Celebrate
the Past
Virtual Hall of Fame Florence A Somers 1939-1942 Florence A. Somers, B.S., M.A., born in 1889, in Waltham, Massachusetts, has made notable contributions in two countries. She received her early education in the United States, obtaining a diploma from the Sargent School of Physical Education in 1908, a B.S. degree in Education from Boston University in 1923, and an M.A. from New York University in 1929. Her wide and varied experience has included teaching in Baltimore elementary schools; Cleveland Normal and High Schools; Oberlin College; Normal School, Salem, Mass.; Massachusetts Department of Education; Director of Health and Physical Education, East Orange Public Schools, Associate Director Sargent School. Coming to Toronto in 1933 as assistant director of the Margaret Eaton School, she become the Director in 1934. when the school became a part of the University of Toronto in 1941, Miss Somers directed the professional courses for women with the status of assistant professor. She has been affiliated with professional organizations such as the National Committee, and National Section of Women’s Athletics of the A.A.H.P.E.R.; the Women’s Division of the N.A.A.P.; and the White House Conference on Child Health and Protection. She has contributed significantly to the Canadian Association for Health, Physical Education and Recreation. She served for two terms as President, and also as an executive member and committee member, having been the first chairman of the Honour Award Committee. She took ac active part in many other organizations such as the Canadian Camping Association, the Ontario Camping Association, the American Women’s Club, the University Women’s Club, the Health Education Committee of the National Council Y.W.C.A., and held the office of president of the Zoata Club of Toronto. She has contributed numerous articles for professional and popular magazines and a book entitled “Principles of Women’s Athletics”. In 1940 Miss Somers received an Honour Award from the American Association for Health, Physical Education and Recreation, for her outstanding service in the United States. Prior to her retirement a year ago, Miss Somers had devoted sixteen years to the promotion of physical education in Canada. An outstanding teacher, speaker and organizer, she made a valued contribution to the development of physical education in Canada. 1950 R. Tait McKenzie Honour Award Recipient Vancouver, BC Taken from the Canadian Association for Health, Physical Education and Recreation Bulletin June 1951 Bio Florence was instrumental in the initial growth of the association; she and Blackie were there to support Dr Lamb in hard times as he often wrote to them about the difficulties he was having keeping the association going. The early days were not easy for association who was trying to get provincial buy in. Florence Somers served as Finance Chair and on the Executive Board from 1935 to 1939. In 1939, she was elected the first female President after Dr. Lamb. She held the position of Chairperson for the R Tait Awards banquet in 1948 and received the honour award herself in 1950. Somers was a great contributor to athletics for women and was part of the first Advisory board for the Women’s Athletics Committee (1937- 1973). Somers in the early days of CPEA The British Columbia Branch, formed in 1937 and centered primarily in Vancouver extended and invitation to hold CPEA Convention in Vancouver in June, 1939. Even though the CPEA executive was afraid that few Eastern members were able to attend because of the cost (just as few Western members were able to attend the first conventions in the East) they were delighted that at last the association would have a truly national flavour. There was also a concern that if the Convention was not held in the West, there would be little hope of holding a national organization together. Miss Somers expressed her concern to Dr Lamb in October, 1938, as follows: “I feel that the Convention in Vancouver this year will serve the big purpose of stimulating an interest in the CPEA in Vancouver and bring the enthusiastic group in B.C. into contact with the CPEA. If we lose them now it seems quite possible that they may organize a western association which might have no connection with the present CPEA and make a country wide split.” The Vancouver Convention was an unqualified success and brought many future CAHPER leaders into CPEA. Miss Florence Somers, Principal of Margaret Eaton School, was elected President, succeeding Dr. Lamb who was named Honorary President. Among the resolutions passed at the Convention was one that was to be promoted vigorously by the Association:
Within two months World War II had been and most of the well laid plans of the CPEA were set aside as many of the members joined the service.
Reference: The CAHPER Story “Fifty years of Progress” 1933 to 1983 by Helen Gurney Pages 19-20, Page 81
Accolades
Articles In Memoriam Tall, clever, and well read, Florence Somers was an excellent, experienced teacher. She was interested in all the students, and willing to anything she could to help them in their work. She was a true friend to those whom she gave her friendship. Links WOMEN'S SPORT HISTORY http://www.caaws.ca/e/milestones/women_history/mary_hamilton.cfm
The Margaret Eaton School (1901–1941) John Byl, Redeemer College Third, individually MES’s faculty made important contributions to the School and to the larger community of women in physical education. The most notable women are: Emma Scott Raff- Nasmith, Mary G. Hamilton, Florence Somers, and Dorothy Jackson. http://www.la84foundation.org/SportsLibrary/NASSH_Proceedings/NP1991/NP1991j.pdf
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