Lot 73

Lot 73

Killer silver photograph of a football team in formation, ready to run a play. We see the coach in his suit on the left side in the back getting them ready for the next big game. We rarely get to see an action sports image from this time period as most are the typical team photo. This is identified on the back as Grand River Institute, 1910, Austinburg, Ohio. According to Wikipedia, “Grand River Academy was founded in 1831 by prominent leaders from the Austinburg Congregational Church. The school was initially intended to prepare young men for ministerial vocations, but in 1840, it began to admit female students. Betsy Mix Cowles was appointed as the school’s first female principal in charge of the Women’s Department, a post she held from 1843-1848. The institution’s name and location changed in 1836 at the behest of Joab Austin, a wealthy citizen who pledged a sizable endowment for the school.” The original name was Ashtabula County Institute of Science and Industry and then the Grand River Institute before changing to the current version. They still have sports but no longer field a football team. We love the intense look on these guys’ faces. Three of them wear early helmets with two appearing to be some type of heavy fabric material while the other sports a more traditional leather version. 
The silver print has really nice tones and contrast in the central area and is a little lighter on the edges as seen. The darker area at the top also appears original to the negative. The thinner mount measures 4 1/2” x 6 7/8” and there are two pin holes center top and bottom where it probably hung at the school at one time. Don’t miss out on this great action scene!