George O. Draper, Springfield College’s alumni secretary, wrote this letter to James A. Naismith in March 1935. The exact day is unknown, as the dates on each page conflict. Draper announces that the Alumni Council chose Naismith to be one of the first four recipients of the Tarbell Medallion, which recognizes “alumni rendering distinctive service for their Alma Mater.” The medallions are three-inch bronze replicas of R. Tait McKenzie’s “Joy of Effort.” Draper provides brief backgrounds on the other three recipients: Raymond P. Kaighn, Carl D. Smith, and Martin I. Foss. He asks if Naismith will be able to attend the commencement, held on June 15, to receive his medallions. Draper also encloses a copy of the Bulletin (Springfield College’s magazine), which describes the medallion in greater detail, and again asks for a photograph of Naismith. To learn more about Dr. James Naismith, see: https://springfield.as.atlas-sys.com/agents/people/645
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