Archives West Finding Aid

The Oregon Social Hygiene Society was established in 1911, at the urging of the Young Men's Christian Association, to limit the spread of sexually transmitted diseases and to combat "social vices" such as prostitution, gambling, and childhood immorality. It promoted physical fitness, especially among young people, and exposed medical quackery. It also helped in organizing local promotion committees in cities and towns around Oregon. The group focused on educational activities such as lectures, classes, and presentations to school groups, as well as publications, exhibits, government lobbying, and assistance with law enforcement. Committees included: public education, school cooperation, publication, social hygiene, exhibits, social evil, legislation, and quackery. Much of the funding of the organization came from a trust fund established by Dr. E. C. Brown. Its operations were later assumed by the University of Oregon.

The organization's Executive Secretary from 1929 to 1940 was Dr. Fred B. Messing. He was born in North Tonawanda, New York, around 1876, and he held a PhD in physical education. Much of his early career was spent working with the YMCA, lecturing on health and sex education to schools, civic organizations and churches. From 1919 to 1922 he lived with his wife Frances in Poland, where he directed physical education for the Polish government. After living in Portland for most of his later life, he moved to Chehalis, Wash., where he died in 1960.