Pop Smith was an unofficial mascot of Yale in the late 1800s. He was born in England but lived in the states for about 50 years. He was one of the first well known “Superfans” and attended just about every Yale sporting event. He befriended many of the students and faculty and even posed in their group pictures. He lived to be 87 years old and passed away in 1905. This image was used on a late 19th century Yale tobacco tin.
With Super Bowl weekend upon us I thought I would highlight arguably the greatest 19th century football team the 1888 Yale squad. The first season under legendary coach Walter Camp they went undefeated going 13-0 and out scored their opponents 694-0. Five players from this team would later be inducted into the college football hall of fame including (Pa, Corbin, Pudge Heffelfinger, Bum McClung, Amos Alonzo Stagg, and George Woodruff.
This is one of the greatest images I have ever handled. Not only is it the largest measuring in at nearly 3 feet wide and two feet tall, but it also belonged to William Herbert “Pa” Corbin. Pa Corbin was the captain of the team holding the ball front and center with the long handlebar mustache. The image was passed down through the family belonging to his grandson William Herbert Corbin St. John. After he passed away it was auctioned off along with a personalized Tiffany and co. match safe.
Harvard went 11-0 and ended up defeating their rival Yale 12-6 to end their season. For being one of the top 3 19th century teams they had not had a championship season since 1875. The notable players on the team are Arthur Cumnock who I had highlighted in a previous post and Marshall Newell. Newell is one of only a few players to be 4 time all Americans.
