Today's Tidbit... An Image Of Small-Town Football

Many old RPPCs show long-forgotten football teams that seem to capture the essence of small-time high school football early in the last century. For example, the image below shows a football team from the Waynesburg, Ohio, area in 1912. The group poses in their offensive formation, likely before a game, based on the spectators standing on the railroad tracks in the background, likely standing there so they can watch the game for free.

The field is a bit rough, but the player stances and alignment are far rougher. The front seven are in four-point stances, which was not unusual at the time, while the guards' legs overlap the center's, which was also legal then but never a great idea. (Click to enlarge)

The player next to the center could interlock legs, but not those outside those positions. (1912 Spalding's Official Foot Ball Guide)

From an equipment standpoint, only the right end has a head harness, while everyone appears to have matching jerseys and proper football pants. During the picture taking, the center, right tackle, fullback, and right halfback let their nose guards hang from their necks.

All in all, it looks like a group of young men eager to play a football game, much like a similar image might show today.

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