The Linkletter Natatorium construction site signs, 1966

1966

This photograph shows the construction site of the Art Linkletter Natatorium at Springfield College. The photograph was taken sometime between April 30 and October 30, 1966. The sign on the left of the photograph shows that the construction of natatorium is due, in part, to a higher education facilities program . On the ground, there are lots of dandelions. It was Arthur Gordon Linkletter, also known as Art Linkletter, who suggested that the college build a new swimming and diving facility. Art Linkletter was the famed entertainer best known for his TV series "House Party" that ran on CBS from 1952 to 1969. Art Linkletter believed so much in the project that he sold his house for $250,000 and donated the money to the project. Another $250,000 was raised by the student “Work Week” in 1967, where students worked jobs such as trimming hedges or moving telephone poles for donations. Other money was supplied by a federal grant, alumni gifts, and friends of the college.