[WOMEN] [SPORTS] [PHOTOGRAPHY] 1952 Women's Softball Photo Album

Ohio: 1952. Hardcover. 39 pages. 26 x 34 cm. 132 photos (8 not present). Depending on where you lived in the United States, women's softball opportunities varied. By the 1940's, 50's and 60's, women's fast pitch softball became very popular, with teams playing around the country and in Canada. The ASA's women's major division was the most popular, and since there were no youth teams, it wasn't unusual to see a young 15-year-old playing on the same team as a 40-year-old.

This album represents a team from Metamora, Ohio - The Merchants. We find our ladies, some still in high school, others well into their 20's and 30's, captured in these black and white photos. First we meet Elaine M. Landenderfer, about 15 or 16 at the time. Elaine becomes part of the team and travels with them throughout the summer to the regional, state, and then to the World Championships in Toronto, Canada. Throughout the album, we get to know the team, whether its photos of practice, at an ice cream parlor, lounging in bed, or on the road to yet another tournament. It is obvious they are having fun, playing and laughing together. Giddy photos of the team, piled on top of one another after a win, posing for the camera in hotel rooms, or catching someone sleeping. We see the trophies they win, the team pictures along with their coach, and candid photos of celebrations. Some of the women we tracked down besides Elaine are Valaria Kathleen Browns. She would have been 28 in 1952. Born in 1926, she lived her whole life in Defiance Ohio working as a secretary for the County Courthouse. When she passed away in 2017, her obituary notes that she loved to bowl and was the pitcher for a semi-pro women's softball team. Never married, she was survived by a special friend, Marsha Leaders and huge family of nieces and nephews. Another teammate, Ruth E. Gray, also from Defiance, was the same age as Valaria. Ruth was married but never had children and became a professional photographer of sports. Ruth was also survived by a large family with 23 nieces and nephews, her husband dying before her. Phyllis J. Max was another teammate. Phyllis was from the Toledo area and was about 25 in 1952. Phyllis was never married, and in her obituary, she was listed as a shipping clerk in an Auto Parts Factory and spending time in bowling alleys and billiards parlors. There are around 14 team members with names and nicknames listed under every photo.
A truly delightful look back at women and sports before Title IX. Dark blue faux leather album, blue and white string with tassels. Near fine. Item #4212

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