Biographical Note

Dr. Harold T. Friermood was born in La Junta, Colorado on September 14, 1902. He is best known for his involvement with the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) and his contributions to physical education (specifically volleyball and swimming). For his involvement and support of Volleyball, including bringing Volleyball to the Olympics in 1964, he is sometimes referred to as the “Grandfather of Volleyball.” In 1921, he enrolled in Association College (better known as George Williams College) at the behest of one of his YMCA associates. Fascinated by the work of physical education pioneers Robert Roberts and Luther Halsey Gulick, and motivated by his professors Dean Foss and James Andresen, he ultimately graduated with a BA in 1925. He continued his education with another BA from the University of Chicago (1929), an MS from the University of Wisconsin (1939), and Ed.D. from New York University (1954). Friermood held a multitude of noteworthy positions. From 1943 through 1968, he served as the National Director of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Sports for the National Board of YMCAs in the United States. Additionally, he served as Executive Director of the Council for National Cooperation in Aquatics (CNCA) from 1968 to 1975. Friermood also served as the 2nd president of the United States Volleyball Association (1952-1955) and was a member of the United States Olympic Committee (1944 to 1985). In addition, he was elected to the YMCA Hall of Fame in 1988, the Volleyball Hall of Fame in 1965, and was the first recipient of the US Volleyball Association’s Frier Award (named after him) in 1965.

Despite the variety of Dr. Friermood’s academic work, almost the entirety of this collection is comprised of documents relating to his New York University doctoral dissertation, titled “Health Clubs in the YMCA with respect to current status and development of operating standards.” The documents include large charts with the raw data from over one hundred and seventy YMCAs, multiple dissertation drafts, floor plans and brochures from numerous YMCAs, surveys, and letters. The study came from a proposal to the National YMCA Physical Education Committee for national affiliation of Business Men’s Clubs (BMC). The committee stated that before addressing this proposal, they wanted an extensive study completed.

Preparation for the study began in 1946, during which time the Business Men’s Club Study Steering Committee sent a letter to all Young Men’s Christian Associations (YMCA) in the United States requesting basic information on all types of Business Men’s Clubs or Health Clubs. A letter from the National Council of the Young Men’s Christian Association describes the study’s purpose as follows:

“At this particular time many people are looking for discerning answers to questions relating to YMCA Business Men’s clubs. What equipment – what space – what program – what fees – whom to serve – shall health service be provided – do clubs of the BMC type provide a needed service? The National YMCA Physical Education Committee has been authorized by the National Board to undertake a study to obtain essential information relative to Business Men’s Clubs. A preliminary investigation has been made during the last three years. A steering committee was named last January, and with the help of 100 people, has developed plans and procedures. The purpose of this study is to determine the extent and status of so-called health clubs, ‘Y’ athletic clubs, or business men’s clubs in the United States; what constitute the standards for current practices; and what adjustments may be necessary to raise the level of operation and performance.”

After submitting his thesis in 1954, Dr. Friermood spent the following year completing a manuscript about the operation of the YMCA’s Individual Health Services and Business Men’s Clubs (copies of which are in this collection). He completed this publication sometime during the summer of 1955.

Found in 5 Collections and/or Records: