In 1918, Charles Larned Robinson wrote the pamphlet "Don't Take A Chance" for the Sex Education Bureau of the National War Work Council of the YMCA. It was published by the Association Press and approved by the War Department Commission on Training Camp Activities, Social Hygiene Division. The pamphlet warns soldiers about the threats posed by prostitutes. It argues that soldiers will catch venereal diseases, sex “is not necessary to health,” and that a soldier owes it to his future wife. The pamphlet includes a hand-written letter from Theodore Roosevelt endorsing the message. The last page contains a poem called “Somewhere A Woman,” about women waiting for soldiers to return home.
Text and images are owned, held, or licensed by Springfield College and are available for personal, non-commercial, and educational use, provided that ownership is properly cited. A credit line is required and should read: Courtesy of Springfield College, Babson Library, Archives and Special Collections. Any commercial use without written permission from Springfield College is strictly prohibited. Other individuals or entities other than, and in addition to, Springfield College may also own copyrights and other propriety rights. The publishing, exhibiting, or broadcasting party assumes all responsibility for clearing reproduction rights and for any infringement of United States copyright law.
Contact host institution for more information.