United States Congressional Serial Set Volume 3766 (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1899 edition. Excerpt: ...regards physical education the Round Hill School was decidedly the more refulgent. Although a rude attempt at gymnastics was made in the Monitorial School for Girls in Boston early in tho spring of 1825, I know of no reason to dispute tho claim of Messrs. Cogswell and Bancroft of Round Hill that they "were the first in the new continent to connect gymnastics with a purely literary establishment." The Round Hill gymnasium was established in 1825. It was in reality a turn-platz or outdoor gymnastic ground, planned, fitted, and managed in accordance with the Jahn system of turning then prevalent in Germany, and to a much less extent in England. Dr. Charles Beck, who was "instructor in Latin and gymnastics" at Round Hill, had been a pupil of Jahn himself, it is said. Gymnastics continued to be a feature at Bound Hill for several years. Harvard College started the first American college gymnasium in one of its dining halls in March, 1826; and later in the same season a variety of gymnastic appliances were put up in the playground, known as the Delta. Dr. Follen, a German exile, familiar with the Jahn turning, was the instructor and leader in gymnastics. The Boston Gymnasium, opened in the Washington Gardens October 3, 1826, with Dr. Follen as its principal instructor, seems to have been the first public gymnasium of any note in the United States. In July, 1827, Dr. Francis Lieber, who was warmly recommended by his old teacher and friend, Father Jahn, succeeded Dr. Follen. In passing it may be remarked that the managers of the Boston Gymnasium did not enter into negotiations with Dr. Lieber until their endeavors to sec me Jahn as director proved futile. (For an account of the negotiations see American Physical Education...