Henry G. Lapham

Henry G. Lapham was an American investment banker, oilman, philatelist, philanthropist, and sportsman. Lapham married to Rebecca Lounsberry, a fellow native of Brooklyn, shortly after graduating from college. They had two children, Raymond and Kathryn.

Business career Lapham's first position was as a clerk in the offices of the United States Leather Company. He resigned from the board in 1933.

Sports

BAA Lapham joined the Boston Athletic Association in 1914. He was the BAA's vice president from 1918 to 1920. Lapham then served as president from 1920 to 1926, when he chose not to continue in that role due to business pressures. He was succeeded by George W. Wightman, husband of Hazel Hotchkiss Wightman.

Boston Arena and Boston Garden Lapham played an instrumental role in the construction of the Boston Arena. In 1936, Lapham's group bought out the remaining stock owned by the Madison Square Garden Corporation. Under the management of Lapham and general manager George V. Brown, the Garden was able to become a prosperous venture.

In 1924 he was elected first vice chairman of the American Olympic Association. He became president of the Olympic Committee following the death of president William C. Prout. He resigned from the committee in 1927, citing the stress of his business interests. He was succeeded by Douglas MacArthur.

In 1924, Lapham donated $350,000 for the construction of an athletic clubhouse on the Yale campus, which was named the Lapham Field House. In 1930, his collection of Spanish stamps was chosen as the best show as the American Philatelic Society's annual banquet

In 1934, Lapham's daughter-in-law received police protection after she received a phone call that police interpreted as a threat to kidnap her.

Death Lapham died on December 16, 1939, at his home at 514 Warren Street Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, following two years of poor health.