George A. May
George A. May | |
|---|---|
 May from the 1948 Michiganensian | |
| Born | July 8, 1872 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States |
| Died | March 28, 1948 (aged 75) Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States |
| Years active | 1901–1942 |
| Known for | Athletic trainer and administrator |
George Augustus May (July 8, 1872 – March 28, 1948) was an American gymnast, athletic trainer, and professor of physical education. A native of Philadelphia, he gained acclaim as a gymnast as a young man. He then worked for Yale University from 1896 to 1901 and for the University of Michigan from 1901 to 1942. He was a trainer and professor of physical education at Michigan.
Early years[edit]
May was born in Philadelphia in 1872. His parents, George and Sophia May, were both natives of Hanover, Germany.[1][2] His father was a baker.[1] As a young man, he gained note as a gymnast in Philadelphia.[3]
Professional career[edit]
Yale[edit]
May moved to New Haven, Connecticut, in 1896 to become an instructor in gymnastics at Yale University and received an M.D. from the Yale Medical School in 1901.[4] He worked for five years as an instructor in gymnastics at Yale in 1896.[3]
Michigan[edit]
In 1901, May was hired by the University of Michigan as an instructor and physical examiner at the Waterman Gymnasium.[5][6] In 1910, he was appointed as a professor of physical training and director of Waterman Gymnasium.[7][8] He was also the trainer of the undefeated 1918 Michigan Wolverines football team that has been recognized as a national championship team.[9] In 1922, he was promoted from the position of assistant professor to associate professor of physical education.[10] May continued to be employed by the University of Michigan for 41 years.[5] As of 1935, he still conducted a rigorous daily workout at age 64 and had reportedly not missed a day of work in 40 years.[3] He retired in 1942 after reaching the compulsory retirement age of 70 and was granted the title associate professor emeritus of physical education.[5][11] At the time of his retirement, he was still able to "swing expertly" on the parallel bars at the Waterman Gymnasium.[12]
Family and later years[edit]
May married Anna Marie Vaughan of Cleveland on New Year's Eve 1927.[4][13] She died in 1933.[4] They had no children.[12] He died March 28, 1948, in Michigan's University Hospital.[4][14] He left a trust fund valued at $124,000 to the University of Michigan for athletic scholarships under the name "The Dr. George A. May Scholarship Fund".[15]
See also[edit]
References[edit]
- ^ a b 1900 Census entry for George May and family. Year: 1900; Census Place: Philadelphia Ward 17, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Roll: 1459; Page: 2B; Enumeration District: 0319; FHL microfilm: 1241459. Ancestry.com. 1900 United States Federal Census [database on-line].
- ^ 1920 Census entry for George May. Year: 1920; Census Place: Ann Arbor Ward 6, Washtenaw, Michigan; Roll: T625_799; Page: 6B; Enumeration District: 138; Image: 945. Ancestry.com. 1920 United States Federal Census [database on-line].
- ^ a b c "The Doc: He's Still Fit; Exercise Keeps Him on Job Every Day for 40 Years". Detroit Free Press. March 17, 1935. p. 10.
- ^ a b c d "A Figure Known to Thousands Is Gone". The Michigan Alumnus. 54 (19): 345–46. 24 April 1948. Retrieved 30 March 2015.
- ^ a b c "Memoir George A. May". University of Michigan. July 1942.
- ^ "Dr. May of Yale, To Be Instructor at Waterman Gymnasium at U. of M." Detroit Free Press. June 11, 1901. p. 3.
- ^ "Kraenzlein New Coach at Michigan, With May Taking Fitz's Titles: Last Named Is Now Field Professor of Physical Training and Director of Waterman Gymnasium--New Man Will Coach Track Team and Will Care for Physical Condition of All Athletic Squads". Detroit Free Press. March 5, 1910. p. 8.
- ^ "New Trainer at Michigan: A. C. Kraenzlein Succeeds Keene Fitzpatrick at Michigan" (PDF). The New York Times. March 5, 1910.
- ^ "1918 Football Team". University of Michigan, Bentley Historical Library.
- ^ "Changes in Position". The Michigan Alumnus. May 4, 1922. p. 820.
- ^ "Molders of Athletes: Death Takes C. H. Brennan, 'Doc' May". Detroit Free Press. March 30, 1948. p. 14.
- ^ a b "Noted U. of M. Teacher Dies: Dr. George A. May Succumbs Sunday". The News-Palladium. March 29, 1948. p. 14.
- ^ Marriage record for George A. May and Anna M. Vaughan. Cuyahoga County Archive; Cleveland, Ohio; Cuyahoga County, Ohio, Marriage Records, 1810-1973; Volume: Vol 151-152; Page: 475; Year Range: 1927 Oct - 1928 Apr. Ancestry.com. Cuyahoga County, Ohio, Marriage Records and Indexes, 1810-1973 [database on-line].
- ^ "Dr. George A. May". The Ludington Daily News. March 29, 1948. p. 8.
- ^ "Dr. May's Will Benefits U-M Athletes". Detroit Free Press. May 15, 1948. p. 14.