Spalding's Muscle Building

Luther Gulick (1865 - 1918)

Served as head of Physical Education at School for Christian Workers in Springfield, MA (now known as the YMCA) (1887-1900)
An advocate of physical training, helped convince Dr. Naismith to create an indoor game as off-season training, which would evolve into the game of "basket ball"
Guided and promoted basketball during its first years to national and international recognition through YMCA and AAU organizations
Chairman, AAU Basket Ball Committee (1895-1905)
Member, Olympic Games Committee (1906-Athens, 1908-London)
Developed the triangular YMCA symbol, signifying the physical, emotional and intellectual
Founded Public School Athletic League (PSAL) as head of physical education for Public Schools of New York City (1903)
Implemented a two-minute exercise program in public schools, the first effort of this type
Became internationally known after presenting a series of physical training lectures at the 1904 St. Louis Exposition
Joint founder and president of the Playground and Recreation Association of America and the National Recreation Association (1906)
Instrumental in creation of the Boy Scouts
Along with his wife, introduced the Camp Fire Girls to educate women on changing roles outside the home (1911)
Became the leader of a successful campaign for recruiting physical education and recreation directors for soldiers in the United States and overseas

In the winter of 1891, Luther Gulick, head of the physical education department at the YMCA Training School, persuaded James Naismith to create an indoor game in the off-season. Before becoming the chairman of the Basketball Rules Organization in 1895, Gulick oversaw Naismith create the game of basketball and led basketball's charge on the national and international level. Among his achievements, Gulick developed the YMCA triangle symbol (signifying the YMCA's physical, emotional and intellectual pursuits that still remain today), served on the Olympic Committee for the Athens Games in 1906 and London Games in 1908, and is credited with forming the Public School Athletic Leagues (PSAL) in New York, the Boy Scouts and the Camp Fire Girls.

Published Circa 1916

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