Florence Offutt Stout papers, 1874-1960

Descriptive Summary

Title
Florence Offutt Stout papers, 1874-1960
Creator
Stout, Florence Offutt
Extent
0.34 cubic feet (3 boxes)
Subjects
Stout, Florence Offutt, 1878-1958.
Stout, Robert Lee.
Amick, Mary Agnes.
King, Margaret I. (Margaret Isadora), 1879-1966.
University of Kentucky. College of Education. Department of Physical Education.
Louisville (Ky.)
Lexington (Ky.)
Women college teachers -- Kentucky -- Lexington.
Physical education -- Kentucky -- Lexington.
Women -- Kentucky -- Lexington.
Arrangement
This collection is arranged in three series:
Finding Aid Author
Processed by Archives Staff and rearranged by Jennifer Queen in September 2006 under the supervision of Deirdre A. Scaggs, University Archivist.; machine-readable finding aid created by Eric Weig
Repository
University of Kentucky

Collection Overview

Biography / History
Mrs. Florence Offutt Stout was the daughter of Ben and Florence Graham Offutt of Jefferson County. Since her mother died at birth, she and her three older brothers were raised by their maternal grandmother, Mrs. Hyman Graham. Upon Mrs. Graham's death, the children went to live with their aunt, Mrs. Maurice Satterwhite. Florence Offutt Stout was a descendant of the Reverend James Moore, former president of Transylvania University, and a cousin of Henry Stites Barker, former president of the University of Kentucky in whose home she spent much time.
She graduated from the Louisville Girls High School and from the New Haven Connecticut Normal School of Gymnastics where she studied under Jakob Bolin, an advocate of the Swedish system of gymnastics. In addition, she studied at Chicago University. Following her graduation from New Haven, she came to Lexington and lived with her relatives, Colonel and Mrs. James E. Pepper at "Meadowthorpe."
Florence Offutt Stout was elected the first Physical Director of Women at the University of Kentucky and began her duties January 1, 1902, in the then-new gymnasium now known as Barker Hall. On December 23, 1903, she married Judge Robert Lee Stout of Woodford County but continued her work in physical education at the University commuting from her home when even they moved to Frankfort. When they moved to Lexington, she walked to the campus from her home on Preston Avenue.
She was elected the first Dead of Women at the meeting of the Board of Trustees in June of 1908 but resigned two years later for, she said, "Believing as I do that the position of Dean of Women somewhat impairs the distinctive quality of my specialty, demonstrated by the fact that I am now introduced...as dean of women, rather than as physical director of women, I hereby tender my resignation." She was particularly interested in medical gymnastics and the relation of posture and mental health to physical well-being.
She was the first Kentuckian to become a member of the National Association of Health, Physical Education and Recreation, and organized a state chapter which she served as president for several years. In 1944, she was given a special assignment and relieved of active teaching duties. Florence Stout served as director of medical gymnastics for posture defects for the Appalachian School of Nursing.
Florence Stout retired as a professor in 1946. In May of 1953, she was given the award for meritorious service in the field of health, physical education and recreation by the Kentucky Association of Health, Physical Education and Recreation. Mrs. Stout died June 12, 1958 after a long illness.
Scope and Content
The Florence Offutt Stout papers contain sympathy letters pertaining to the death of Judge Robert Stout, clippings, correspondence, family genealogy, photographic prints, teaching materials, and memoirs. Also included is a plaque that Stout received for "50 Years award for Meritorious Service University of Kentucky."

Contents of the Collection

Papers, 1874-1960

The Papers series consists of sympathy letters following the death of Stout's husband, Judge Robert Stout, clippings, correspondence, family genealogy, teaching materials, and memoirs.

Clippings, 1952-1958

  • Box 1
  • Folder 1
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Correspondence, 1917-1952

  • Box 1
  • Folder 2
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Genealogy, 1874-1958

  • Box 1
  • Folder 3
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Miscellaneous

  • Box 1
  • Folder 4
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Personal and Family Materials, 1958-1960

  • Box 1
  • Folder 5-6
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Publications, circa 1948

  • Box 1
  • Folder 7-8
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Teaching Materials, circa 1911-1944

  • Box 1
  • Folder 9
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Photographs, circa 1876-1955

The Photographs series contains images of Florence Offutt Stout and others.

Florence Offutt as a child in floral dress.

  • Box 2
  • Item 1
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Florence Offutt as a child in white dress.

  • Box 2
  • Item 2
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Photo given to Stout by Margaret I. King and C.J. Smith.

  • Box 2
  • Item 3
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Photo given to Stout by Margaret I. King.

  • Box 2
  • Item 4
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Stout's home in the winter.

  • Box 2
  • Item 5
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Stout's dog in front of her house.

  • Box 2
  • Item 6
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Stout and unknown woman seated on porch.

  • Box 2
  • Item 7
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Stout and unknown woman standing on porch.

  • Box 2
  • Item 8
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Awards, circa 1956

The Awards series contains a plaque that Mrs. Stout received in 1956 for "50 Years Award for Meritorious Service University of Kentucky."

Plaque, circa 1956

  • Box 3
  • Item 1
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UK Libraries Special Collections Research Center is open Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 4:00pm. Appointments are encouraged but not required. Schedule an appointment here.

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You may come across language in UK Libraries Special Collections Research Center collections and online resources that you find harmful or offensive. SCRC collects materials from different cultures and time periods to preserve and make available the historical record. These materials document the time period when they were created and the view of their creator. As a result, some may demonstrate racist and offensive views that do not reflect the values of UK Libraries.

If you find description with problematic language that you think SCRC should review, please contact us at SCRC@uky.edu.