Wilbert E. Locklin and Edward Steitz

This photograph shows Wilbert E. Locklin, the ninth president of Springfield College, and S. Prestley Blake, co-founder of Friendly Ice Cream, who donated $500,000 towards the college's new Physical Education (PE) Complex. Edward Steitz, Athletic Director at the time, is standing with them. Several people are standing behind the men. Blake is holding a sports starter pistol in the air and appears to be facing a crowd of people at the dedication of Blake Field in September, 1973. The Blake Field dedication ceremony consisted of the unveiling of a plaque citing S. Prestley Blake and his devotion to the Springfield community and his concern for Springfield's education.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. For biographical information on Edward S. Steitz, see: https://springfield.as.atlas-sys.com/agents/people/110