(Sexual Health) Annual Report of the Oregon Social Hygiene Society. Vols. 2-5, 9 [subtitles vary]
Oregon Social Hygiene Society, 1913-1920
(Sexual Health) Oregon Social Hygiene Society. Annual Report of the Oregon Social Hygiene Society. Vols. 2-5, 9 [subtitles vary]. Portland, OR: The Society, 1913-1920. 5 vols., 8vo, 48; 48; 60; 48;12 pp.; illus. annual reports on the activities of the society. Nos. 1, 6-8 not published. Brown paper wrappers, sl. darkened, ex-library with stamps on front wraps and pencil shelving labels. No. 9 with intact fold out “blue print,” and heavy center crease.
This nearly complete run, lacking no. 10, documents a lively public health campaign that spanned WWI. Illustrated throughout with graphs, charts and b/w reproductions of exhibition materials and photographs of lectures given in industrial and institutional settings. The Oregon Social Hygiene Society’s approach was comprehensive rather than strictly moralistic. The state-sponsored organization relied on exhibits, public lectures, elementary education, “checking the spread of falsehoods” largely through criminalizing quack advertising, and eventually, employing women to lead “mother’s meetings” and make house-to-house calls. Their efforts were seemingly quite successful, the 1919-20 report ranks Oregon with the lowest incidence of venereal disease within incoming US Army recruits in the nation.
Scattered holdings are recorded in OCLC, complete runs scarce.
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