KAHPERD History

The first organizational meeting for the development of Kansas Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (KAHPERD) was held on November 16, 1920 in Topeka, KS. The title for the association was the Kansas Physical Education Association (KPEA). A constitution was drafted and a slate of officers were elected. The first president of this newly formed organization was James Naismith from the University of Kansas. Other than this initial meeting, there are no historical records of any formal meetings held for the next eight years (1920-1928).

In 1928, L.P. Dittemore of Topeka called upon all persons interested in physical education to meet at the conclusion of the annual Kansas State Teachers Association to revive the KPEA. At this meeting new officers were elected, and the association changed its name to the Kansas State Physical Education Association (KSPEA). A formal constitution was written and adopted at the 1929 convention. Since 1928, conventions and regular meetings have been held with the exception of 1933, 1943 and 1945. The 1933 convention was not held because the district physical education convention was held in Wichita. The 1943 and 1945 conventions were not held due to World War II and the fuel rationing and travel restrictions that resulted from the war.

 

In 1931, the association changed its name to the Kansas State Health and Physical Education Association. In 1935, the name was again changed to the Kansas Health and Physical Education Association. In 1947, recreation was added to the organization. Finally, in 1979, dance was added to the association to form the name of the organization that is still used, the Kansas Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (KAHPERD).

 

The journals, newsletters and other written documents produced by KAHPERD have also undergone several transformations. The first written communication of KAHPERD was through letters among its members (1920-1930). In 1930, a bulletin was published and sent to all members four times per year. In 1938, the bulletin was formalized into more of a journal. In October of 1963, the name of the bulletin was changed to the Journal. Currently, the journal is published twice a year -- fall and spring. It appears the longest tenure of an editor of any of the KAHPERD publications was L.P. Washburn. He served as the editor of the bulletin from 1930 to 1944.

 

It is interesting to note that KAHPERD members have always been able to mix fun, laughter and relaxation into the work of the association. In the 1960's, there was a KAHPERD choral group called the "Sunflower Choral." This group gained a reputation around Kansas singing at the District and National AAHPERD conventions. Who can ignore the talented and social dancers from within the association? No convention has ever been complete without the KAHPERD members being first on the convention dance floor. Many other state AAHPERD's have openly commented to KAHPERD members that they wish their state had the leadership, dedication, cohesiveness and fun that the KAHPERD association displayed.

 

Who are you, the KAHPERD members? You are part of one of the most historical professional groups in the state of Kansas. You are part of an organization with a rich and colorful past. Be proud of your past, work for the organization in the present, and develop a vision of KAHPERD's future.

 

Written by Glen Lojka