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Offered here is a fascinating early American football studio photograph, believed to date from approximately the late 1890s to early 1900s.
The photograph depicts a young football player wearing an early uniform consisting of a dark turtleneck-style sweater with a large “B” on the chest, heavily padded/reeded football pants, long stockings and period football shoes.
The photograph is mounted on its original decorative gray studio mount with an oval portrait presentation.
Overall dimensions are approximately 4.5" x 8".
Identified on Reverse as Ralph Hunt
Most importantly, there is an old handwritten identification on the reverse that reads in part:
“Ralph Hunt – Head of Hebron…”
The remaining portion of the inscription is difficult to decipher.
Research strongly suggests that this identifies the young football player as Ralph Hunt, who later became the longtime Principal/Headmaster of Hebron Academy in Hebron, Maine.
Hebron Academy's own historical records confirm that Ralph Hunt was appointed Principal in 1922, succeeding longtime principal William Sargent.
Hunt became an important figure in the history of Hebron Academy and led the school through a significant period of development. Competitive athletics became an important part of the school during his administration.
Photographed by Harry Plummer – Lewiston, Maine
The photograph is credited to Harry Plummer of Lewiston, Maine, whose studio mark/signature appears on the front.
Harry L. Plummer was a documented professional photographer working in Lewiston during the early 1900s.
Plummer is particularly interesting in connection with this photograph because documented examples of his work include portraits of Hebron Academy and Bates College students from the early 1900s.
That provides an excellent geographical and historical connection between the photographer, the handwritten Ralph Hunt/Hebron identification and the young Maine football player pictured here.
What Does the “B” Stand For?
The football sweater displays a very prominent “B.”
I have researched the possibility that it represents Bates College, Bowdoin College, Bangor High School, or another Maine school or athletic organization beginning with B.
At this point, I have not found enough documentation to positively identify the team, so I am intentionally NOT representing this as a Bates, Bowdoin or Bangor football photograph.
Bates is an intriguing possibility, particularly because Bates College is located in Lewiston, where photographer Harry Plummer worked. However, without finding Ralph Hunt on a corresponding roster or in a period yearbook, that attribution would be speculative.
Further research may eventually identify exactly which football team Hunt represented.
Ralph Hunt and Hebron Academy
Ralph Hunt went on to have a lengthy career in Maine education.
Historical records also identify him as having served as a school principal in Caribou, Maine, before his later career at Hebron Academy.
He became Principal of Hebron Academy in 1922 and subsequently played an important role in the school's development.
Hebron's historical accounts describe Hunt and noted benefactor Freelan Stanley as strong supporters of competitive athletics. Hebron developed an especially notable athletic tradition during Hunt's tenure.
That makes this early photograph particularly interesting if, as the period identification indicates, it shows Hunt himself during his younger football-playing days.
Condition
The photograph is more than a century old and shows age-related wear consistent with an antique photographic piece.
There is toning, discoloration, spotting and wear to the mounting board. The reverse has additional age-related discoloration and the important handwritten identification.
Please study all photographs carefully. They are an important part of the description and show the exact item you will receive.
No attempt has been made to clean or restore the photograph or mounting board.
Historical Significance
This is a particularly interesting piece of Maine educational and early football history.
The combination of:
Ralph Hunt identification
Future Head/Principal of Hebron Academy
Harry Plummer, Lewiston photographer
Early football uniform
Large unidentified “B” varsity letter
Original handwritten identification
4.5" x 8" period mounted presentation
makes this much more interesting than an unidentified antique football photograph.
The exact school represented by the “B” remains an open research question. Bates, Bowdoin, Bangor or another institution may be possibilities, but I have found no definitive documentation and therefore make no claim regarding the team.
A wonderful research opportunity and display piece for a collector of Hebron Academy, Maine history, early college football, Bates/Bowdoin athletics, antique sports photography or turn-of-the-century football memorabilia.
Guaranteed to be the original vintage photograph shown in the listing.
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