Narration By

Carlton Hendricks

Generally I’ve never been much of a photo collector; however over the years I’ve occasionally come across some that were irresistible. This one that hangs on my door unframed, for lack of room in a more fitting spot, is just such a photo. As I recall I picked it up many years ago at either the now defunct Marin City Flea Market, or the P.M.A. Show otherwise known as the Antique Collectors Revival in San Mateo, both 

in California. I think I got it for like $75.00 or so; it was just a no brainer. The names of the players are unknown, however, some very helpful person wrote Ellensburg Wash in pencil on the back; very nice to know. Along with that interesting bit of information, we’re also fortunate to know the approximate year the photo was taken; seen on the ball held by the player top second from right. The “10” probably signified the teams class year. Since the guys look a little young, the photo was probably taken around 1905-10. 

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It appears the photographer Pautzke was

accomplished. Good photos don’t just happen; they require a photographer skilled at directing and

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capturing the essence of a subject…look at those helmets........look at the guys flanking them, with their legs pointed outward… …Classic ! They look like 

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they’re right out of a Maxfield Parrish print ! The helmets are it’s main drawing card, but the whole thing is exceptional. The faces of the kids are so honest. It must be one of the most classic football photos on the planet. 

Ellensburg in western Washington state; way in the furthestt north western corner of the country sure is a long way from the throve of New England where football began; but from the looks of this photo the sport was thriving there too. I'll bet you these all American kids never thought they’d end up in a newspaper column on sports antiques !