Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Semester of Degree Completion

1997

Thesis Director

Scott A.G.M. Crawford

Abstract

This study reflects on the life and professional contributions of Florence Geikler McAfee. The study explores the impact Miss McAfee had on the development of the Physical Education curriculum and the department at Eastern Illinois University. Finally, this study comments on the effect Florence McAfee had on the Physical Education students and staff. Miss Florence McAfee came to Eastern, then known as Eastern Illinois Teachers College, in 1924 and was a member of its faculty until her retirement in 1962. She was the Head of the Women's Physical Education Department for twenty-seven years. Miss McAfee served as the only women's Physical Education and Lab School instructor for five years. During the next four decades, Miss McAfee developed a curriculum that would serve minor (1938), major (1945), and graduate (1956) programs. Florence McAfee and her department were recognized as outstanding not only on Eastern's campus, but at other teacher education institutions as well. On March 23, 1968 McAfee Gymnasium was dedicated along with the Dehnam dance studio. Dr. Hobart Heller presented the dedicatory speech. The portrait was presented to the University and accepted by President Quincy Doudna. On September 17, 1983 Florence McAfee was inducted to the Eastern Illinois University Hall of Fame. She was honored posthumously with a plaque. Her picture and plaque are housed in the outer lobby of the Lantz Building along with the other Hall of Fame honorees.

Florence Geikler McAfee was born August 3, 1899 to John S. McAfee and Josephine M. (Graul) McAfee who lived in the Philadelphia area. Miss McAfee attended 3 elementary schools in northern Philadelphia, as a result of several moves. The McAfee family finally settled at 3860 N. Franklin St. in Germantown, a section of Philadelphia. Miss McAfee entered Germantown High School in 1914, where she attended until her graduation in 1918. In January of 1923, she received an A.B. degree in Education and Psychology from Pennsylvania State College. Miss McAfee received her two year certificate in Hygiene and Physical Education from Wellsley in 1924. She received an A.M. or Masters of Arts in 1931 from Columbia University, received her doctorate in February of 1940 at New York University.

This study of Florence McAfee's life and professional contributions provides insights into curriculum content and educational experiences of the early twentieth century. Under Miss McAfee's guidance, students were prepared for all possible teaching situations. Included in this study is a brief history of Eastern, the years 1899 to 1924, prior to Miss McAfee's joining the staff and continues until the year 1968 the time of the McAfee Gymnasium dedication.

Finally this study serves as a record of the early history of women's Physical Education and athletics at Eastern. The birth of organized physical activity for women occurred throughout the Midwest at this time. Miss McAfee was one of many pioneers in this new field for women. Her story captured the unique philosophy and customs of that era.

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