William Buckingham Curtis

William Buckingham "Father Bill" Curtis (January 17, 1837 – June 30, 1900) was one of the most important proponents of organized athletics in the late 1800s in America.

The death of Curtis at the age of 63 while climbing Mount Washington brought forth an outpouring of testimonials from the sports world and recognition as a "father of American amateur athletics".

Around 1880, Curtis founded the Fresh Air Club to encourage members in New York City to have outdoor exercise in rural areas.

[8] After retiring from athletics, Curtis became the managing editor of New York City's sports newspaper, the Spirit of the Times.

In the Spirit of The Times, he covered developments in local and international speed-skating and compiled lists of skating records.

[10] Curtis was also an enthusiastic recreational skater and led skating tours on lakes and rivers with the Fresh Air Club.