Timeline – (1901 – 1976) 

1901: Born on January 17th in Elverson, Pennsylvania, to Samuel Kurtz Gehman and Rachel Lilley Gehman.

1920s: Worked as an editor for Bernarr McFadden’s Physical Culture.

1925: Gehman posed for the statue of Christopher Columbus, created by Vincenzo Miserendino.

1925: Graduated from the American College of Naturopathy and Chiropractic with degrees in nutrition (DCN), naturopathy (ND), and chiropractic (CD).

1925: Gehman was acclaimed internationally as the American Apollo by a weekly news magazine.

1925: Gehman married Anna Pauline Stone in Manhattan, New York, on January 17th, and together they had two children. The family later relocated to Paterson, New Jersey, where they operated the Luxor Baths. Over time, however, the marriage ended in divorce.

1930s-1950s: served as secretary and president of the Citizens Medical Reference Bureau.

1931: Completed a doctorate in Natural Philosophy in 1931.

1935: Gehman marries Anges Stone, the sister of his first wife, on Sept. 26 in Manhattan, NY. They had three children together. The Gehmans moved to a farm in Duncannon, Pennsylvania, where they founded a health spa and natural healing center called the Natural Living Foundation.

1943: Smoke Over America was published. This is a critical examination of the health and societal impacts of tobacco use, mainly focusing on its widespread addiction and harmful effects. In this work, Gehman aims to raise public awareness about the dangers of smoking to encourage both individual reflection and government action. He portrays tobacco not just as a recreational substance but as a potent narcotic that contributes to numerous health issues and social problems.

1947: A Commemorative and Descriptive Book on the Light of Naturopathy was published.

1947: Living Today for Tomorrow was published.

1948: A remarkable coalition formed when Dr. Gehnman joined forces with attorney Irving Davidson and distinguished doctors Herbert Shelton, William Esser, Gerald Benesh, and Christopher Gian-Cursio, along with film producer Jack Dunn Trop and publicist Symon Gould, to establish the American Natural Hygiene Society. Ironically, the ANHS was launched on the same day Gian-Cursio was released from prison for practicing medicine without a license.

1949: Served as Chairman of the First American Vegetarian Convention, held in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, which founded the American Vegetarian Union. Dr. Gehman was elected as its first president.

1950: Is Smoking Harmful? was published. This is a comprehensive examination of the dangers of smoking, written to raise public awareness about the numerous health risks associated with tobacco use. Gehman presents scientific evidence to show how smoking negatively impacts various parts of the body and mind, and he also discusses the broader social implications of tobacco use.

1959: Why? Use Suncooked Juice Foods Daily! For Health, Strength, Happiness! was published. This book advocates for the health benefits of consuming raw, fresh fruits and vegetables, particularly in the form of juices. It emphasizes the vital role that live, uncooked foods play in maintaining health, promoting strength, and fostering happiness. The book was published in 1959, at a time when there was growing interest in holistic health and natural food remedies.

1960-1975: Served as International Vegetarian Union Regional Secretary for the Americas.

1975: Honored by the International Vegetarian Union for his efforts in advancing vegetarianism.

1960-1976: Served as Vice-President of the International Vegetarian Union.

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The NHA wishes to remind the readers that nothing in this or other publications is intended to constitute medical treatment or advice. Readers should be aware that some previous publications do not reflect the NHA’s current health teachings or approach to health in several areas.

Our Mission

The mission of the National Health Association is to educate and empower individuals to understand that health results from healthy living. We recognize the integration of all aspects of health: personal, environmental, and social.

We communicate the benefits of a plant-based diet, exercise and rest, a healthy environment, psychological well-being, and when indicated, the use of fasting.