Scrapbook, 1907-1909

The records consist of nine scrapbooks (out of a collection of 47 referred to in one of the last articles in the 1942 scrapbook) containing material about athletics at Oberlin High School, Oberlin College, Syracuse College and schools in Lorain County and around Ohio. They represent the years 1907-42, but lack 1924-38. The contents consist of mostly undated newspaper clippings, programs, tickets, cards (including wedding invitations of former O.H.S. and O.C. athletes and students, sports banquet invitations, birth announcements, and later marriage announcements).

The collection reflects Chambers' loyalty and strong interest in his former athletes as people, as he followed them all through their lives and careers wherever they move and whatever their professions. It documents the former athletes and coaches respect for and genuine affection for Bill Chambers. The collection also provides very dense documentation of the evolution of the general attitude toward and importance of athletics in the Oberlin and the college community, from the time it was the OC Congregationalists to the, now, Yeomen; and from when the OHS colors were navy and maroon to the now royal blue and red. Photos reveal the changes in sports equipment and uniforms etc. Even the menus from sports banquets reveal something about their times. And, perhaps most telling, is a comment from Bill Chambers in 1941 or so, saying he hadn't been to any games in years. Chambers felt that the athletes didn't have any "pep" anymore, and that meant more to him than anything.