Jess Hopkins' Letter to Brown (March 23, 1928)

In: Student Files

Abstract

John Hopkins wrote this letter to John Brown, Jr. on March 23, 1928. Hopkins writes that budget cuts to the YMCA have "dangerously weakened" their offices in South America and that while he will be leaving, he hopes that the current staff be kept on for at least the next ten years. At the end of the letter, Hopkins asks Brown for his candid opinion regarding whether Hopkins will be able to find work in the United States. ; Jess Townsend Hopkins (March 31, 1887—?) was born in Iowa and graduated from the International YMCA Training School, now known as Springfield College, in 1910. While there, he served as vice president of his class. After graduation, he worked as physical director of the Gorgona YMCA in Panama. In the summer of 1915, he was hired by the International Committee for South America to work on playground extension. After this work, Hopkins was hired as the first physical director of the Montevideo YMCA (founded in 1909) and as director of physical education for the Uruguayan government. In this position, he built two new playgrounds. Twelve thousand spectators attended the inauguration of the last playground, where a variety of sports were demonstrated by athletic clubs. During this event, baseball was demonstrated for the very first time in Uruguay. The YMCA also introduced basketball, volleyball and competitive swimming to the country. In 1918, he returned to Springfield College for his master's degree in physical education. In 1920, Hopkins introduced social development and extension programs, such as the work with "canillitas" (people who sell newspapers on the streets). Hopkins is also credited with raising the standards and expectations for gyms and physical education at the Uruguay YMCA. Before his arrival, gyms were poorly ventilated with only heavy weightlifting equipment. Hopkins transformed them into arenas for popular classes, exercise routines, and YMCA drills. He introduced hot and cold baths, embraced the "Play Fair" philosophy, and brought physical training and health education into school curriculum. In 1928, Hopkins left Uruguay and returned to the United States.