Perrin, Ethel (1871–1962)
Perrin, Ethel (1871–1962)
American physical education expert. Born Ethel Perrin, Feb 7, 1871, in Needham, MA; died May 15, 1962, in Brewster, NY; dau. of David Perrin (merchant) and Ellen (Hooper) Perrin.
Physical education specialist who believed that women's health was weakened by strenuous sports, which should be modified to suit women's physical and social limitations; taught at Boston Normal School of Gymnastics (1892–1906); was girls' physical education director in Central High School in Detroit (1908); became supervisor of physical education for Detroit Public Schools (1909); co-developed State of Michigan Course of Study in Physical Education, which became model for public school physical education programs across US (1914); was appointed 1st female vice president of American Physical Education Association (1920); served as assistant director of health education in Detroit (1920–23); became executive officer of National Amateur Athletic Federation (1923); served as associate director of Health Education Division of American Child Health Association (1923–36); was dairy farmer at Rocky Dell Farm in Brewster, NY (1936–62). Became 2nd woman to receive Luther Halsey Gulick Award for distinguished service in physical education (1946).