Dr. Burpee
Timeline for Dr. Burpee
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Dr. Burpee sailing, probably Lake George, NY, circa 1950
Dr. Burpee
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Timeline
If you’re interested in purchasing a publication, please contact me and mention the title.
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June 4, 1897
Born in New York City, New York.
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1918
Attended Officers’ Material School in Pelham Bay Park, NY. Entered Naval Auxiliary Reserves as Ensign, US Navy in World War I.
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circa 1929
Began his career with the YMCA of New York City as Secretary of Health and Physical Education at Sloane House.
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1931
Published Differentiated Physical Education in The Journal of Physical Education, his first publication about fitness assessment of the non-athlete.
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1936
Earned MS, Applied Physiology, Columbia University. Thesis: Measuring Reaction Times of Athletes published in The Research Quarterly.
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1938
Copyrighted Key to New York City, written for the Recreation Information Service of Sloane House YMCA. A sightseeing guide for visitors to NYC.
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1939
The Book of Trips: Complete, Economical, Self-Guided Tours of New York published by Association Press with a foreword from Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia.
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1939
Earned PhD, Applied Physiology, Columbia University. Thesis: Seven Quickly Administered Tests of Physical Capacity, detailing the design of his exercise.
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1942
US enters World War II and adopts the Burpee test to quickly assess the physical capacity of recruits.
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1942
Appointed Overseas Program Director, United Service Organization (USO). USO’s holistic approach to soldiers’ well-being helped shape his philosophy.
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circa 1945
Returns to Sloane House as Director. YMCA’s integrative approach to health feeds his belief in the virtues of physical activity and non-profit work.
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January 13, 1987
Died in Easton, Northampton, Pennsylvania (89.5 years old).
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