On the Playgrounds

On the playgrounds of the Salisbury, N.C.  Graded School, April, 1907. 

While this is obviously a group portrait of students and staff, it is interesting that it is on what they called a “playground.”  Physical education did not appear in public schools until the late 1880’s.  Dr. Luther Gulick developed the first modern curriculum in Physical Education for American schools.  He introduced programs of “safe easy, short, beneficial and pleasant” exercises and games.  By 1903, he became the director of Physical Education for New York Public Schools.  In 1906, he helped found the Playground Association of America to make sure that public playgrounds were available for school children and pre-schoolers across the country.  

Postcard series no. 0162 Raphael Tuck & Sons

Source: 

Unger, Harlow G.  Encyclopedia of American Education. New York, Facts on File, 1996

Theo Buerbaum

The materials in this collection are made available courtesy of Rowan Public Library for use in research and private study. Images and text may not be used without prior permission from Rowan Public Library, Edith M. Clark History Room.

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