Records of the Radcliffe College Department of Physical Education, 1901-1973

In the early years of Radcliffe College there was no formal provision for physical education although many students attended classes at the Gymnasium established by Dr. Dudley A. Sargent, Director of Hemenway Gymnasium. The first gymnasium on the grounds of Radcliffe was the Brown and Nichols Gymnasium, where Margaret S. Wallace arrived to teach Swedish gymnastics in January, 1893. A new gymnasium, donated by Harriet (Lawrence) Hemenway, was opened in 1898, the "first of the permanent college structures." In the same year Wallace was succeeded by Elizabeth A. Wright, who continued as Director of the Gymnasium until 1922. Physical education was not compulsory at Radcliffe until 1915, when requirements were introduced that all first year students undergo medical examinations, attend a course of lectures on physical hygiene, and participate in athletic activities three times a week throughout the year. In 1920-1921 the swimming test was introduced. In 1936, however, the requirement was restated. Each student was now required to "reach her optimum in body mechanics and health" as determined by the Department, participation to continue for four years if necessary. The physical education requirement was abolished in 1961.

At first the Director of Physical Education also exercised supervision over student health. In 1924, however, a Health Consultant was appointed to make examinations, teach hygiene and advise on physical education programs for individual students. Gradually physical education became a sub-department of the Department of Health Education. As physical education became optional, athletics came under the supervision of the Office of Sports, Dance and Recreation, of which Mary Paget was appointed director in 1960. With the agreement of 1971, only "nonathletic recreational programs" such as crafts, dance and drama continued to be administered directly by Radcliffe. Sports became the responsibility of Harvard.

The Athletic Association was founded in 1901 and soon began to sponsor intramural competition in gymnastics and basketball. In cooperation with the Physical Education Department it came to sponsor an extensive program of intramural as well as intercollegiate competition. The Outing Club was formed in 1935, its activities including mountain and canoe trips and winter sports.