Early football was dangerous. Playing without pads and only thin leather helmets. If any, players were unprotected by rules banning dangerous mass-plays like the "flying wedge," where players linked arms surrounding the runner and ran together down the field like a juggernaut . . . think getting hit by a small car going 15 mph. Broken bones, concussions and crushing injuries were common. Deaths averaged about 20 annually among high school and college players in the first decades of the sport. While reformers tinkered with the rules, many fans protested the increasing "feminization" of the game.

It's difficult to nail down the exact number of Iowa football deaths in this period. Medical knowledge was poor and players often hid the true extent of their injuries. Autopsies showed later that some alleged football deaths had other causes; sometimes players recovered from their "fatal" injuries. On the other hand, the effect of concussions was unrecognized and some deaths, often years later by suicide, etc. went unnoticed.

Some newspapers buried the reports of injuries and deaths to avoid scandal. Then, as now, different papers had their own editorial tilts and marketing strategies. The Cedar Rapids Republican: "A football game is sometimes hard on players, but a man who does not feel his blood tingle at the sight of a well played game is a churl and a coward." (cited in the Marion Register; November 20, 1901) The Marion Register: "This paper has insisted for years that foot ball as it is played is a brutal game. . . more men are killed and crippled each autumn in the U.S. than in the whole world for a year in bull fights and prize fights. What a commentary on the wisdom of the "higher education folk" of the country." (ibid.) Despite the critics, football play continued in Marion. This was "club" football, and the teams were managed by the boys and privately sponsored, but the kids were widely recognized as representing Marion High School. In some years they fielded more than one team.

Tragedy struck Marion in November 14, 1903 when 15 year-old John Francis Snyder, an MHS Junior was fatally injured in a game against Cedar Falls. He was playing on the First team. In many ways his death was typical of scores that had occurred around the country. . . a combination of medical mistakes and patient evasiveness--a deep desire to protect the team and return to play. Football was under attack and Snyder knew the criticism the team would face, so he disguised the full extent of his injuries. His condition was initially diagnosed as pneumonia. An autopsy three weeks later revealed a perforated stomach. The exact play that caused his injury is unknown; every report from the game says it was uneventful. The team's play was sloppy and twice we were inside our opponent's five yard-line and penalized 20 yards for off-sides. We lost 21-11. (Marion Register, November 16, 1903) The Cedar Falls reporter was jubilant, "The high school foot ball team were quite hilarious over the victories of the day. This team has done wonderfully good work this season and reflects much credit on the management." (Cedar Falls Gazette; November 17, 1903) On Thanksgiving that year, while Snyder lay in a fevered coma at home in bed, we enjoyed a doubleheader: Marion H.S. vs Iowa City, and a team of MHS "has beens" calling itself the "All Stars" played the Cedar Rapids Business College. Snyder died a few days later on Dec. 4. He's buried in the Campbell Cemetery in Bertram.

The Marion School Board voted to ban football play on school grounds the next year. Knowing the boys would play any way, they also barred the club from representing in any way that they were associated with the H. S. Addison Kinzer, the club captain, challenged the school's ruling and was expelled after he refused to make a bonafide apology to the Superintendent. He sued the school and appealed all the way to the Iowa Supreme Court, which upheld the school's disciplinary rights in 1906. Marion High School didn't resume playing football until 1922.

President Theodore Roosevelt, a football fan himself, got involved, calling a summit of the top college coaches in 1905 to demand changes in the rules to make the game "safe and sane." Schools, coaches and conferences responded. The wisdom of football's many arcane rules today can best be understood by looking at the early game and its extremely dangerous practices. History gives us the confidence to say the sport will solve its present-day concussion issue, and players and money will find new manners of mayhem.

We spent some time sorting through hundreds of newspaper stories and come up with a list of early Iowa football deaths. Some of the diagnoses are questionable, a couple downright bizarre, but everyone believed football was the cause or a significant contributing factor. Undoubtedly there are other deaths still waiting to be found.

In 1896 Robert Shaffer, age 15 of Iowa Falls, died when an attack of coughing aggravated an internal hemorrhage he suffered in football practice a few months before. (See him at Find a Grave memorial #134074089)

In 1899 George Shoup, 14, Sioux City, died of nervous prostration caused by extreme pain after spraining his knee in a game at Merrill. (See him at Find a Grave memorial #193053959

In 1899 Wilfred Stephenson, 22, Des Moines, died in Iowa City from a fractured skull in game between the S.U.I Junior and Senior football clubs. (See him at Find a Grave memorial #47410985)

In 1903 our John Snyder died. He was an Marion H.S. Junior and just 15. (See him at Find a Grave memorial #63090509)

In 1904 Calvin Farmer, age 17 from Sac City died of peritonitis after suffering internal injuries while playing halfback in a Thanksgiving Day game against Lake City. (See him at Find a Grave memorial #50953181)

In 1905 Harry Rowe, 18, of Sidney H.S. disguised his injuries in a game against Tabor College and died from an internal hemorrhage three weeks later. (See him at Find a Grave memorial #193056470)

In 1907 Leo Strohmeyer, age 19, Iowa City, had his neck broken on the kickoff of Opening Day in a game against Cedar Rapids H.S. It was the first game Iowa City HS played after a 7-year embargo. Leo died a couple of days later. (See him at Find a Grave memorial #187462160)

In 1908 William Smith, 16 of Eagle Grove, died from apparent heart failure in a game against Clarion. (See him at Find a Grave memorial #161559759)

In 1911 Roland Schneckloth, age 17 of Correctionville died from a broken spine he suffered in a game against Sioux City three weeks earlier. (See him at Find a Grave memorial #89538998)

In 1913 Edward Morrissey, 20, Davenport, a fullback at St Ambrose College died from complications after breaking his leg in a game. An infection forced the leg's amputation and pneumonia set in. (See him at Find a Grave memorial #66220307)

In 1914 George Albert ("Albie") Wiseman, 18, Sac City, died from a concussion he suffered playing half back in a game against Lake City. (See him at Find a Grave memorial # 54740427)

Learn more about early football and these young sports heroes in the current exhibit: 150 Years of Marion Sports. Free tours and admission courtesy of the McIntyre Foundation. ... See MoreSee Less

3 days ago  ·  

In these unsettling times we search for hope, and find a glimmer in the summer of 1892 when the notorious Cincinnati Reds, a.k.a. Young Ladies Base Ball Nine, a.k.a. Chicago Blackstockings, female baseball team came here to play the Marion Ravens. Critics had predicted the end of civilization. Women had their place--at home or on a pedestal. . . some would allow even in college, business or riding bicycles, but it wasn't playing baseball! We survived the experiment, though, and even had fun!

The Reds barnstormed through Iowa for three weeks that summer, starting in Clinton on July 30, with stops in Davenport and Muscatine, July 31; Iowa City, Aug. 2; Cedar Rapids, Aug. 3; Independence, Aug. 4 and Waterloo Aug. 5. They worked westward, reaching Indianola, Aug 12; Red Oak, Aug. 17, and; Council Bluffs, Aug. 21, before moving into Missouri. There was little fuss anywhere in Iowa-- no arrests for indecent dress or playing on Sunday; no hotels blockaded, few protests. Of course, there were poisonous newspaper editorials with terrible insults directed at players, but that's the press. Then as now, we bought our news, and editors slanted their words to appeal to the sensibilities of their readers. They struggled to settle on a position re. female baseball. In any case, it's clear many readers and sports fans had already decided--if the New Woman wanted to play baseball, they could; if they wanted to compete against men, well, the New Man was ready!

There were serious issues with the Cincinnati Reds in 1892 that had nothing to do with their skimpy costumes. The team had been formed by Sylvester F. Wilson, a skilled organizer and promoter, life-long con-man, and a serial pedophile and sexual predator who used his position as team owner and manager to abuse vulnerable young girls, frequently in this case, run-aways. Wilson was on the run in 1892, convicted and sentenced to five years in prison and a $1,000 fine for seducing and abducting 15 year-old Libbie Sunderland, who had played for one of his teams. Detectives finally caught up with him on Christmas Eve in NYC and he went to Sing Sing. Sadly, he would return.

The Reds' 1892 lineup listed May Howard, pitching; Kittie Grant, catching; Ray Warren, 1b; Bessie Kirby, 2b; Belle Johnson, 3b; Lulu Harris, ss; Mabel Kirby, lf; Eva Wright, cf; Maud Woods, rf. The names were pseudonyms to protect families and/or stage careers the women expected to return to; we know little about their lives off the field. Some researchers suggest one or more could have been men--called "toppers" after the wigs they wore. They point to the slouching poses and spread-legs in photos, and the "masculine" names (e.g. Howard, Warren, Grant). Sylvester had two teams touring the Midwest that summer and the lineups changed frequently as his agent, Charles L. Young, shifted players to manage injuries, dropouts and double-bookings. The key positions--pitcher, catcher, 1b, were kept stable, however, and the experience showed--even the harshest critics admitted those girls knew their game!

The Ravens had been organized in May, 1891, with the backing of some monied interests in Marion. Most of the players were young 20-something's from good local families, several attended Cornell College. David W. Kyle, a CM&St. P. telegraph operator, was named team manager. Initially, they called themselves the "Trestevons," a name that baffled everyone. It came from an olde English manor, and allegedly meant, "Beautiful Home." (Marion Sentinel; July 30, 1891) Sometimes the paper called them "Steen's muffers," after shortstop George H. Steen (MHS 1889), who worked in the C&NW offices. (ibid.) The team chose the more sensible sobriquet, "Ravens," at the beginning of their second season.

The Marion Ravens proved their chops immediately owing to some solid in-field experience. Four team-members had played ball together at Cornell College since 1888, including pitcher Lec Bolton from Oskaloosa; catcher Charlie Brown (MHS 1887); F. Sherman Thompson, 1b, from La Porte City, and; Howard Rann from Manchester, who pitched and played 1b. Marion's Walter Bailey, 2b, also joined them on occasion. (Marion June 18, 1891) Rounding out the team were: W. E. Bell; G. Platt Bowdish, M. Callahan, Art Good; Ben Gregory, the night clerk at the Daniel's; Joe Ovington a clerk for the CM& St. Paul RR; Sam Winter, the day clerk at the Daniel's and; Charles A. Winter, his brother.

Newspaper accounts of the Cincinnati Reds' Iowa tour are generally positive--editors may not have liked it, but the women behaved responsibly, the games were well-attended and everyone enjoyed themselves. If there was any disappointment it was only that some players and spectators came expecting real games, instead, they got burlesque. Our game was played in Cedar Rapids at 1st. Ave. and 16th St. A tall canvas fence was erected around the field to help manage the crowd and limit gawking.

When the Raven's pitcher began flinging fastballs toward the plate, Belle Johnson, the Red's 3b blond-beauty, launched into her pouting routine, "I think you are just too mean to live or you wouldn't throw them balls so hard." The balls could have moved slower after that, but the pitcher would have had to carry them personally to the plate. We can be confident the Reds tried a few of their other usual routines too including: "Eek! There's a snake in the grass!" and stopping on the base paths to straighten their hosiery. And you can bet the boys played along. They tried their best to give the girls the game, but came out ahead anyway 12-10. (Cedar Rapids Republican; August 3, 1892)

Still, you can't make everyone happy. . . .

"Nine hundred people witnessed the game between the female nine and the Ravens of Marion. It was a travesty on base ball, though somewhat of a novelty. While there was no conduct, speech or language on the part of the players suggestive of vulgarity, the exhibition was of a character that ought not to be encouraged and can not fail to have the effect of lowering the dignity of women and removing her from her natural sphere." (Cedar Rapids Evening Gazette; August 4, 1892)

The Ravens played together for just one more season as most of these young men scattered, establishing glittering careers. A few stayed, and in 1894 they formed a new team, the great Marion Merchantiles, led by star pitcher J. Frank Armstrong (MHS 1894), the high school's first African-American grad.

Social transformation is painful--most people see it as a zero-sum game--where one group sees progress another sees loss. A new era started in Aug. 1892, with garish press announcements, a 10 pc. brass band and florid warnings of doom, and we survived--mostly I think by observing how quickly the young people adapted. Sociologists talk much about the 1890's "New Woman," but I think they overlook the corresponding changes in men. Our Marion Ravens did us proud that summer, showing generosity, respect and goodwill toward these female baseball pioneers. A lesson for today. More about the Ravens and our other early baseball teams in the current exhibit 150 Years of Marion Sports. Remember, tours are always available and admission is free courtesy of the McIntyre Foundation. ... See MoreSee Less

1 week ago  ·  

Mas wrestling or stick pulling is back! It's a fun "new" sport for grownups and kids that only requires a broom handle. The first U. S. Mas Wrestling Championship was held in 2013. In 2015 it came to the Quad Cities Strength & Fitness Expo. It's now in the World Strongmen competitions and will soon be an Olympic event too, if fans and the International Mas Wrestling Federation have their way. But stick-pulling is as old as the hills, and most of the indigenous cultures of the Far North have their versions. All are 1-on-1 forms of tug-of-war, using a stick, or "mas" in the language of the Russian Yakuts, instead of a rope. The sport first came here in 1891, through the efforts of Martin J. ("Farmer") Burns (1861-1937), the most famous wrestler of his era, and arguably the greatest Iowa athlete ever.

Burns grew up nearby in Cedar County. He is said to have wrestled 6,000 times in his life and lost only seven times! Pro wrestling then was the "King" of sports, not the WWF silliness we have today. Burns acquired the nickname "Farmer" in 1889 on a visit to Chicago to sell some hogs. He decided to earn a few extra dollars on his layover by wrestling. Jack Carkeek and Evan ("The Strangler") Lewis were appearing at the Olympic Theatre, offering $25 each to any man who could stay in the ring for 15 minutes. Burns walked onto stage still wearing boots and overalls--a figure of ridicule for a comedian there. He left $50 richer and with a nickname he wore with pride all his life.

By 1892 the "Farmer" was the reigning World Champion, and high-paying bouts were hard to line up. Most of his income came from side bets, and few wanted to bet against him! Burns travelled the upper midwest making appearances in carnivals and vaudeville houses, taking on hometown wrestlers and performing strongman stunts. For a while he adopted the pseudonym, "Martin Blake," and tried to sucker local he-men into bouts. He was always open to a new sports challenges, though, and that's how he came to mas wrestling or stick pulling.

Then, as now, mas wrestling competitors sit on the ground across from each other, separated by a 2X12 in. plank, against which they prop their feet; each grasps the stick--it's about 20 in. long and 1 1/4 in. round. On the word, "go," the contestants pull and try to drag the other over the plank onto the opposite side. Rounds go two minutes, but most are much shorter. Its a workout for your whole body, but especially the hands, legs, back and abdominals.

Burns' opponent in Aug. 1891 was Tama County farmer/banker, Oscar Casey (1857-1942). Casey was considered "invincible," and had never been pulled off the floor--once seated he was riveted there. (Cedar Rapids Evening Gazette, July 9, 1891) At 225 pounds Casey had experience and a 55-pound weight-advantage over Burns, but Burns got one concession--he would start in his preferred position--hands together in the center of the stick; Casey started with his hands outside his, on either side.

Burns took the first round in 1 min., and the second in 45 sec. They swapped grips and Casey took the third in 1 min. Burns returned to the center position in the decisive fourth round. Casey gave it his all, but conceded after 1 min. 45 seconds. An estimated $800 changed hands that day--a good payoff for Burns. (Cedar Rapids Evening Gazette; August 10, 1891)

In Jan. 1892 Burns travelled to Omaha to face off against Henry Kilmurry, a local packing house "Hercules," and renowned local tug-of-war champion. With a standing-room-only crowd howling like a mob, non-stop, the men pulled an unbelievable two hours and 35 minutes before agreeing to call the match a draw! (Omaha Daily Bee; July 25, 1892)

Stick pulling-opponents soon became as hard for Burns to find as other challengers and he had to find new sources of income. The "Farmer" became a boxing trainer and eventually opened a wrestling school in Rock Island, and later Omaha. He discovered, trained and nurtured all of Iowa's great early wrestlers and sparked our great wrestling tradition.

Returning to Marion/CR was like coming home for Burns, and he visited and performed here throughout his life. We saw him wrestle some of the best, including J. C. Comstock, "The Michigan Giant." In 1894 Burns offered to wrestle any four local men, separately for $25 each. There were no takers, so instead Burns staged a demonstration at the Daniels Opera House with "The Unknown" from Aurora, IL. (Marion Sentinel; April 5, 1894) The event was so successful Daniels management arranged many subsequent athletic shows, many featured Marion boys. In 1911 Burns barnstormed the country with his own baseball team. They stopped here to play at the Marion Interstate Fair grounds. Our lineup reads like a Who's Who of Marion young businessmen and professionals: Secrist, Ford, Toms, Blazek, Oxley . . . We lost in extra innings 7-6. (Marion Sentinel July 27, 1911) Burns took to the Chautauqua circuit in the 1920's and lectured here about healthy, clean living. (Marion Sentinel; April 14, 1921)

Mas wrestling stayed alive in the Upper Midwest for about a decade before disappearing. While it remained popular in a few communities, it suffered from the same image problem that haunted billiards, bowling and other early sports--gambling, alcohol and the "fast" life. Today's promotors work mightily to convey a wholesome image and a sport that is suitable for the whole family. Learn more about the "Farmer" and our other early wrestling heroes in the current exhibit, 150 Years of Marion Sports History. Admission is free courtesy of the McIntyre Foundation. ... See MoreSee Less

2 weeks ago  ·