Colored photograph of father and son looking at Lake Massasoit
Description:
This color photograph shows a man and young boy, perhaps father and son, looking at Springfield Massachusetts' Lake Massasoit. The two are holding hands under a tree by a fence that separates the lake from a dirt road. The reflection of the trees is seen along the water as well. The picture is most likely taken on the campus of Springfield College. In 1809, Lake Massasoit was formed by the army by damming the Mill River. The purpose of the dam was to ensure a constant flow of water downstream for the Springfield Armory “Watershops.” The Springfield Armory was America’s first and last National Armory, formed in 1777 and continuing production up until 1968. The formerly named Watershops Pond has 7 miles of shoreline and covers 186 acres. From 1892-1900, the buildings of Springfield College began to come about, and the name was changed to Lake Massasoit by Springfield College officials. The name came from a local hotel, the Massasoit House, owned by Marvin Chapin, a generous benefactor of the college. In 1920, the college purchased a large area of land on the upper end of the pond, and called it the “Freshman Camp.” Since the college was formed, students, faculty and visitors have used the Pond for sailing, swimming, ice skating and fishing. However, the lake was officially closed for swimming in 1984 when the lake was said to be unhealthy. There are other versions of this photograph, including a black and white version, http://cdm16122.contentdm.oclc.org/cdm/ref/collection/p15370coll2/id/9247 , and a photograph taken in a slightly different place, http://cdm16122.contentdm.oclc.org/cdm/ref/collection/p15370coll2/id/9245
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.
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