Collection Number: MS 5
Collection Title: Gerald R. Potts Collection of John Updike Materials
Creators: Gerald R. Potts
Collection Dates: 1950-2009
Extent: 4.0 linear inches
Former Accession Number: 2014-2
Background Note:
Gerald R. “Jerry” Potts (1931-2016) was a playmate of John Updike and a 1948 graduate of Shillington High School. He was a four letter athlete playing football, basketball, track and baseball at Albright College from which he graduated in 1952.
After his service in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, he worked as a purchasing agent for several manufacturing companies in the Reading area including Cartech, General Battery, and Trim Master until his retirement in 1980.
He was a member of several organizations and boards in the community such as the Governor Mifflin School Board, Booster Club and Hall of Fame. He served on the Shillington Borough Council and the Shillington Zoning and Planning Commission. He also coached Shillington Little League baseball and served as a PIAA Track official.