Tableaux: The American Cancer Society

Item Information

Title:
Tableaux: The American Cancer Society
Description:
This black-and-white photograph shows a Tableaux requested by the National Cancer Society prior to their national financial campaign. The tableaux shows Springfield College gymnasts posing around a large replica of the iconic Sword of Hope, which is still a part of the organization’s logo. The sword’s design first came from a 1928 nationwide poster contest. George E. Durant of Brooklyn won the contest; he selected the sword to express the crusading spirit of the cancer control movement. The twin-serpent caduceus, which forms the handle of the sword, emphasizes the medical and scientific nature of the organization’s work. Classically, twined serpents represent healing of the sick and creativity of the healthy. The Tableaux as used in gymnastics performances was created by Springfield College alumnus Leslie J. Judd (class of 1920), who went on to become a famous gymnastics coach at his alma mater (1921-1956). Tableaux, essentially, means living picture, and it is performed by costumed actors who remain silent and motionless. Tableaux have been used throughout theatrical history, but Judd transformed the idea. Coach Judd and Coach Frank Wolcott, his successor, created Tableaux that expressed ideals and commemorated moments in history. Tableaux are still performed by Springfield College gymnasts. For biographical information on Frank Wolcott, see: https://springfield.as.atlas-sys.com/agents/people/54.
Creator:
Corey, Joe
Date:
[1928?–1955?]
Format:
Photographs
Location:
Springfield College Archives and Special Collections
Collection (local):
College Archives Digital Collections
Subjects:
Springfield College
Springfield College--Gymnastics
Springfield College--Gymnastics--Exhibition team
Springfield College--Gymnastics--Men
Springfield College--Sports
Springfield College--Sports--Men
Tableaux
American Cancer Society
Gymnasts
Gymnastics
Exhibitions
Athletes
Places:
Massachusetts > Hampden (county) > Springfield
Link to Item:
http://cdm16122.contentdm.oclc.org/cdm/ref/collection/p15370coll2/id/7886
Terms of Use:
Text and images are owned, held, or licensed by Springfield College and are available for personal, non-commercial, and educational use, provided that ownership is properly cited. A credit line is required and should read: Courtesy of Springfield College, Archives and Special Collections. Any commercial use without written permission from Springfield College is strictly prohibited. Other individuals or entities other than, and in addition to, Springfield College may also own copyrights and other propriety rights. The publishing, exhibiting, or broadcasting party assumes all responsibility for clearing reproduction rights and for any infringement of United States copyright law.
Contact host institution for more information.
Publisher:
Springfield College
Identifier:
ms514-01-f-05-05-005