The Sutcliffe Company of Louisville, Kentucky distributed sporting goods during much of the 20th century and issued catalogs promoting their many goods. Among their many products were two that popped up today that relate to previous articles and Tidbits.

A July Tidbit discussed how the lower effectiveness of early lighting and loudspeaker systems required the systems to be installed on poles close to the field, often obstructing the view of spectators. Likewise, an August Tidbit showed that announcers and others used megaphones before the loudspeakers came along.

The portable public address system shown above (click to enlarge) was the size of a desktop printer and weighed only 15 pounds, but it came in quite handy in the days before handheld bullhorns.

The second item relates to an article from last year regarding players using blankets to stay warm at halftime and on the bench. The article also discussed how schools awarded these blankets to letter winners or multi-year letter winners.

Twelve bucks could get you the finest honor blanket around, and I wouldn’t mind having one myself.

Subscribe for free and never miss a story. If you are a regular reader, consider becoming a paying subscriber to support my work.