Syphilis Posters

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The Works Progress Administration (WPA) was a Depression and World War Two era Federal agency, employing millions on public works projects and operating theatrical and literacy projects. It also fed children and distributed food, clothing, and housing. Almost every community in the United States had a park, bridge or school constructed by the WPA. Created by order of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, the WPA was funded by Congress in the Emergency Relief Appropriation Act of 1935.

As part of its overall mission, the WPA published posters for theatrical productions, WW2 propaganda, public health services, tourism, war bond drives, etc..

Pictured here are four posters warning citizens about the dangers of syphilis.

Syphilis

# Title: The enemy is syphilis. Enlist employees in a campaign against it.

# Date Created/Published: Chicago : Illinois WPA Art Project, [between 1936 and 1940]

# Medium: 1 print on board (poster) : silkscreen, color.

# Summary: Poster showing man wearing gas mask and men marching.

Syphilis - Menace to industry

# Title: Syphilis Menace to industry : Don't lose your pay.

# Date Created/Published: Chicago : Illinois WPA Art Project, [between 1936 and 1940]

# Medium: 1 print on board (poster) : silkscreen, color.

# Summary: Poster showing a man directing a ladle of molten metal as it is being poured.

Don't gamble with syphilis

# Title: Don't gamble with syphilis--Consult health authorities

# Date Created/Published: Chicago : Illinois WPA Art Project, [between 1936 and 1940]

# Medium: 1 print on board (poster) : silkscreen, color.

# Summary: Poster showing a man rolling dice.

Free Blood Test

# Title: Chicago will control syphilis - You may have your blood test free and confidentially at one of the following stations : Chicago Board of Health, Herman N. Bundesen, Pres.

# Date Created/Published: Illinois : Federal Art Project, WPA, [between 1936 and 1938]

# Medium: 1 print on board (poster) : silkscreen, color.

# Summary: Chicago Board of Health poster announcing blood tests, showing a hypodermic needle.