Talk:Walter Tewksbury

Untitled
Ah, the error is perpetuated. Unfortunately, I am lacking enough documentation to correct it at this time.

The man whom this article is about was not named John Tewksbury. His true name was Walter B. Tewksbury. "John" was never part of his name. If you check the official Olympic records, he is listed as Walter.

However, this was not always so, and thus the cause of the error.

In 1900, the Olympic Games were much different than today. Athletes had to arrange their own transportation to the games. In order to pay for his passage, Walter Tewksbury borrowed the mony from his uncle John. In exchange, Walter agreed to use John's name in case he won anything.

Anyway, so goes the story his daughter told me. But I can't find it in print anywhere — yet.

In any event, the historical marker at the Tunkhannock Area High School track says "Walter B. Tewksbury," and all of the exhibits at the county museum also use that name.

— Michael J 23:25, 10 April 2006 (UTC)

Real name
(Discussion moved from the Help Desk.) The listings on the International Olympic Committee database, the U.S.A. Track & Field Hall of Fame and the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission all have him listed as "Walter." Therefore, I believe that constitutes both common usage as well as accuracy. (Thank you, Moonriddengirl, for making the move.) — Michael J  18:31, 13 October 2007 (UTC)