Local Heroes: 1940

We've seen a few of Vachon's photos [155. - Dave]; he had an interesting choice of subjects. The high, diorama like shots, then interesting signage and people. Nothing specific, like he looked up and there these three were, just trudging along. Spontaneous reaction shot. Same with the shot of the two kids coming home from school down that snow covered road.

"I thought you said the stadium was over here!"

In the late 1950s Baltimore, walking around town, or even your own 'hood, in your football togs, was seriously frowned upon by your peers. The guy on the right goes the extra mile, even wearing his hat. Sheesh.

[Ever wear a football hat yourself? Just wondering. - Dave]

I would guess this photo was taken on the afternoon of October 18, 1940, before the Minot High Magicians lost 28-6 to the Bismarck Demons. Minot High had designated Oct. 18 as "Loyalty Day," involving Homecoming-like events. Going into the game, the Maroon-and-Gold Magicians (or "Magi" for short) were tied with Bismarck atop their division of the East-West Conference. With the possible exception of the next week's game against Williston, this was the only home game for the Magicians in October 1940. (They were only one of four football teams playing in Minot then. The others were the Minot Model High Beaver Kits, the St. Leo Lions, and a college team, the Minot Beavers. It is possible that these were players from one of those teams, but even in black-and white that sure looks like maroon and gold.)

Precursor to the early 1960s Denver Broncos vertical-striped socks. Yikes.

I'm guessing that in 1940 they were not provided with rides to and from the games but one would think the guy on the right would have taken his helmet off at least to walk down Main Street. Or perhaps they were in a parade or downtown pep rally.

Did a bit of poking around this morning on Google Earth, and I think this might be the same spot on Main Street.