Page 13 - Celebrating 50 Years of the International swimming Hall of Fame

Celebrating 50 Years

of the International Swimming Hall of Fame

With the support of five FINA presidents, including the
designation as the official Hall of Fame and Shrine of FINA, The five presidents of
and a largely American financed fundraising campaign FINA who made the
International Swimming
that raised over $300,000 (over $3M in today’s dollars), the Hall of Fame a reality.
International Swimming Hall of Fame Museum opened L -R: Dr. Harold Henning
its doors to the public in December of 1968. The theme of (USA), Max Ritter (GER/
this one of a kind museum was the “World of Water”, as USA), Ante Lambasa (YUG),
William ‘Bill’ Berge Phillips
exemplified in the two hemispheres, Atlantic and Pacific, in (AUS) and Javier Ostos
full color sculptured ceramic bas-reliefs that adorn either Mora (MEX).
side of the exterior entrance walls. Inside the new museum
were exhibits that told the story of all phases of swimming
and water sports. There were films and visual aids used to
give instruction on swimming strokes, diving, synchronized
swimming and water polo plays and much more. It was off to
a great start.

The opening and early success of the museum was almost
entirely due to William Forrest “Buck” Dawson, who had
been picked to lead the newly formed organization back in
1963. Dawson was a University of Michigan man. He had
served his country during WWII in the 82nd Airborne and
was the recipient of 17 decorations, including the Bronze
Star, and the French Medal of Honor. A professional Public
Relations man, Dawson had served as PR aide to Generals
Mathew Ridgeway and James Gavin when the fighting The exterior of the “World of Swimming” bas-reliefs on the exterior of
stopped. He helped formulate PR for NATO in southern the museum - with vintage cars.
Europe. One of his more pleasant assignments was serving
as the actress Marlene Detrich’s escort and PR man during
her USO tours. He had a certain knack for publicity - and
developed a passion for swimming after marrying Rosemary R: FINA Founder
Mann, the daughter of Michigan’s legendary swim coach Matt Max Ritter reviewing
construction plans with
Mann in the early 1950s. Buck Dawson.

“In a minor sport like swimming,” Dawson once explained
with candor, “you have to have a bell-cow to attract attention.”
And Buck sure knew how to ring the bell. Prior to the opening
and dedication of the museum, Buck arranged for a contingent
from the Hall to appear on the top-rated Ed Sullivan Show in
New York City. Buck knew that when Sullivan was a sports
writer in the 1920’s that he had been engaged to marry 1924
Olympic backstroke champ Sybil Bauer. Tragically Sybil died
of cancer before the wedding could take place - so Sullivan L: The Hall of Fame
was eager to help. Appearing on the show with Sullivan were contingent appearing
Buster Crabbe, Donna de Varona, Johnny Weissmuller, Buck on the Ed Sullivan
and Red Silvia, the legendary Springfield College coach and Show.
president of the Hall of Fame.

Another bell ringer was the selection of Benjamin Franklin
to the Class of 1968. Franklin is generally regarded as one of the

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