Charles G. Pease
Charles G. Pease | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | Charles Giffin Pease 1854 |
| Died | 1941 |
| Occupation | Dentist |
Charles Giffin Pease (1854–1941) was an American physician, dentist and anti-smoking activist. He was founder and president of the Non-Smokers Protective League.
Career
[edit]Pease practiced dentistry and medicine in New York City. He was best known as an anti-smoking and tobacco activist who was instrumental in bringing about legislation prohibiting smoking in elevated trains and subways.[1] In 1910, he formed the Non-Smoking Protective League to promote legislation against smoking in "public and semi-public places".[2] His anti-tobacco stance was based on ethical and religious principles.[1] In 1911, he argued that unhealthful smoking odors and fumes violated constitutional rights.[3][4]
Pease was a teetotaller and vegetarian.[5] He campaigned against capital punishment, corsets, vaccination, meat, coffee, cocoa and sugary drinks and tea.[6][7] On his 85th birthday he spoke out against the killing of animals for meat, commenting that "the dear chickens, how they scream and struggle in their effort to break away from the hands of the assassin. If it were right to kill chickens there would be no expression of fear on the part of the chicken".[8] Pease was associated with the New York Vegetarian Society and was honorary guest at their thanksgiving dinner in 1940.[9]
Pease and his wife resided at an apartment designed by Charles Buek on 72nd Street and Columbus Avenue. He also owned Sunset Lodge at Mamakating Park, New York.[10]
Christian Science
[edit]Pease was a former Christian Scientist. He resigned his membership from the First Church of Christ, Scientist stating that Christian Science was a "fabric of deceit, falsehood and dishonesty" and a "grave danger to the community".[11][12] In 1905, he authored a book denouncing Christian Science as fraudulent and challenged its claims of healing.[12]
Selected publications
[edit]- Hints and Suggestions as Aids in the Care and Preservation of the Teeth. New York: Boericke, Runyon & Ernesty. 1895.
- Expose of Christian Science. New York: Restoration Publishing Company. 1905.
- The Smoking Rector. New York: Restoration Publishing Company. 1936.
References
[edit]- ^ a b Christen AG, Christen JA (2001). "Charles G. Pease, DDS, MD: anti-tobacco crusader and clean life advocate". Hist Dent. 49 (2): 81–86. PMID 11484318.
- ^ "Form Non-Smoker's League". The New York Times. May 10, 1910. p. 18.
- ^ Ogle, Joni (2007). "Why Smoking Bans Are a Butt to Texas: The Impact of Smoking Bans on Private Property Rights and Individual Freedom". Texas Tech Law Review. 39: 345–377.
The right of each person to breathe and enjoy fresh and pure air-air uncontaminated by unhealthful or disagreeable odors and fumes-is a constitutional right, and cannot be taken away by legislatures and courts, much less by individuals pursuing their own thoughtless or selfish indulgence.
- ^ Sullum, Jacob (1998). For Your Own Good: The Anti-Smoking Crusade and the Tyranny of Public Health. Touchstone. p. 33. ISBN 978-0684871158.
- ^ "Dr. Pease, Anti-Tobacco Crusader, Is 79; Won Fight in 1909 on Smoking in Subways". The New York Times. December 4, 1933. p. 21. (subscription required)
- ^ "Foe of Tobacco, 80, Still a Crusader; Dr. Pease, Who Also Fights Use of Coffee, Cocoa and Meat, to Have Party Tonight. Warns Mothers in Park Can Tell at Glance When Babies Are 'Addicts' -- Presses Battle for Smokeless Subways". The New York Times. December 4, 1934. p. 23. (subscription required)
- ^ "Reform: Beautiful People". Time. October 20, 1941.
- ^ "People, Dec. 11, 1939". Time. December 11, 1939.
- ^ "200 Vegetarians Dine; Dr. C.G. Pease, Anti-Smoking Crusader, Is Honor Guest". The New York Times. November 22, 1940. p. 18. (subscription required)
- ^ "101 West 72nd Street". Landmark West. 2025. Archived from the original on January 7, 2025.
- ^ "Attacks Cult and Resigns". Evening Journal. June 12, 1905. p. 5.
- ^ a b "A Teacher of the Cult Now Assaults Christian Science". The Ocala Banner. June 30, 1905. p. 6.
- 1854 births
- 1941 deaths
- 19th-century American dentists
- 19th-century American non-fiction writers
- 20th-century American dentists
- 20th-century American non-fiction writers
- Activists from New York City
- American health and wellness writers
- American vegetarianism activists
- Anti-smoking activists
- People excommunicated by the Church of Christ, Scientist
- Writers from New York City