Arnold G. Adams track memorabilia

Collection

Identifier: MC075

Staff Only

Scope and Content Note

This collection of memorabilia chronicles Arnold Adams' track career from his college days through the years immediately following his graduation. Included in the collection are four scrapbooks of news clippings, a Boston Athletic Association program and a Massachusetts Knights of Columbus athletic meet program and the 1932 American Olympic Committee Report. Other memorabilia includes his Bates College track certificate and his Olympic jacket and identification card. Among other items are several medals including a commemorative Olympic medal and a section of the wooden baton from the 1600 meter relay race won by the U.S. team and autographed by team members Bill Carr (Adams' replacement), Karl Warner, Ed Ablowich, and Ivan Fuqua.

Dates

ca. 1929-1935

Creator

Adams, Arnold G., 1910-1965 (Person)

Access Restrictions

The collection is open for research.

Use Restrictions

The collection is the physical property of Edmund S. Muskie Archives and Special Collections Library. Bates College holds literary rights only for material created by College personnel working on official behalf of the College, or for material which was given to the College with such rights specifically assigned. For all other material, literary rights, including copyright, belong to the authors or their legal heirs and assigns. Researchers are responsible for obtaining permission from rights holders for publication or other purposes that exceed fair use.

Historical Note

Arnold G. Adams was born on November 14, 1910 and was a graduate of South High School in Worcester, Massachusetts. A 1933 graduate of Bates College, Adams was an outstanding member of the track team and served as captain during his senior year. During his time at Bates, he was Maine and New England quarter-mile champion for three consecutive years and was recognized as one of the best 440 and 600 meter runners in the country.

In 1932, the Olympic Games were held in Los Angeles and Arnold Adams qualified for the 1600 meter relay team. Suffering a foot injury shortly before the race, Adams was replaced and subsequently became a spectator instead of a participant; the U.S. team went on to win the event with a record breaking 3:08.2 performance.

Adams continued competing in national and local meets after his graduation and in 1934, was the first person to be awarded the Hallahan Trophy for the best performance at the Boston Athletic Association games.

Apart from his athletic pursuits, Arnold Adams was a mathematics teacher at Pierce Junior High School in Milton, Massachusetts and served as the track coach at Milton High School for over thirty years. In 1939, he received his master's degree in education from Boston University and served as a lieutenant commander in the Navy during World War II. He also served as the treasurer of the Cape Playhouse in Dennis, Massachusetts.

He was married to Margot Hoxie, '35 and had two children, Anthony, '63 and Susan, '69. Arnold Adams died on July 26, 1965 at the age of 54.

Extent

3.5 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

Memorabilia related to the track and field accomplishments of Arnold G. Adams, including material from his days as a student at Bates College (1929-1933) and the 1932 Olympics, in which he was scheduled to but did not compete because of an injury.