This Oxford University Swimming Club uniform set was worn by Charles Fletcher, son of one of San Diego’s most prominent founding families. An avid swimmer, Fletcher set the world record in the 200-meter breast stroke at the age of 19. After completing his degree at Stanford, Charles Fletcher set off to Oxford University to study during the early 1930s.
Fletcher went on to found a highly successful savings and loan, served as a Naval officer in the Second World War and served a term as California's 23rd District Republican congressman. Fletcher remained a dedicated swimmer up until he passed away in 1985 at the age of 82. During his time at Oxford University’s Pembroke College, Fletcher was a member of the famed Oxford University Swimming Club, and this complete uniform set was worn by him circa 1934.
The navy blue singlet has an “OUSC” embroidered patch on the front. The neck and arm openings are trimmed in white. The singlet shows heavy use with fading and staining found throughout. There are some holes, most noticeably along the white trim on the back of the right arm opening, and a clubhouse repair on the lower back. Two mis-matched button secure the left shoulder strap. A Castell & Son label is sewn in the collar with a hand written “C. Fletcher Pembroke Coll(ege)” in black fountain pen.
The set is completed with the navy blue swim cap trimmed in white with “O.U.S.C.” embroidered on the front in white. The cap shows heavy use with some staining and fading and retains the original chin straps Like the singlet, the cap has a Castell & Son label inside with “C. Fletcher Pembroke Coll(ege)” hand written in black fountain pen. A rare artifact from one of the word’s oldest and most prestigious collegiate swim clubs.
This piece includes a signed letter of provenance from the San Diego Hall of Champions.