Corky the Killer: A Story of Syphilis

Corky the Killer: A Story of Syphilis

Harry Wilmer used the five degrees that he earned in eight years the the University of Minnesota to create a unique method for educating the public about a serious health problem. He created Corky as a representation of the corkscrew-shaped bacteria that causes syphilis. His cartoon illustrations followed Corky's travels through the human blood stream before succumbing to the "magic bullets" that could be effective if treatment began promptly.

American Social Health Association Records, Social Welfare History Archives

New York: American Social Hygiene Association

1946