[T206Jim]

This is my new favorite postcard. It is a real photo postcard of a Chicago Cubs exhibition game against the local Grays from Henry, Illinois just outside of Peoria. It is postmarked September 12, 1914 from Henry to a Peoria address. The Henry, Illinois (pop. 2,000+-) website mentions that their local team played the Cubs.

1914-Cubs-postcard.jpg


Aside from how difficult it is to find a game action RPPC of an deadball ML team, I love the little details. Note the ball several feet from the pitcher's hand, the bats in the foreground and the spectators sitting in fair ground down the left field line.


1914-Cubs-ball-close-up.jpg


But what I like most, and what was a shock to me, was the realization a live cub mascot, (maybe Clara Maduro) is likely sitting not more than twenty feet from home plate. Look closely below and you can make out the ears, eyes and nose (he or she is sitting head on to the viewer).


1914-Cubs-bear-cub.jpg


I found this photo, also from 1914, and article on the Cubs live mascots.


1914-LIBRARY-OF-CONGRESS.jpg


I don't know which team is in the field, but the uniforms (most obvious on the SS) seem to match the 1914 Cubs uniforms. If so, it is possible that the catcher is Roger Bresnahan as he caught most Cubs games in 1914.

If anyone else has information on this game or scene I'd love to hear it.