Physician
Centurion, 1920–1950
Born 13 July 1874 in Quincy, Illinois
Died 12 June 1950 in Bangor, Maine
Buried Silver Lake Cemetery
, Bucksport, Maine
Proposed by James Pedersen and Samuel W. Lambert
Elected 5 June 1920 at age forty-five
Archivist’s Note: Father of Richard Boring Snow
Century Memorial
William F. Snow died in his 75th year on June 12th. He had gone “down east” early to his summer home near Bangor, and on that Monday morning went into town to do some shopping. He fell in the street. A physician who was looking out of his office window saw him fall and went to his aid, but Dr. Snow was already dead.
He was a physician, but he was never in active private practice. Yet it is almost certain that he prevented more illness, more suffering, and more sorrow than any single physician who lived in his generation—for he was the dynamo of the American Social Hygiene Association. He was its first director, when the Association was founded in 1913; and he remained active in its affairs until his death. Dr. Snow spent his entire professional life in prevention of the venereal diseases, particularly syphilis, and became generally recognized as the outstanding international leader in the field of syphilis prevention and control.
Charles W. Eliot once wrote: “I believe Dr. Snow to be the most effective man in the field of public health—not one of the most effective men.”
His immense effectiveness lay in his quiet, self-effacing modesty, his dynamic energy, and his firm conviction of the vital importance of his work.
During World War I he realized that a true epidemic of syphilis had swept the nation, and he drove home the concept that venereal disease could be prevented, and was not an inevitable component of military life. As a result of this work he was given great responsibilities by the President and by the National Council for Defense. It was during this period that he developed his remarkable talents as an effective social strategist, and a molder of the opinions of men.
World War II came just as he was ready to retire from active work in Social Hygiene, but the next five years were the most productive and active of his whole life. It may be truly said that the direct result of his efforts was the marked diminution of venereal disease in the armed forces, as well as in the nation at large, during and following the War.
He was a public health statesman of great stature, known for his true worth by only a few; but in the final analysis the things that he accomplished are so enduring that they speak for themselves and are sufficient praise.
George W. Martin
1951/1952 Century Association Yearbook