Timeline – (1894 – 1963)

1894: Born in 1894, he was the son of a hardworking tailor from New York’s Lower East Side

1922: Founded the American Library Service.

1930: Gould founded the Film Arts Guild in New York, where he pioneered the exhibition and distribution of imported motion pictures. His vision was to expand the cultural landscape by bringing international cinema to American audiences, offering films often overlooked by mainstream distributors.

1940 (approx): The American Vegetarian, a monthly newspaper published by E.L. Pratt in Pismo Beach, California, initially launched with Symon Gould serving as associate editor. In this role, Gould contributed significantly to the publication’s mission of promoting vegetarianism, helping shape its editorial direction and expanding its reach.

1943: The New York Times reported that Claude R. Wickard, the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, had written to Symon Gould, secretary of the Vegetarian Society of New York. In his letter, Wickard informed Gould that the government was exploring a unique rationing plan for vegetarians to ensure they had access to adequate protein and essential nutrients. This development marked a significant acknowledgment of the growing influence of the vegetarian movement and the government’s recognition of its dietary needs during national food scarcity and rationing.

1946:  In New York City, Gould moderated a spirited debate hosted by the League for Public Discussion, where the topic of meat-eating was pitted against vegetarianism. His role as moderator was pivotal in guiding the conversation, fostering an open exchange of ideas, and presenting both sides of the issue. The event highlighted Gould’s commitment to promoting informed dialogue on the ethical, health, and environmental implications. It helped raise awareness about the benefits of vegetarianism in the broader public sphere.

1946: The New York Times reported that at a dinner honoring the 90th birthday of George Bernard Shaw, chicken was set to be the main dish. In response, Gould passionately argued that Shaw’s remarkable longevity could largely be attributed to his abstinence from flesh, fish, and fowl. Gould contended that if Shaw had been present at the celebration, he would have insisted on a vegetarian meal and prohibited smoking and drinking. This statement highlighted Gould’s firm belief in the health benefits of a plant-based lifestyle and his admiration for Shaw’s commitment to these principles, which he saw as key to the playwright’s vitality and long life.

1947: The American Vegetarian Party, a U.S. political party, was founded on July 28th at the Commodore Hotel in New York City during the American Naturopathic Association’s convention. The party’s formation marked a significant moment in the intersection of health, ethics, and politics, intending to advocate for policies that promoted vegetarianism, sustainable living, and natural health practices.  The party’s creation reflected a growing desire to influence public policy favoring plant-based living and holistic well-being.

1948: Dr. John Maxwell ran as the presidential nominee for the American Vegetarian Party, with Symon Gould serving as the vice-presidential nominee. Together, they campaigned to promote the values of vegetarianism, natural health, and ethical living, advocating for policies prioritizing a vegetarian diet, environmental sustainability, and holistic wellness. Their candidacies represented a bold attempt to bring the principles of the vegetarian movement into the political mainstream, challenging conventional ideas about food, health, and society.

1948: Gould, along with attorney Irving Davidson and esteemed doctors Herbert Shelton, William Esser, Christopher Gian-Cursio, Gerald Benesh, and Jesse Mercer Gehman, as well as film producer Jack Dunn Trop, came together to establish the American Natural Hygiene Society. Shelton was unanimously elected as the first president, driving a powerful movement. Through dedicated educational initiatives, the Society successfully reignited the Hygienic revolution, empowering thousands to embrace and apply the transformative principles of Natural Hygiene. This organization evolved into the National Health Association in 1998 and continues its mission to promote health and well-being for all.

1949: At the inaugural convention of the American Natural Hygiene Society (ANHS), Gould was pivotal in organizing and promoting key events. He arranged special classes led by Dr. Herbert M. Shelton, a renowned figure in the natural hygiene movement. Also, he coordinated a distinguished lecture by Dr. Shelton at the prestigious Roosevelt Auditorium. Collaborating with fellow activists Irving Davidson and J.D. Trop, Gould garnered significant media attention, securing widespread newspaper coverage. He also facilitated a radio address by Dr. Shelton, amplifying the reach of their message and further solidifying the ANHS’s presence in the public sphere. Through his strategic efforts, Gould helped elevate the movement, making it more accessible to a broader audience and advancing the cause of natural hygiene.

1949: On a mission to promote vegetarianism in Israel, Gould brought samples of innovative meat substitutes to show how these alternatives could help address the nation’s challenges in feeding its growing population. Upon arriving, he organized a special vegetable dinner, inviting key figures, including cabinet members, farmers, physicians, and restaurant owners. Through this event, Gould demonstrated that it was possible and beneficial for Israelis to thrive without relying on meat, offering a sustainable solution to health and food security concerns. His efforts showcased the potential of plant-based diets to provide nutritious, eco-friendly alternatives while fostering a broader conversation about the future of food in Israel.

1952: Daniel J. Murphy ran as the presidential nominee for the American Vegetarian Party, with Symon Gould serving as his vice-presidential running mate. Together, they campaigned to bring the principles of vegetarianism, health reform, and ethical living into the political mainstream. 

1953: In a letter to the editor of the New York Times, Gould vehemently protested the senseless slaughter of 700 black bears to provide the fur for shakos, the distinctive headgear worn by the Royal Guard. He decried the practice as cruel and wasteful, highlighting the ethical implications of using animal fur for ceremonial purposes. His outspoken stance brought attention to the issue, contributing to the growing discourse on the ethical treatment of animals in society.

1956: Dr. Herbert M. Shelton ran as the presidential nominee for the American Vegetarian Party, with Symon Gould as his vice-presidential running mate. Together, they championed a platform promoting vegetarianism, natural hygiene, and holistic health, advocating for policies prioritizing ethical living, sustainability, and well-being.

1956: In a letter to the editor of the New York Times, Gould addressed proposed legislation aimed at making the slaughter of animals for food more humane. He emphasized the deeper moral issue at stake: whether we have the right to kill millions of animals each year for human sustenance. Gould urged readers to reconsider not just the methods of slaughter but the ethical implications of taking lives for food. He argued for a critical examination of our dietary choices. He called for a shift toward more compassionate and sustainable alternatives, highlighting the importance of respecting animal life in our food systems.

1956: In a letter to the editor of the New York Times, Gould responded to the August 21st column highlighting the health hazards food additives pose. He commended Congressman James Delaney, a Democrat from New York, for his leadership as chairman of the investigative committee and his subsequent introduction of a bill aimed at curbing these additives, which now include nearly 1,000 different chemicals. Gould emphasized the need for cancer research teams to prioritize studying the potential link between these additives and cancer. He argued that such research should be mandatory, given the growing concerns over the safety of the chemicals in our food supply and their possible long-term health impacts.

1960: Symon Gould ran as the presidential nominee for the Vegetarian Party, with Dr. Christopher Gian-Cursio as his vice-presidential running mate. However, following the 1960 election, the American Vegetarian Party disbanded. Despite this, there were occasional attempts to revive the party in subsequent years.

1960: In a letter to the editor of the New York Times, he commented on a phrase Alvin Shuster used when he referred to Vegetarians as “die-hard.”  Gould wrote that vegetarians do not believe in a policy of “die-hard” as part of his platform when running for president of the American Vegetarian Party.

1963: Symon Gould passed away at the age of 70 at Roosevelt Hospital in Manhattan. He was survived by his son, Raphael, and three granddaughters: Heidi, Abbey, and Susan.

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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.