Α PORTRAIT OF A GREAT NUDIST

Sol Stern
(1914 - 1987)

The question has often been put to me, "Why do you work so hard at nudism?" "What do you get out of it?" I believe that I can best answer these questions by telling you about a man whom I recently met at Sunny Palms in Florida.

He was a big man. His alert and piercing eyes sparkled with excitement. He proudly manifest his love of life and of people. He reminded me of a big, friendly St. Bernard dog. His movements were easy; he was awkward; he was graceful. His deep and booming voice commanded attention. He was not too articulate, but he was capable of expressing his thoughts, the logic of which was excellent. This was not minimized by the fact that he spoke with an accent indicative of his foreign birth.

He held no titles. No honors had been bestowed upon him. He was just another nudist who would be characterized as another ordinary member. However, it did not take long to determine the tremendous impact of his personality and of his activities; his heartfelt love of his fellow-members; his ever willingness to aid nudism or his friends by services or contributions. Everyone knew that he could be counted on to respond in an emergency. His response to a call for help was immediate and unequivocal. His love of and devotion to nudism and nudists was of great depth and quality.

What motivated this remarkable individual? Evaluation did not disclose at any point that he was subjective in his thinking. His sole reason for always being ready and willing to serve, or to undertake anything which he felt would aid the cause, was that he was dedicated to the principles of nudism. He was a zealot who was consumed by a contagious spirit. His presence in a group gave birth to an esprit de corps. All others experienced a pride in being a part of that group. He was the catalyst that blended the many personalities. Little did he realize the importance of his influence upon those with whom he came in contact.

It was on my recent trip to Florida, when I attended the ESA Mid-winter Conference at the Lake Como Club and visited Sunny Palms that I had the great pleasure and stimulating experience of meeting this great nudist. So profound was the impact of this event that I have been thinking how representative he is of many of the members of the ASA. He is characteristic of the many unsung heroes, who, through their untiring, unselfish, and unacknowledged efforts, have made it possible for nudism to attain the maturity it now enjoys. I am certain that many of us know other wonderful members of the Association who are within the category I have described above. In our busy lives, let us give them deserving recognition; let us take a moment to bestow a "sun tan," a word of appreciation and praise upon them when the opportunity presents itself. These are truly important people.

Thus, let me state that I am inspired to render service to the organization by the example of men of this statute and caliber. I am compelled to emulate these great people. A commendable example must be followed. Everyone can become a member of this select group of builders. Join with me and let us seek and earn admission into their midst.

Sol Stern
ASA President, 1961-62

(Source: The Bulletin, Volume 11, Number 5, May 1962)