Public Health and Safety
The 19th Century
Early Statehood
Suggestions from Fire Warden Concerning Stovepipes and Chimneys, 11 October 1841
- Citation: Bailey, Robert E. and Elaine Shemoney Evans. Early Chicago, 1833-1871 A Selection of City Council Proceedings Files. Springfield: Illinois State Archives, 1999. Used by permission of the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency.
Report Relating to a Night Watch and Watch House, 11 April 1845 / Typed Transcription
- Citation: Bailey, Robert E. and Elaine Shemoney Evans. Early Chicago, 1833-1871 A Selection of City Council Proceedings Files. Springfield: Illinois State Archives, 1999. Used by permission of the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency.
Petition Relating to Geese Running at Large, 29 August 1845 / Typed Transcription
- Citation: Bailey, Robert E. and Elaine Shemoney Evans. Early Chicago, 1833-1871 A Selection of City Council Proceedings Files. Springfield: Illinois State Archives, 1999. Used by permission of the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency.
Petition for Appointment as City Scavenger, 23 April 1847 / Typed Transcription
- Citation: Bailey, Robert E. and Elaine Shemoney Evans. Early Chicago, 1833-1871 A Selection of City Council Proceedings Files. Springfield: Illinois State Archives, 1999. Used by permission of the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency.
Ordinance to Prevent Filth from Entering the Water Supply, 9 June 1848 / Typed Transcription
- Citation: Bailey, Robert E. and Elaine Shemoney Evans. Early Chicago, 1833-1871 A Selection of City Council Proceedings Files. Springfield: Illinois State Archives, 1999. Used by permission of the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency.
Physician's Cholera Report, 3 June 1849 / Typed Transcription
- Citation: Bailey, Robert E. and Elaine Shemoney Evans. Early Chicago, 1833-1871 A Selection of City Council Proceedings Files. Springfield: Illinois State Archives, 1999. Used by permission of the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency.
The Civil War
Ordinance Appropriating Funds to the Sanitary Commission, 10 April 1862 / Typed Transcription
- Citation: Bailey, Robert E. and Elaine Shemoney Evans. Early Chicago, 1833-1871 A Selection of City Council Proceedings Files. Springfield: Illinois State Archives, 1999. Used by permission of the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency.
Communication from the Mayor Concerning the Flow of the Chicago River, 30 December 1862 / Typed Transcription
- Citation: Bailey, Robert E. and Elaine Shemoney Evans. Early Chicago, 1833-1871 A Selection of City Council Proceedings Files. Springfield: Illinois State Archives, 1999. Used by permission of the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency.
The Late 19th Century
Sketch of a Proposed Public Bathing House, 17 July 1873
- Citation: Bailey, Robert E. and Elaine Shemoney Evans. From the Ashes, 1872-1900 A Selection of Documents from the Proceedings Files of the Chicago City Council. Springfield: Illinois State Archives, 1990. Used by permission of the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency.
Resolution to Investigate a Cigar Factory, 1 March 1880 / Typed Transcription
- Citation: Bailey, Robert E. and Elaine Shemoney Evans. From the Ashes, 1872-1900 A Selection of Documents from the Proceedings Files of the Chicago City Council. Springfield: Illinois State Archives, 1990. Used by permission of the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency.
Law That Promotes the Science of Medicine and Surgery through Dissection, 1874
- This act promotes the dissection of human remains in the study of surgery; it was approved on 16 February 1874. It regulates the proper procedure for disposure and any penalties for violating its requirements.
- Citation: Gross, William L., ed. The Statutes of Illinois: An Analytical Compilation of All the General Laws of the State in Force at the Present Time, Volume III: Acts of 1873-4. Riverside: H. O. Houghton & Company, 1874.
Physician’s Certificate, Effingham County, 1877 / Typed Transcription
- In 1877, a state law required doctors to be licensed by the State Board of Health. To receive certification a doctor had to be a graduate of a medical school or pass an examination that was given by the Board. The certificate then was kept on file in the county where the physician practiced.
- Citation: Turnbaugh, Dr. Roy C. Jr. and Robert E. Bailey. Windows to the Past: A Selection of Illinois County Records from 1818 to 1880. Springfield: Illinois State Archives, 1985. Used by permission of the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency.
Communication from the State Board of Health Concerning Pollution of the Chicago River, Illinois and Michigan Canal and the Illinois River, 10 January 1880 / Typed Transcription
- Citation: Bailey, Robert E. and Elaine Shemoney Evans. From the Ashes, 1872-1900 A Selection of Documents from the Proceedings Files of the Chicago City Council. Springfield: Illinois State Archives, 1990. Used by permission of the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency.
Communication from the Illinois Woman's Alliance Concerning Child Labor, 16 April 1890 / Typed Transcription
- Citation: Bailey, Robert E. and Elaine Shemoney Evans. From the Ashes, 1872-1900 A Selection of Documents from the Proceedings Files of the Chicago City Council. Springfield: Illinois State Archives, 1990. Used by permission of the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency.
Communication from the Illinois Woman's Alliance Concerning Bathing Houses, 19 January 1891 / Typed Transcription
- Citation: Bailey, Robert E. and Elaine Shemoney Evans. From the Ashes, 1872-1900 A Selection of Documents from the Proceedings Files of the Chicago City Council. Springfield: Illinois State Archives, 1990. Used by permission of the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency.
The 20th Century
The Roaring Twenties
"A.E. Little" Notebook: Burns, 1924 / Typed Transcription
- These are notes Dr. Gerry B. Dudley of Charleston, Illinois took for his own use regarding treatment of burns. The treatment outlines Dr. Davidson's influential research on the use of tannic acid to treat burns. Note that one of the compounds used in the treatment, benzene, was later discovered to be carcinogenic.
- Credit: All resources from collections of Coles County Historical Society. All information included on this site is intended solely for educational and research purposes. Questions regarding publication rights can be directed to the Coles County Historical Society at coleshistory@consolidated.net.
The Great Depression
Safety for You, For All, WPA Poster, 1936
- This poster for the WPA Illinois Safety Division was intended to promote safety. It displays a civil defense symbol.
- Citation: “Safety for You, for All,” Illinois: Federal Art Project, 1936, accessed through "By the People, For the People: Posters from the WPA, 1936-1943." Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress. http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/wpaposters/.
Save Your Eyes - Use Your Goggles, WPA Poster, 1936-37
- This poster for the WPA Illinois Safety Division promotes safety and the use of proper eye protection. It depicts a man wearing goggles, with workers in the background.
- Citation: “Save Your Eyes – Use Your Goggles.” Illinois: Federal Art Project, 1936-1937, accessed through "By the People, For the People: Posters from the WPA, 1936-1943." Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress. http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/wpaposters/.
To-day is Another Day, WPA Poster, 1936-37
- This poster for the WPA Illinois Safety Division promotes safety in the workplace. It shows silhouettes of working class men.
- Citation: “To-day is Another Day: Make It Safe!” Illinois: Federal Art Project, 1936-1937, accessed through "By the People, For the People: Posters from the WPA, 1936-1943." Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress. http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/wpaposters/.
Chicago Will Control Syphilis, WPA Poster, 1936-38
- This Chicago Board of Health poster announces free and confidential blood tests for syphilis. It depicts a hypodermic needle.
- Citation: “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.” Illinois: Federal Art Project, 1936-1938, accessed through "By the People, For the People: Posters from the WPA, 1936-1943." Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress. http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/wpaposters/.
March on to Health, WPA Poster, 1936-39
- This poster depicts a line of boys and girls marching and encouraged young people to get tested for tuberculosis through the City of Chicago Municipal Tuberculosis Sanitarium.
- Citation: “March on to Health: Get Your Test Now: City of Chicago Municipal Tuberculosis Sanitarium,” Chicago: WPA Federal Art Project, 1936-1939, accessed through "By the People, For the People: Posters from the WPA, 1936-1943." Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress. http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/wpaposters/.
Good Grades, Good Health, WPA Poster, 1936-39
- This City of Chicago Municipal Tuberculosis Sanitarium poster promoted tuberculosis testing and the idea that good grades and good health complimented each other. It shows a girl roller skating with school books in hand.
- Citation: “Good Grades and Good Health Go Together: City of Chicago Municipal Tuberculosis Sanitarium: Get Your Test Now,” Chicago: WPA Federal Art Project, 1936-1939, accessed through "By the People, For the People: Posters from the WPA, 1936-1943." Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress. http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/wpaposters/.
Keep Fit, Get Your Test Now, WPA Poster, 1936-39
- This City of Chicago Municipal Tuberculosis Sanitarium poster, designed by Kreger, promoted testing for tuberculosis. It shows two athletes hurdling barriers "malnutrition" and "heart disease," with a third athlete stumbling over the barrier "tuberculosis" on the way to the finish line "good health."
- Citation: "Keep Fit ... Get Your Test Now / Kreger," Chicago: WPA Federal Art Project, 1936-1939, accessed through "By the People, For the People: Posters from the WPA, 1936-1943." Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress. http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/wpaposters/.
Make Your Health Points, WPA Poster, 1936-39
- Designed by Kreger, this City of Chicago Municipal Tuberculosis Sanitarium poster promoted testing for tuberculosis. It depicts two girls playing basketball, shooting at a hoop "good health."
- Citation: "Make Your Health Points - Get Your Test Now / Kreger," Chicago: WPA Federal Art Project, 1936-1939, accessed through "By the People, For the People: Posters from the WPA, 1936-1943." Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress. http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/wpaposters/.
Don't Gamble With Syphilis, WPA Poster, 1936-40
- This poster advocated syphilis treatment. It shows a man rolling dice.
- Citation: "Don't Gamble with Syphilis - Consult Health Authorities," Chicago: Illinois WPA Project, 1936-1940, accessed through "By the People, For the People: Posters from the WPA, 1936-1943." Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress.
- http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/wpaposters/.
Stop Syphilis, WPA Poster, 1936-40
- This poster urges individuals to help stop syphilis. It shows a house, city skyscrapers, and smokestacks.
- Citation: "Stop Syphilis: Support Local and State Efforts to Reduce Syphilis," Chicago: Illinois WPA Art Project, 1936-1940, accessed through "By the People, For the People: Posters from the WPA, 1936-1943." Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress. http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/wpaposters/.
The Enemy is Syphilis, WPA Poster, 1936-40
- This poster advocates war-like moves against syphilis. It depicts a man wearing a gas mask, with men marching in the foreground.
- Citation: "The Enemy Is Syphilis: Enlist Employees in a Campaign Against It," Chicago: Illinois WPA Art Project, 1936-1940, accessed through "By the People, For the People: Posters from the WPA, 1936-1943." Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress. http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/wpaposters/.
Syphilis Examinations Confidential, WPA Poster, 1936-40
- This poster encourages syphilis testing by stressing the confidentiality of exams. It depicts a stethoscope, a hand holding a pen, and a padlock.
- Citation: "Syphilis - Examination Results Are Confidential ...," Chicago: Illinois WPA Art Project, 1936-1940, accessed through "By the People, For the People: Posters from the WPA, 1936-1943." Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress. http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/wpaposters/.
A Lifelong Job, WPA Poster, 1936-41
- Designed by E.S. Reid, this poster from The Cook County Public Health Unit depicts a woman and two children in the rain.
- Citation: “A Lifelong Job – The Constant Protection of Their Health – The Cook County Public Health Unit / E.S. Reid,” Chicago: Illinois WPA Art Project, 1936-1941, accessed through "By the People, For the People: Posters from the WPA, 1936-1943." Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress. http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/wpaposters/.
Just a Scratch, WPA Poster, 1936-41
- This poster for the WPA Illinois Safety Division promotes immediate treatment of on-the-job injuries. It shows a man being treated for a finger injury.
- Citation: "'Just a Scratch' But!: Infection Is Avoided by Immediate First Aid On-the-Job!" Illinois: Federal Art Project, 1936-1941, accessed through "By the People, For the People: Posters from the WPA, 1936-1943." Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress. http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/wpaposters/.
Diphtheria Strikes Unprotected Children, WPA Poster, 1936-41
- This Chicago Department of Health poster shows a flying disc, "Toxoid," preventing a lightning bolt from striking a child.
- Citation: “Diphtheria Strikes Unprotected Children: Protect Your Child with Toxoid – Toxoid Prevents Diphtheria: Chicago Department of Health,” Chicago: Illinois WPA Art Project, 1936-1941, accessed through "By the People, For the People: Posters from the WPA, 1936-1943." Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress. http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/wpaposters/.
Your Home is Not Complete Without a Sanitary Unit, WPA Poster, 1936-41
- This poster encourages proper human waste disposal. It shows an outhouse in a picturesque, small town setting.
- Citation: "Your Home Is Not Complete Without a Sanitary Unit, Recommended by the State Department of Public Health," Chicago: WPA Federal Art Project, 1936-1941, accessed through "By the People, For the People: Posters from the WPA, 1936-1943." Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress. http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/wpaposters/.
Vaccination Prevents Smallpox, WPA Poster, 1936-41
- This poster for the Chicago Department of Health encourages smallpox vaccinations. It depicts a large red question mark.
- Citation: "Is Your Child Vaccinated: Vaccination Prevents Smallpox - Chicago Department of Health," Chicago: Illinois WPA Art Project, 1936-1941, accessed through "By the People, For the People: Posters from the WPA, 1936-1943." Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress. http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/wpaposters/.
Find Syphilis, WPA Poster, 1936-41
- This poster promoted employer-sponsored blood tests for the detection of syphilis. It shows a doctor drawing blood from a worker in an industrial setting.
- Citation: "Find Syphilis: Help Employees Get Blood Tests," Chicago: Illinois WPA Art Project, 1936-1941, accessed through "By the People, For the People: Posters from the WPA, 1936-1943." Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress. http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/wpaposters/.
Good Grades, Habits, WPA Poster, 1939
- This City of Chicago Municipal Tuberculosis Sanitarium poster promotes tuberculosis testing and the notion that good grades and good habits compliment each other. It depicts a young girl holding up sheets of paper marked "A."
- Citation: "Good Grades - Habits Go Together: City of Chicago Municipal Tuberculosis Sanitarium: Get Your Test Now," Chicago: WPA Federal Art Project, 1939, accessed through "By the People, For the People: Posters from the WPA, 1936-1943." Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress. http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/wpaposters/.
Crusade Against Tuberculosis, WPA Poster, 1940
- This Cook County Public Health Unit poster encourages participation in the fight against tuberculosis. It depicts a staff and holly wreath design.
- Citation: "Take Part in America's Crusade Against Tuberculosis: Cook County Public Health Unit," Chicago: Illinois WPA Art Project, 1940, accessed through "By the People, For the People: Posters from the WPA, 1936-1943." Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress. http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/wpaposters/.
Outwitted By Community Sanitation, WPA Poster, 1940
- This poster, designed by John Buczak, promotes sanitary facilities and shows a giant fly above an outhouse.
- Citation: "Outwitted by Community Sanitation: Community Sanitation Planning Keeps Flies Away from Deadly Disease Germs ... / Buczak,” Illinois: Federal Art Project, 1940, accessed through "By the People, For the People: Posters from the WPA, 1936-1943." Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress. http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/wpaposters/.
A Young Man's Opportunity, WPA Poster, 1941
- Designed by Albert M. Bender, this poster promotes the U.S. Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) through the Illinois Emergency Relief Commission. It shows a young man with a pickaxe.
- Citation: “A Young Man’s Opportunity for Work, Play, Study & Health / Bender,” Chicago: Illinois WPA Art Project, 1941, accessed through "By the People, For the People: Posters from the WPA, 1936-1943." Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress. http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/wpaposters/.
Letter from the U.S. Secretary of State Concerning the Graf Zeppelin, 19 October 1933
- Citation: Bailey, Robert and Elaine Shemoney Evans. Hard Times In Illinois: 1930-1940. Springfield: Illinois State Archives, 2002. Used by permission of the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency.
- Citation: Bailey, Robert and Elaine Shemoney Evans. Hard Times In Illinois: 1930-1940. Springfield: Illinois State Archives, 2002. Used by permission of the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency.
World War II
War Food Communique No. 1, Meat Rationing, October 1942
- Citation: Bailey, Robert E. and Elaine Shemoney Evans. Illinois at War, 1941-1945. Springfield: Illinois State Archives, 1994. Used by permission of the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency.
Evite Accidentes, WPA Poster, 1942
- This poster, by Miguel A. Rodridguez, shows a mangled man lying on the sidewalk next to an automobile that has crashed into a lamp post. It translates as: "Avoid Accidents: Do Not Remain in the Street During an Alarm."
- Citation: “Evite Accidentes: No Se Quede en la Calle Durante una Alarma / 6 MAR,” Illinois: WPA, 1942, accessed through "By the People, For the People: Posters from the WPA, 1936-1943." Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress. http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/wpaposters/.
