14
'Breathlessness', a plaster by R. Tait McKenzie.1900
The Mill of Kintail
15
'Effort', a plaster by R. Tait McKenzie.1901
The Mill of Kintail
16
'The Sprinter', a plaster by R. Tait McKenzie.1902
The Mill of Kintail
17
'The Athlete' by R.Tait McKenzie1903
The Mill of Kintail
18
In 1904, R. Tait McKenzie accepted a position with the University of Pennsylvania. He was made Director of the Physical Education Department and given a full professorship on the Faculty of Medicine. Under his leadership physical education would become an integral part of the curriculum.The new department of Physical Education would consist of theoretical and practical divisions. The theoretical division was designed for medical students and set forth the application of anatomy and physiology to exercise. The practical program consisted of a variety of physical education activities and was required of all students in the university. Each student underwent a physical and medical exam at the beginning of the year. Based on the results of the exam a tailored exercise program was prescribed. Swimming was also made mandatory.
Under his direction the Physical Education Department at the university expanded greatly and was one of the most important pioneer programs of physical education in the United States. One of the major objectives of McKenzie’s program was to instill in his students the ideals of fair play and sportsmanship. He set up an integrated program of intramural athletics which served as a model for other educational institutions.
McKenzie was instrumental in the formation of the Playgrounds Association of Philadelphia. School yards were acquired for public schools in the city and would afford the children a safe place to play.
19
Male physical education class performing exercises at the University of Pennsylvania.1909
University of Pennsylvania
20
Male physical education class performing a human pyramid at the University of Pennsylvania.1909
University of Pennsylvania
21
'Boy and Girl at Play'1906
Philadelphia
22
McKenzie continued to sculpt and between 1905 and 1909, he had completed the Competitor, The Supple Juggler, The Boxer and the Relay. All were done without the use of measurements.Somehow McKenzie managed to write a book during this period as well. Exercise in Education and Medicine, published in 1909, was the first text of its kind. It became a bible for those in the Physical Education field. In this book he outlined exercise programs for all ages from infants to seniors. He included a program for public schools. McKenzie believed physical activity and fitness was necessary to build character and health in children.
23
'The Competitor' by R.Tait McKenzie1906
The Mill of Kintail
24
'The Relay' by R.Tait McKenzie1909
The Mill of Kintail
25
McKenzie in his studio at work the on the boxer.1905
University of Pennsylvania
26
'The Boxer' by R. Tait McKenzie1905
The Mill of Kintail
27
Title Page: 'Exercise in Education and Medicine'1917
The Mill of Kintail
 |
 |
 |
 |