Buster Crabbe Telegram (April 7, 1965)

Crabbe, Buster, 1908-1983 · April 7, 1965

This is a telegram sent from Buster Crabbe to George Wood in support of Springfield College’s Work Week. George Wood was the college’s work week director. The letter reads, “So sorry I cannot join you on the tenth to help with the wonderful job [sic] your doing my sincerest congratulations.” Clarence Linden "Buster" Crabbe II (February 7, 1908 – April 23, 1983) was an American athlete and actor. He won the 1932 Olympic gold medal for 400m freestyle swimming before subsequently breaking into acting. He starred in a number of popular films in the 1930s and 1940s. He also played the title role in the serials Flash Gordon and Buck Rogers. Work Week was a precursor to Humanics-in-Action Day, which takes place every fall at Springfield College and reflects the school’s long tradition of community service. The 1969 Work Week was particularly ambitious and productive. As one of the kickoff events of a capital campaign led by Art Linkletter, the famous television personality, students hired the