Friermood, Harold T (MS 516)

Finding Aid | Digital images and documents

Dr. Harold T. Friermood was born in La Junta, Colorado on September 14, 1902 and died in South Hadley, Massachusetts on March 2, 1999. 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). Dr. Friermood is sometimes referred to as the “Grandfather of Volleyball” for his involvement and support of the sport. He was elected to the Volleyball Hall of Fame in 1986 and the YMCA Hall of Fame in 1988. Nearly all of this collection is comprised of documents relating to Dr. Friermood’s 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, multiple dissertation drafts, floor plans and brochures from numerous Young Men’s Christian Associations, surveys, and letters. The remaining materials—mostly magazine essays and pamphlets—primarily focus on African American and Jewish membership in the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA).