Help Dating an Elmer Foster Jersey

[oldjudge]

This cabinet came from a lot in the latest REA auction. Flour City was a nickname for Minneapolis so I assume this was some sort of Minneapolis jersey. A clue can be gained from the photographer. Although part of the name is obscured, I assume the photographer is W H Jacoby, a rather famous early Minnesota photographer. He operated a studio until 1890 which should be the latest date for the cabinet if my assumption is correct. I've talked to some early Minnesota baseball historians who have never seen an image of this jersey. My hope is that someone on the board will have some idea of when it is from. Thanks for any help you can provide!

[nolemmings]

Really nice cabinet Jay. I'm afraid I can't help much, but did some googling and found a site that says W.H. Jacoby let his son Charles take over the business in 1888. Also saw some cabinets or cdv's that showed Jacoby & Son as the photographer--if yours just says Jacoby perhaps the name change came after the father ceded the business. I also a few sources stating that the studio was done as of 1890, so that could narrow yours down to the last couple years. I'm sure you saw where Foster played for Minneapolis in 1887,'89, '90 and '95, so you've got a pretty narrow window either way--still, I know how you like to be precise

[z28jd]

Rochester NY used the team name Flour City for quite some time, so I wouldn't narrow my search down to just Minneapolis.

[oldjudge]

John--I saw that, but Elmer never played for Rochester

[oldjudge]

Interestingly, the Minneapolis team cabinet that came with this lot was the 1887 Minneapolis team from the Northwest League. The team was part owned by Elmer's brother, Robert, and Elmer recruited the players for the team (all detailed in the accompanying scrapbook). I wonder if they originally thought of using the Flour City jerseys, but later decided to use the Minneapolis jerseys shown in the team cabinet.

[oldjudge]

Denny--it says Minneapolis

[z28jd]

Originally Posted by oldjudge

John--I saw that, but Elmer never played for Rochester

I noticed that, but he was also missed any stats for 1892-1894 and I'm sure they still at least had a local club at the time, possibly semi-pro or Independent.

I see you got the answer from that great cabinet posted. Very cool

[ksabet]

"Help Dating an Elmer Foster Jersey"



I say you take it to dinner, but no movie. Those Elmer Foster Jersey's can get frisky in the theater.

[irishdenny]

Hey there Jay,

I'm curious... What does it say in the Bottom Right Hand Corner?
Looks to me like it might have some sort of "Indian" Named Town!?
There are many towns in the NY area that have Indian related names...

I thought I saw a "QU" in it contents...