Ode to Pre-War Football Cardboard

[cfhofer]

The forward pass is a fun topic to discuss. It became legal after the 1905 season. However the first team to build their offense around the forward pass was the 1906 St. Louis University team, coached by Eddie Cochems. The 1906 squad was undefeated 11–0, led the nation in scoring, and outscored opponents by a combined score of 407 to 11. The open game didn't catch on in the east until 1914, with Notre Dame and Yale (under Frank Hinkey).

In 1952, Dorais himself tried to set the record straight telling the United Press that "Eddie Cochems of the St. Louis University team of 1906 deserves the full credit." Certainly Cochems considered himself the 'Father of the forward pass'. See the attached signed note below.

[revmoran]

Of course, Mark has the signed document!

[jefferyepayne]

Nice item, Mark!

jeff

[cfhofer]

Thanks guys. Speaking of football firsts - When was the huddle first utilized? I've read some reports that in 1894 Paul Hubbard of Gallaudet College, a Washington DC based college for the deaf, created the 'huddle' to prevent opposing teams from seeing their signs. Another report states Univ of Penn created the huddle in 1894 to aid Alfred E Bull, their star center, who was deaf.

I found the photo posted below tossed between the pages of a prominent Yale football player's scrapbook, who played end for the Bulldogs from 1892-94. I didn't think much of it at first but could this be the earliest photo of a football 'huddle'? I can't identify any of the players but coach Mike Murphy is in the center.

Any thoughts?

[jefferyepayne]

Originally Posted by cfhofer

Thanks guys. Speaking of football firsts - When was the huddle first utilized? I've read some reports that in 1894 Paul Hubbard of Gallaudet College, a Washington DC based college for the deaf, created the 'huddle' to prevent opposing teams from seeing their signs. Another report states Univ of Penn created the huddle in 1894 to aid Alfred E Bull, their star center, who was deaf.

I found the photo posted below tossed between the pages of a prominent Yale football player's scrapbook, who played end for the Bulldogs from 1892-94. I didn't think much of it at first but could this be the earliest photo of a football 'huddle'? I can't identify any of the players but coach Mike Murphy is in the center.

Any thoughts?

My first inclination is that this is just a coaching session or pep talk during a practice. Doesn't look like a football huddle in a game to me as the coach is involved. Or a timeout / water break?

Still a really, really cool image, Mark!

jeff

[cfhofer]

Jeff,

Yea, that is my guess too. Plus one of the players is holding the ball. Doubt that would occur in a game.

[revmoran]

I think you guys cracked the case but still a very cool photo.

[jefferyepayne]

Was fortunate to pick up this card recently. Spalding's come in Bio backs, Ad backs, and blank backs. I've never seen an Ad Back of Friedman before. Has anyone else?





jeff

[jefferyepayne]

What, no love for the Spalding Friedman? Thought this thread would blow up!

jeff

[jefferyepayne]

I've always loved the Wheaties box cuts from the 30s and wrote an article on them (with Joe Squires) a while back for Gridiron Greats Magazine. Picked up this really nice 13x10 Wheaties point of sale display piece recently that is pretty rare. Most of the player images on it are the same as the Wheaties 1934 All-Americans box cuts.



Here are a couple of postcards of Carlisle football players who played with Thorpe.



Early 1910s image of Emil Hauser who also played at Oregon.



1920s image of Gus Welch who was Thorpe's QB at both Carlisle and Canton.

Last but not least, 1908 original photo of Thorpe.



jeff