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Fuller Arts Center Records

 Record Group — Box: 01
Identifier: RG-122

Collection Scope and Contents

This collection documents the Fuller Arts Center from its construction through its most recent renovations in 2009. The collection includes general information, 13 original blueprints created on February 1, 1983 (including elevations, electrical and floor dimensions), newspaper articles regarding the construction of the building and the dedication program, information on the funding of the building (including proposals to Spalding and the Kresge Foundation), Memos and other documentary information on the funding and construction of the building (including information on class donations and early funding from student activities such as Best of Broadway), some news releases from Springfield College on the construction and funding of the Fuller Arts Center, Dedication Materials from both the original dedication and the 2009 renovations, architect drawing and promotional prints, and photographs of the interior and exterior of the building. Of particular note are the dedication materials from the original dedication program in 1984 that was hosted by Art Linkletter. Pictures of Art Linkletter, the original script, programs, and other planning documents are included. There are interior & exterior photographs from both before and after the 2009 renovations.

There is also the plaque/painting to the dedication of the Appleton Auditorium. This plaque measures 24 ½” wide x 42 ½” high x 3 ½” deep. It has a wood frame and glass front. Inside of this case is a painting of Allen E. Appleton and the dedication plaque that says, “Appleton Auditorium / The gift of Julius H. and Louise B. Appleton/ In Memory of their Son Allen E. Appleton / In the history of Springfield College, the Appleton Family has played a major role. Dr. Julius Appleton’s services as Trustee spans half a century, and he holds the record for length of active Trusteeship. His distinguished legal counsel, his services as President of the College Corporation, and his leadership carried on a family tradition which began in the early years of the college. He was awarded the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Laws in 1966. Mrs. Appleton, a leader in community service prior to their retirement to Florida, shares his devotion to Springfield College.”

Dates

  • Creation: 1981-2010

Creator

Conditions Governing Access

Unrestricted

Conditions Governing Use

Rights status not fully evaluated.

Read our full copyright statement.

Historical Note

On March 3, 1983, construction began on the corner of Hickory Street and Wilbraham Avenue at the site of the “old ice house.” The Fuller Arts Center, an 11,500-square-foot facility, was to be built on the Springfield College campus as a theatre and auditorium. The idea first came about in 1973 when undergraduate Dennis St. Jean and his friends, who produced and directed Springfield’s first “Best of Broadway” in Moses Hall, collected a handful of money and proposed an offer to the college’s president. They wrote, “Dr. Mr. President: We know you are busy building other things like the Babson Library now, but one day we hope you’ll build us a little theatre. Without exerting any pressure, we want you to have this collection as a down payment on that building. Please save it for that and, when you can build one, use our dollars.” The fund grew to $10,000 by the late 70s. In 1978 these student’s dreams became a reality as a Theatre Task Force was appointed and its building was incorporated into the Capital Campaign. By 1979 the Capital Campaign was headed by Art Linkletter, who made a significant contribution of $50,000 himself. Other leading contributors were Julius and Louise Appleton who pledged $100,000 to the campaign, the George F. and Sybil H. Fuller Foundation, and the George I. Alden Trust.

On May 4, 1984 Art Linkletter hosted the dedication performance for the Fuller Arts Center. At the ceremony the SC Dance Troupes, SC Singers, the Stage Band, and two theatrical companies, Best of Broadway and the American Theatre Academy, performed. The total cost of the one- story glass, concrete, and brick multi-purpose facility that met a diversity of needs at Springfield College was $850,000. The Appleton Auditorium consisted of 12-rows with 300 seats to accommodate plays, films, concerts, and public lectures. The classic statement is that “there is not a bad seat in the house,” since all rows are arranged in concentric curves focusing on center stage. The stage was 4’4” high, 47 feet wide and 23 feet deep. The stage also had a remote controlled movie screen measuring 18 feet wide and 13.5 feet high. Other features of the auditorium at its opening were more advanced lighting, a control booth, lobby, box-office, college offices, dressing rooms, and a storage area for props and costumes.

The building was renovated and rededicated in the spring of 2009 with money raised during the most recent Capital Campaign in 2008, for which Linkletter served as honorary chair. For this reason the Linkletter Foyer carries his name. A generous amount was also provided once again by the George F. and Sybil H. Fuller Foundation. Renovations included a new entrance, a new façade of glass, brick, and limestone, new flooring, and a track-lighted ceiling. Other improvements were new stage flooring, curtains, sound system, carpeting, and acoustical wall panels. The Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony for the renovated Fuller Arts Center was held on Thursday, March 5, 2009 at Noon. Speaking at the unveiling, President Richard B. Flynn said, “The Fuller Arts Center has been a center of activity on our campus and in our community for a quarter of a century. Now, with technology and enhancements that make it more useful, accessible, comfortable, and attractive, it is equipped to present the sophisticated arts events and college programs that are integral to first-quality higher education and the cultural life of our region.”

Written by Nicole DeCristoforo, 2012

Chronology

1973: The idea to built an arts center first came about when undergraduate Dennis St. Jean and his friends, who produced and directed Springfield’s first “Best of Broadway,” collected a handful of money and proposed the offer to the college’s president

1978: Theatre Task Force was appointed and incorporated into the Capital Campaign

1979: Capital Campaign headed by Art Linkletter. He made a significant contribution of $50,000 to the campaign fund himself

1983: On March 3rd construction of the Fuller Arts Center began on the corner of Hickory Street and Wilbraham Avenue at the site of the “old ice house”

1984: On May 4, 1984 Art Linkletter hosted the dedication performance for the Fuller Arts Center; SC Dance Troupes, SC Singers, the Stage Band, and two theatrical companies, Best of Broadway and the American Theatre Academy, performed

2008: Most recent Capital Campaign raises money for Fuller Arts Center renovations; Linkletter served as honorary chair

2009: Building was renovated and rededicated in the spring. Renovations included a new entrance, a new façade of glass, brick, and limestone, new flooring, and a track-lighted ceiling. Other improvements were a new stage flooring, curtains, sound system, carpeting, and acoustical wall panels.

2009: Thursday March 5th at Noon: Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony for the renovated Fuller Arts Center was held; President Richard B. Flynn gave speech at unveiling

Written by Nicole DeCristoforo, 2012

Extent

.5 Linear Feet (1 box + memorabilia)

Language of Materials

English

Metadata Rights Declarations

History of the Collection

There was no formal acquisition of the materials for this collection. The collection is artificially created. Materials were received from different places at different times. The acquisition sources and dates of the materials are unknown.

Appleton Auditorium Dedication Plaque/Painting was added in December 2013.

Digitized Materials

Browse digitized materials from this collection. This collection is partially digitized.

Related Materials: Records Within Springfield College Collections

  1. RG 110- Springfield College Building and Grounds Records
  2. Springfield College Trustee Records
  3. Springfield College Marketing and Communication Records--Scrapbooks and News Clippings
  4. Student Life—Photographs
  5. Student Activities Records
  6. Theater Records
  7. Drama Club
  8. Art Linkletter Papers
  9. Development Office Records
  10. Dana Fine Arts Building Records
  11. Springfield College Yearbook Collection
  12. Springfield College Catalog Collection
  13. Springfield College Newspaper Collection
Title
Fuller Arts Center Records
Status
Completed
Author
Jeffrey Monseau
Date
2012-02
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

Revision Statements

  • 2022-06: Transferring information from the original Word document to ArchivesSpace.

Repository Details

Part of the Springfield College Archives and Special Collections Repository

Contact:
Springfield College
Judd Gymnasia
263 Alden Street
Springfield Massachusetts 01109 U.S.A. US
413-748-3309