Blake Field
The dedication of Blake Field took place in September, 1973. The field was named in honor of S. Prestley Blake, co-founder of Friendly Ice Cream, who donated $500,000 towards the college's new Physical Education (PE) Complex. Blake field replaced Pratt Field, which had served the college since 1910. The $205,000 complex includes a quarter-mile running track with six lanes of synthetic surface material, as well as facilities for jumping, vaulting, discus throw, javelin and shot put throw. The field continues to be used today for intercollegiate sports, classes, and intramural activities.
Scope and Contents of the Subseries
This sub-series contains general information on Blake Field, including correspondence, news articles, news releases, and photographs. There is information on one of the turf surfaces used for the track, UniRoyal Turf. This includes some articles on the track that must’ve been used in promotional materials for both the company and Springfield College. There are photographs of the dedication, installation of the track from 1970 to 1973, and general photographs of the track and the Blake Field sign since its construction.
