Audio of Dedication of Babson Library and Benedum Field , Sept. 18, 1971

September 18, 1971

This is a audio recording of the dedication luncheon and speeches of Springfield College's Babson Library and the pre-speeches, the ones not conducted on the field, for the Benedum football field (now Stagg Field) dedication that took place on September 18, 1971. It was recorded on a magnetic reel-to-reel audio tape. The tape is a bit over 46 minutes long. There are two videos of the same event, an edited version (rg116-01-07-001) that includes only Babson Library dedication speeches, and a longer tape (rg116-01-08-001) that includes this entire audio tape in addition to events on Benedum field. The audio starts with a brief introduction given by Trustee Charles H. Schaaf and then there is the speech given by famous TV personality, Art Linkletter. After that Springfield College president Wilbert E. Locklin speaks. Then there is the unveiling of the plaque for Babson library with Paul and Edith Babson. Finally, Paul T. Babson speaks. The audio then cuts and goes to another speech given by Art Linkletter and more words by Wilbert E. Locklin. In the beginning and in the end is addition taping of the crowd and discussions among people as they passed by. Babson Library was named after Mr. and Mrs. Paul T. Babson who donated $1 million towards the construction of a new library in commemoration of their 50th wedding anniversary. Other gifts and contributions from students, alumni, faculty, administrative staff, parents, corporations, foundations and friends of the college comprised the additional funds needed to build the $2,000,000 library. The groundbreaking ceremony for Babson Library was held on January 10th, 1970 and the dedication took place on September 18th 1971. At the time of the dedication, the library had not yet been completed; the Library was formally completed and opened on January 3, 1972. Babson Library replaced Marsh Memorial which served as the college’s library for nearly sixty years.