Between the Covers

Hardcover. Oblong folio. Measuring 15" x 11.5". String tied black leather over papercovered boards with "Photographs" stamped in gilt on the front board. A collection of 176 black and white photographs measuring between 3.25" x 3.25" and 4.5" x 3.5", without captions. A photo album kept by a man who served with the 181st Infantry in the years before and during World War II at Camp Edwards in Massachusetts, along with other locations, possibly in the South. The photos depict typical images of camp life: men shaving in tents, reading letters, and cleaning their clothes, as well as drilling, marching, and target practice. Two photos show an African-American soldier and his family as well as some of soldiers goofing off in costumes. Interspersed throughout the album are photographs of professional baseball games at Yankee Stadium and Fenway Park with images of Chicago Cubs pitcher Dizzy Dean and Cleveland Indians shortstop Lou Boudreau warming up, along with baseball comedian Al Schacht entertaining fans in costume with his oversized glove. Other photos show the crowds in the stands and studying programs, keeping score, and walking around the grounds. Eleven additional photos were taken at Yankee Stadium during the third game of the 1943 World Series, showing parades on the field, fans catching a ball hit into the stands, and the scoreboard showing the final score, Yankees 6, Cardinals 2. An interesting assemblage of photos depicting the American home front during the war years and one fan's enthusiasm for baseball.

Item #397907