This week in Mid Massachusetts history.
Died April 24, 1941, Boston; Millbury athlete noted for shot put medal
Lawrence Atwood Whitney died on April 24, 1941, in Boston, Massachusetts, at age 50. A native of Millbury, his early life began there, and the town remained his place of origin. Whitney was known for track and field, especially shot put. At the 1912 Summer Olympics, a bronze medal was won in that event. Participation also included discus throw and other contests. Education included Worcester Academy and Dartmouth College. At Dartmouth, competition took place in track, football, and hockey. The football team named him captain in 1914. All-America honors were earned in 1913 and 1914. National titles in shot put were won in 1913 and 1915. Work later included service as an assistant football coach at Penn State. Military service followed during World War I in the United States Army. Recognition came later with induction into a Dartmouth athletic hall of fame. Burial took place in Boston.
