Nudism came to America (1929). In a matter of only a few years, its advocates grew steadily in number from a mere handful to a well organized association of over several thousand members. However, it was not until organized nudism employed the techniques of mass journalism that membership rosters showed any marked tendancy to show substantial gains. The earliest publication devoted solely to nudism ws . i tied simply, “The Nudist.’ It carried accounts of active nudist centers, first person experiences, articles of general interest and, inevitably, frank, bona-fide photographs of nudists at work and play.

This publiction was an instant success. At the same time, it engendered considerable opposition as well — opposition that could readily be correlated to its steady rise in circulation. The interesting fact to note, however, is that every criticism leveled at the magazine was restricted to the inclusion of wholly unretouched photographs. No one disputed the nudists’ right to disseminate their views. No one took violent exception to the articles. After all. the United States Constitution guaranteed the nudists’ right to advocate their cause no matter how unconventional or unpopular their way of life might be. But pictures? — that was another matter.