Ask Vance Blog

Among thousands of other items, the Lauderdale Library contains a battered scrapbook just packed with terrific old photographs and yellowed newspaper articles clipped from the sports pages of Memphis newspapers in the mid- to late-1930s. And I thought I'd share just one of those with you: a nice photo showing the Fairview Junior High School Trojans, which (according to a note scribbled on that page) had won the state championship in 1934. You'll see they even painted it on the football the player at the right is holding.

I really wasn't sure of the team's name until I spotted the little fellow at the left holding the box labeled "Trojans." I think we can assume he's an equipment manager or team mascot of some sort, and not the guy who provides the players with, uh, a certain brand of prophylactics.

You'll notice that the numbering system has changed somewhat over the years. Of course, it's not a very large team here, but the highest number is 21, and there's even one player (in the middle) bearing the number 1, which would put pressure on you, I'd imagine.

Recognize any of your relatives in this picture?