This lantern slide shows a group of International YMCA Training School (now Springfield College) students digging a long chest-height trench. Some of the students in the trench are Frank J. Winters (class of 1910), Frank A. Eyman (class of 1910), and Isiah H. Farnham (class of 1910). Standing outside of the trench are Samuel Nahas (class of 1911) and Frank N. Seerley (1890). According to old catalog records, this is part of the grading work that was being done on the future site of Pratt Athletic Field. The students were likely given time off from classes as part of the Student Work Days, when they contributed their time to college-wide projects. However, the trench appears much deeper than necessary for grading. Based on the dimensions, it seems more likely that they were digging a hole for the waterline, as the pipes needed to be laid four feet deep.
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Publisher:
Springfield College
Notes:
Glass is cracked; Text on border reads, "YMCA College Grading Pratt Field 1910."