Normal Work (c. 1900-1902)

Item Information

Title:
Normal Work (c. 1900-1902)
Description:
This glass negative shows eighteen young boys, some wearing caps with the Springfield College and YMCA insignia, the triangle, sitting and standing in three rows. George Henckel (class of 1902), a student at the International YMCA Training School, sits in the center of the second row. During the late 19th and early 20th century, “normal work” occupied a vital role at the core of the International YMCA Training School, now known as Springfield College. Referring to “directed laboratory work and service activities,” normal work addressed “the cry against ‘theory’ and the demand for more practical experiences.” Students traveled to churches, Sunday Schools, playgrounds, and public schools, and performed a variety of duties. Depending on the students, these service opportunities were either paid, for credit, or on a volunteer-basis. The student pictured may have been entertaining a boys’ club, leading a scout troop, or teaching at a Sunday School. In 1897, George Henckel began working as the Assistant Physical Director of the Albany YMCA (New York). In 1899, he left this position to attend the International YMCA Training School, from which he graduated in 1902. During his time at college, Henckel played for the football team and spent his summers with the Springfield Normal Work Division. After graduating, the Montclair YMCA (New Jersey) employed him as Physical Director, where he remained until 1905. The following year, Henckel moved to Orange, New Jersey, to again work as Physical Director at the YMCA. He stayed here for the next four years. Henckel died on September 17, 1936.
Date:
[1900?–1902?]
Format:
Photographs
Location:
Springfield College Archives and Special Collections
Collection (local):
College Archives Digital Collections
Series:
Glass Negative Collection
Subjects:
International Young Men's Christian Association Training School (Springfield, Mass.)
Springfield College
Springfield College--Alumni and alumnae
Triangles
Henckel, George
Group portraits
Places:
Massachusetts > Hampden (county) > Springfield
Extent:
5"x7"
Link to Item:
https://cdm16122.contentdm.oclc.org/cdm/ref/collection/p15370coll2/id/6302
Terms of Use:
Text and images are owned, held, or licensed by Springfield College and are available for personal, non-commercial, and educational use, provided that ownership is properly cited. A credit line is required and should read: Courtesy of Springfield College, Babson Library, Archives and Special Collections. Any commercial use without written permission from Springfield College is strictly prohibited. Other individuals or entities other than, and in addition to, Springfield College may also own copyrights and other propriety rights. The publishing, exhibiting, or broadcasting party assumes all responsibility for clearing reproduction rights and for any infringement of United States copyright law.
Contact host institution for more information.
Publisher:
Springfield College
Identifier:
GN-035
SC21230