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Committee for the Eradication of Syphilis records
Coll2012-129
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Table of contents
Language of Material:
English
Contributing Institution:
ONE National Gay & Lesbian Archives, USC Libraries, University of Southern California
Title: Committee for the Eradication of Syphilis records
creator:
Mitchell, Vernon C.
Identifier/Call Number: Coll2012-129
Physical Description:
0.4 Linear Feet
1 box.
Date (inclusive): 1966-1995
Abstract: Administrative records, articles of incorporation, correspondence, awards and recognitions, bumper stickers, event flyers,
programs, photographs and other materials, 1966-1995, from the Committee for the Eradication of Syphilis (CES); as well as
personal papers and photographs from CES founder, Vernon C. Mitchell. CES was the first free clinic in Los Angeles for homosexuals
with sexually transmitted infections (STI).
This collecton is arranged alphabetically.
The Committee for the Eradication of Syphilis, Inc. (CES) was founded in 1967 by Vernon C. Mitchell in Los Angeles, California.
CES was the first free clinic for homosexuals with sexually transmitted infections (STI). CES was honored by various city,
county and state entities in California for community involvement and accomplishment in venereal disease awareness.
Mitchell of CES regarded STI control as "one of the most challenging social problems of our time - the most frustrating because
we have the technique for control but ignorance and apathy hinder us."
Under Mitchell's tutelage, CES employed techniques such as bumper stickers ("Stamp Out Syphilis"), business cards ("Love Needs
Care - Check VD") and posters in cocktail lounges, restaurants, beauty salons and barber shops to increase public awareness
of the issue.
The Committee for the Eradication of Syphilis, Inc. was instrumental, along with a few other health organizations, in advocating
for the approval of California Legislature Resolution Number 201, declaring April 1971 to be "Venereal Disease Awareness Month."
Mitchell and the committee also campaigned for an amendment to state law that would permit minors to obtain STI diagnosis
and treatment without parental consent.
Sources:
Greenwood, N. (1968, February 11). Free VD clinic called success despite deficit. Times Mirror Square, p. 1.
Vernon "Mitch" Mitchell was born Clarence Vernon Mitchell on December 18, 1926 in Los Angeles, California.
During World War II, Mitchell served on a U.S. Navy underwater demolition team, combing for submarine mines and planting bombs
on enemy vessels. He was one of the first Americans to see Japan after the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. He
also served during the Korean War and worked as an aerospace administrator with Hughes Aircraft.
Mitchell was a longtime supporter of gay causes and an activist who in 1967 founded the Committee for Eradication of Syphilis,
Inc. (CES), the first free clinic for homosexuals with sexually transmitted infections in Los Angeles, California. As president
of CES, Mitchell was honored for his effort in 1971 by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors.
In 1985, Mitchell and two friends were shopping in a Boys Market in Marina del Rey when an employee addressed them over the
loudspeaker, "Faggots, get out of the market and don't come back!" Mitchell and his friends, with the support of legal activist
Gloria Allred, sued the market. In 1987, as part of a settlement, the market publicly apologized and company officials said
they would update an employee handbook to forbid discrimination based on sexual orientation.
In 1987, he helped organize the Los Angeles gay community for The National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights.
He and a friend printed banners and posters for the march. The banner was then donated to the Smithsonian Institution.
An outspoken voice for sexual freedom, Mitchell focused his organizing talents on civil rights for gays, abortion rights for
women and increased public awareness of AIDS and STIs. Mitchell also appeared in several television documentaries concerning
STIs. He raised funds to support AIDS awareness campaigns by re-selling items in garage sales.
Mitchell died of AIDS related complications on December 21, 1991 at the age of 65 in his home in Marina del Rey, California.
Sources: Yarnall, L. (1991, December 24). Prominent gay activist, Vernon Mitchell, dies 65 of AIDS. The Outlook, p. A14.
Obituaries (1991, December 26).
Vernon C. Mitchell; Activist, supporter of gay causes. Los Angeles Times. Retrieved from http://articles.latimes.com/print/1991-12-26/news/mn-1288_1_sexually-transmitted-diseases
The collection is open to researchers. There are no access restrictions.
All requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the ONE Archivist. Permission
for publication is given on behalf of ONE National Gay and Lesbian Archives at USC Libraries as the owner of the physical
items and is not intended to include or imply permission of the copyright holder, which must also be obtained.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Donor and method of acquisition unknown.
[Box/folder #, or item name] Committee for the Eradication of Syphilis Records, Coll2012-129, ONE National Gay and Lesbian
Archives, USC Libraries, University of Southern California.
Formerly housed in box #103-308. Collection processed by Dione Surdez Oliver, March 2016.
Administrative records, articles of incorporation, correspondence, awards and recognitions, bumper stickers, event flyers,
programs, "Get the Facts" 16mm film, newspaper clippings, photographs, poster, and an embosser from the Committee for the
Eradication of Syphilis, Inc. (CES), 1967-1976. Founded in 1967 by Vernon C. Mitchell in West Hollywood, California, The
Committee for the Eradication of Syphilis was "dedicated to a venereal disease free community" and became the first free health
clinic for homosexuals with sexually transmitted diseases. The collection also includes personal papers and photographs of
gay activist and gay health advocate, Vernon C. Mitchell, including news clippings and photographs related to Boys Market
in Marina del Rey, California, and the discrimination case with Gloria Allred.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
Community health services -- California
Gay activists -- California -- Los Angeles
Sexually transmitted diseases -- Prevention
Committee for the Eradication of Syphilis, Inc.
Mitchell, Vernon C.