy is born of respect for yourself and others : A handshake indicates a friendly greeting; a kiss should mark a pledge of love : If you do not rightly value these expressions, you make yourself cheap : What kind of friends have you?]]>2013-10-18T08:48:33+00:00
This poster advises young women that friends always adhere to respectful social boundaries.
"A true friend stimulates you to be your best self. He never asks you to grant liberties : true courtesy is born of respect for yourself and others : A handshake indicates a friendly greeting; a kiss should mark a pledge of love : If you do not rightly value these expressions, you make yourself cheap : What kind of friends have you?
]]>https://vdarchive.newmedialab.cuny.edu/items/show/352
"The sight or thought of food often causes a flow of gastric juices in the stomach : Anger of joy may mar or make the beauty of a face : Thoughts aroused by day-dreams of love tend to mold character : Let your day-dreams be fine and ennobling, not cheap and degrading : Don't cheat yourself out of the best in love"]]>2013-10-18T08:41:38+00:00
This poster advises young women to have positive thoughts. It is part of a larger poster series called "Youth and Life."
"The sight or thought of food often causes a flow of gastric juices in the stomach : Anger of joy may mar or make the beauty of a face : Thoughts aroused by day-dreams of love tend to mold character : Let your day-dreams be fine and ennobling, not cheap and degrading : Don't cheat yourself out of the best in love"
]]>https://vdarchive.newmedialab.cuny.edu/items/show/351
"A healthy, happy child is the greatest joy-bringer in the world : Healthy, happy children are born of fathers and mothers who have kept their bodies vigorous and free from disease, their minds eager and interested, their aspirations high : What will you give your children?"]]>2015-02-25T13:06:57+00:00
Dublin Core
Title
"The Happiness of Children"
Description
This poster associates healthy children with parents who have avoided VD. It is part of a larger poster series called "Youth and Life."
"A healthy, happy child is the greatest joy-bringer in the world : Healthy, happy children are born of fathers and mothers who have kept their bodies vigorous and free from disease, their minds eager and interested, their aspirations high : What will you give your children?"
]]>https://vdarchive.newmedialab.cuny.edu/items/show/350
"The secretion of the ovaries makes the girl grow into a woman : The secretion in the testes makes the boy grow into a man : The ovaries and testes also make possible fatherhood and motherhood--reproduction."]]>2015-02-25T13:45:52+00:00
Dublin Core
Title
Secretions
Description
This poster discusses hormones. It is part of a larger poster series called "Youth and Life."
"The secretion of the ovaries makes the girl grow into a woman : The secretion in the testes makes the boy grow into a man : The ovaries and testes also make possible fatherhood and motherhood--reproduction."
]]>https://vdarchive.newmedialab.cuny.edu/items/show/349
"A man who would lead a girl into sex relations may be infected with gonorrhea (clap) or syphilis (pox) : Gonorrhea and syphilis are germ diseases which are communicable (contagious) : The germs of either disease may be passed from a diseased person to another person through sexual intercourse; occasionally the germs of syphilis are acquired by using public towels or drinking cups, or by kissing"]]>2013-10-18T08:48:57+00:00
This poster advises that a man who wants to engage in premarital sex may have venereal disease. It describes how gonococcal and syphilitic germs may be transmitted. It is part of a larger poster series called "Youth and Life."
"A man who would lead a girl into sex relations may be infected with gonorrhea (clap) or syphilis (pox) : Gonorrhea and syphilis are germ diseases which are communicable (contagious) : The germs of either disease may be passed from a diseased person to another person through sexual intercourse; occasionally the germs of syphilis are acquired by using public towels or drinking cups, or by kissing"
]]>https://vdarchive.newmedialab.cuny.edu/items/show/348
"Love is essential, and mutual respect, common interests, and unselfish consideration are the foundations of love : Sexual abstinence before marriage for both man and woman is the only reliable safeguard for the welfare of the family : To be sure that both man and woman are physically fit, each should have a medical examination before marriage. The laws of several states now require such an examination"]]>2013-10-18T08:05:39+00:00
The poster promotes abstinence and medical exams before marriage. It is part of a larger poster series called "Youth and Life."
"Love is essential, and mutual respect, common interests, and unselfish consideration are the foundations of love : Sexual abstinence before marriage for both man and woman is the only reliable safeguard for the welfare of the family : To be sure that both man and woman are physically fit, each should have a medical examination before marriage. The laws of several states now require such an examination"
]]>https://vdarchive.newmedialab.cuny.edu/items/show/347It is part of a larger poster series called "Youth and Life."
"Fitness of body and mind increases: Beauty Grace Friendships Self-respect Self-reliance Initiative Leadership Endurance Courage"]]>2013-10-18T08:01:24+00:00
]]>https://vdarchive.newmedialab.cuny.edu/items/show/346This poster warns about being to familiar with the opposite sex. It is part of a larger poster series called "Youth and Life."
"The Correct Dancing Position : Conventions are the fences society has built to protect you and the race : Familiarities arouse dangerous desires. They waste your power for the finest human companionship and love : Physical attraction alone will never wholly satisfy : Complete and lasting love is of the mind as well as of the body"]]>2013-10-18T08:03:09+00:00
This poster warns about being to familiar with the opposite sex. It is part of a larger poster series called "Youth and Life."
"The Correct Dancing Position : Conventions are the fences society has built to protect you and the race : Familiarities arouse dangerous desires. They waste your power for the finest human companionship and love : Physical attraction alone will never wholly satisfy : Complete and lasting love is of the mind as well as of the body"
]]>https://vdarchive.newmedialab.cuny.edu/items/show/345It is part of a larger poster series called "Youth and Life."
"In A Strange City : For a suitable place to stay and for other information ask the "Traveler's Aid" woman, the station matron, or a police man or woman"]]>2013-10-18T07:43:33+00:00
This poster advises women where to seek out information when arriving in a new city. It is part of a larger poster series called "Youth and Life."
"In A Strange City : For a suitable place to stay and for other information ask the "Traveler's Aid" woman, the station matron, or a police man or woman"
]]>https://vdarchive.newmedialab.cuny.edu/items/show/344
"Decent good times lead to more good times because they promote permanent friendships : Entertain your boy friends in your own home : Introduce them to your family and to older friends whom your trust : Be proud of your friends"]]>2013-10-18T07:38:06+00:00
This poster encourages young women to socialize with young men around their family and friends. It is part of a larger poster series called "Youth and Life."
"Decent good times lead to more good times because they promote permanent friendships : Entertain your boy friends in your own home : Introduce them to your family and to older friends whom your trust : Be proud of your friends"
]]>https://vdarchive.newmedialab.cuny.edu/items/show/343
"If the mother has gonorrhea, her child may be blinded at birth : Simple medical treatment at time of birth will prevent such blindness : Men who think themselves cured sometimes infect their wives with gonorrhea. Chronic ill-health and inability to have children are often caused by gonorrhea. Many serious operations on married women are due to this disease"]]>2015-02-25T13:06:57+00:00
This poster explains how men may transmit gonorrhea to their family and that children can be blinded by the illness. It is part of a larger poster series called "Youth and Life."
"If the mother has gonorrhea, her child may be blinded at birth : Simple medical treatment at time of birth will prevent such blindness : Men who think themselves cured sometimes infect their wives with gonorrhea. Chronic ill-health and inability to have children are often caused by gonorrhea. Many serious operations on married women are due to this disease"
]]>https://vdarchive.newmedialab.cuny.edu/items/show/342
"Every child has a right to be well-born : If the father or the mother has syphilis, the child may be born or defective"]]>2015-02-25T13:06:57+00:00
]]>https://vdarchive.newmedialab.cuny.edu/items/show/341 "'Pick-up' acquaintances often take girls autoriding, to cafés, and to theatres with the intention of leading them into sex relations. Disease or child-birth may follow : Avoid the man who tries to take liberties with you : He is selfishly thoughtless and inconsiderate of you : Believe no one who says it is necessary to indulge sex desire : Know the men you associate with"]]>2013-10-18T07:38:41+00:00
This poster warns women not to associate with men they don't know. It is part of a larger poster series called "Youth and Life."
"'Pick-up' acquaintances often take girls autoriding, to cafés, and to theatres with the intention of leading them into sex relations. Disease or child-birth may follow : Avoid the man who tries to take liberties with you : He is selfishly thoughtless and inconsiderate of you : Believe no one who says it is necessary to indulge sex desire : Know the men you associate with"
American Social Health Association Records (1905-2005), University of Minnesota, Social Welfare History Archives, Box 169, Folder 06, http://purl.umn.edu/111701.
American Social Health Association Records (1905-2005), University of Minnesota, Social Welfare History Archives, Box 169, Folder 06, http://purl.umn.edu/111701.
This cartoon shows boats labeled law, education, scientific medicine, and public health sweeping away mines representing quackery to safeguard the "National Anti-Syphilis Campaign" ship. It is featured in the NSHD broadside.
This comic strip is one in the "Health Helps" series. It shows a worker, Jerry, who visits a quack for syphilis treatment. His employer advises him to see his family physician. It is featured in the NSHD broadside.
This infographic presents the steps industry should take to help control syphilis among their employees and within the community. It is featured in the NSHD broadside.
]]>https://vdarchive.newmedialab.cuny.edu/items/show/258
This poster shows syphilis and gonorrhea bombs falling on a community and encourages audiences to participate in the fight against them.]]>2015-07-18T09:52:47+00:00
National Archives, Record Group 112: Records of the Office of the Surgeon General (Army), Series: Posters Promoting Venereal Disease Prevention and the Prevention of Other Diseases, circa 1942-1944.
]]>https://vdarchive.newmedialab.cuny.edu/items/show/245
"Though the Army's venereal disease rate rose in 1940 and '41, this trend was checked in 1942 and the rate for World War II is now much lower than in World War I. But syphilis and gonorrhea are still among the chief causes of lost time in the Army. The same is true of the Navy."]]>2013-08-26T07:29:59+00:00
This poster informs audiences that even though VD rates in the military are down, syphilis and gonorrhea still cost the military many days lost.
"Though the Army's venereal disease rate rose in 1940 and '41, this trend was checked in 1942 and the rate for World War II is now much lower than in World War I. But syphilis and gonorrhea are still among the chief causes of lost time in the Army. The same is true of the Navy."
National Archives, Record Group 112: Records of the Office of the Surgeon General (Army), Series: Posters Promoting Venereal Disease Prevention and the Prevention of Other Diseases, circa 1942-1944.
This poster would have been put in pharmacy windows to signal their participation in the campaign to promote adequate education and treatment about syphilis.
National Archives, Record Group 112: Records of the Office of the Surgeon General (Army), Series: Posters Promoting Venereal Disease Prevention and the Prevention of Other Diseases, circa 1942-1944.
American Social Health Association Records (1905-2005), University of Minnesota, Social Welfare History Archives, Box 175, Folder 9, http://purl.umn.edu/62479.
]]>https://vdarchive.newmedialab.cuny.edu/items/show/178
"By 1910 American military and civil organizations had begun to take steps to reduce these diseases. DUring the World War the Army, Navy, Public Health Service, medical profession, American Social Hygiene Association and other agencies achieved the lowest venereal disease rate in history."]]>2013-08-12T07:03:22+00:00
Dublin Core
Title
"Until 1917 Venereal Diseases Always Increased Alarmingly during Mobilization"
This poster uses a graph to show how VD rates increased during past wars.
"By 1910 American military and civil organizations had begun to take steps to reduce these diseases. DUring the World War the Army, Navy, Public Health Service, medical profession, American Social Hygiene Association and other agencies achieved the lowest venereal disease rate in history."
American Social Health Association Records (1905-2005), University of Minnesota, Social Welfare History Archives, ASHA, Social Hygiene and National Defense Exhibit, circa 1944, Box 177, Folder 29.
]]>https://vdarchive.newmedialab.cuny.edu/items/show/177
This poster shows the rate of infection for each state. These statistics are based on the results of the blood tests given to men during their Selective Service examinations.]]>2013-08-12T06:56:22+00:00
Dublin Core
Title
"First 2,000,000 Selectees Blood Tested for Syphilis"
"every state has a syphilis problem...Where does your state stand?"
This poster shows the rate of infection for each state. These statistics are based on the results of the blood tests given to men during their Selective Service examinations.
American Social Health Association Records (1905-2005), University of Minnesota, Social Welfare History Archives, Public Relations, Social Hygiene Day, Posters, Box 072, Folder 07, http://purl.umn.edu/110687.
]]>https://vdarchive.newmedialab.cuny.edu/items/show/176
This poster compares different causes of days lost in the military and shows that venereal disease tops the list.]]>2015-07-18T09:10:44+00:00
American Social Health Association Records (1905-2005), University of Minnesota, Social Welfare History Archives, ASHA, Social Hygiene and National Defense Exhibit, circa 1944, Box 177, Folder 29.
American Social Health Association Records (1905-2005), University of Minnesota, Social Welfare History Archives, American Social Health Association, National Social Hygiene Day Posters, 1940-1952, Box Oversize flat 1, http://purl.umn.edu/62500.
American Social Health Association Records (1905-2005), University of Minnesota, Social Welfare History Archives, Industrial Venereal Disease Projects, Box 116, Folder 15, http://purl.umn.edu/111205.
]]>https://vdarchive.newmedialab.cuny.edu/items/show/167
This poster shows the prevalence of syphilis among different groups of workers.]]>2013-08-08T08:17:45+00:00
American Social Health Association Records (1905-2005), University of Minnesota, Social Welfare History Archives, ASHA, Social Hygiene and National Defense Exhibit, circa 1944, Box 177, Folder 29.
]]>https://vdarchive.newmedialab.cuny.edu/items/show/164
This poster compares the prevalence of primary syphilis among different age groups of men and women. The text and the bar graph indicate that young people have the highest rates.]]>2015-07-18T09:58:49+00:00
"Gonorrhea Strikes Same Age Groups But is 3 Times More Prevalent"
This poster compares the prevalence of primary syphilis among different age groups of men and women. The text and the bar graph indicate that young people have the highest rates.
American Social Health Association Records (1905-2005), University of Minnesota, Social Welfare History Archives, ASHA, Social Hygiene and National Defense Exhibit, circa 1944, Box 177, Folder 29.
]]>https://vdarchive.newmedialab.cuny.edu/items/show/163
This poster conveys that gonorrhea, syphilis, and chancroid are responsible for the most days lost in the Navy. ]]>2013-08-08T07:49:49+00:00
American Social Health Association Records (1905-2005), University of Minnesota, Social Welfare History Archives, ASHA, Social Hygiene and National Defense Exhibit, circa 1944, Box 177, Folder 29.
This is the cover to a syphilis pamphlet created for African American audiences. It shows a mother getting her blood drawn for a blood test while her husband and daughter look on.
American Social Health Association Records (1905-2005), University of Minnesota, Social Welfare History Archives, Venereal Disease Projects, Negro Project, VD Pamphlets for Negroes, Box 119, Folder 02, http://purl.umn.edu/111229.
American Social Health Association Records (1905-2005), University of Minnesota, Social Welfare History Archives, Box 176, Folder 03, http://purl.umn.edu/112299.
]]>https://vdarchive.newmedialab.cuny.edu/items/show/136First and Best Social Hygiene Teachers!"]]>
"If your child asks a question regarding sex, answer it simply, naturally, and in your own language--not book language. Remember, it is just another question to your child--and only a sex question because you know its later significance. Flatter yourself that you are a better teacher than the street, the alley, the gutter. Whether your child will be a stenographer or an engineer, it will probably be a parent. Keep it sexually fit for parenthood! Your city, state and traveling libraries have fine approved books to help you. Your child believes you are the best parent it could have. Meet that inspiring faith."]]>2015-02-25T13:06:27+00:00
Dublin Core
Title
"Parents Are the Child's First and Best Social Hygiene Teachers!"
This poster urges parents to deal frankly with their children's questions about sex, connecting social hygiene education to their future success.
"If your child asks a question regarding sex, answer it simply, naturally, and in your own language--not book language. Remember, it is just another question to your child--and only a sex question because you know its later significance. Flatter yourself that you are a better teacher than the street, the alley, the gutter. Whether your child will be a stenographer or an engineer, it will probably be a parent. Keep it sexually fit for parenthood! Your city, state and traveling libraries have fine approved books to help you. Your child believes you are the best parent it could have. Meet that inspiring faith."
American Social Health Association Records (1905-2005), University of Minnesota, Social Welfare History Archives, ASHA, Parents are the Child's First and Best Social Hygiene Teachers!, circa 1942, Box 177, Folder 25.
]]>https://vdarchive.newmedialab.cuny.edu/items/show/135
This is an epidemiological chart that shows how one syphilis epidemic spread. This image was created earlier in the 1930s. Here it appears with a new heading. ]]>2015-07-18T09:40:13+00:00
Dublin Core
Title
"How Syphilis Spreads Through Prostitution"
Description
"Outbreak of syphilis infections in a rural county : Monroe County, Tennessee"
This is an epidemiological chart that shows how one syphilis epidemic spread. This image was created earlier in the 1930s. Here it appears with a new heading.
American Social Health Association Records (1905-2005), University of Minnesota, Social Welfare History Archives, ASHA, The Attack on Commercialized Prostitution, 1941, Box 177, Folder 28.