An exhibit of historical football memorabilia from the UGA Athletic Association archives will be displayed this fall at the Richard B. Russell Building Special Collections Libraries. Guided Football Friday tours of the three special collections galleries will be offered each home game Friday at 3 p.m.
Leather Helmets and Silver Britches: Georgia’s Football Heritage features photos, scrapbooks and bowl game souvenirs including rings, watches and pendants. Helmets and jerseys worn through the years, including those of UGA’s two Heisman trophy winners-Frank Sinkwich and Herschel Walker-also are on display, as are mementos from the 1980 national championship season. The athletic association collection is part of University Archives, housed at the Russell Special Collections Building.
Tribute is paid to Von Gammon, whose fatal injury in an 1897 game led the state legislature to consider banning football at state institutions. Gammon’s mother appealed to the governor to prevent the ban. A telegraph from “Pop” Warner, UGA head coach 1895-96, expresses his regret at being unable to attend a memorial service for Gammon.
Tour participants should meet in the second floor rotunda of the Russell Building. The building and exhibit galleries are open to the public weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturdays from 1-5 p.m. and are closed on home football game days.
