Raymond Lapham

Raymond White Lapham was an American businessman and philanthropist who served as president of the Boston Garden-Arena Corporation.

Early life
Lapham was born in Boston to Henry G. and Rebecca Lapham. In 1928, Lapham graduated from Yale University. The elder Lapham was a director of the Texas Oil Company and the younger Lapham worked for time at the company's refinery in Port Arthur, Texas. While there he met Madge Jarratt of San Antonio, Texas. The couple would have one son and two daughters.

Business career
In 1940, Lapham was elected president of the Boston Garden-Arena Corporation, succeeding his deceased father. He was succeeded by general manager Walter A. Brown the following year.

During World War II, Lapham served as a captain in the United States Army.

In 1944, Lapham, Brown, Charles I. Keene, and Harry G. Collier purchased Benson's Wild Animal Farm in Hudson, New Hampshire from the estate of John T. Benson. Lapham continued to own the farm until his death. In addition to his ventures with Walter A. Brown, Lapham was also involved in a number of enterprises with Brown's brother, George V. Brown, Jr.

Death
Lapham died on July 11, 1976 at his home on Prouts Neck in Scarborough, Maine following a long illness. He was 73 years old.