Really exciting Stan Musial/ St. Louis Cardinals find!

[hcv123]

If this belongs in post-war forum, please move.

Wanted to share these super cool and historic Musial items!

Stan Musial grew up in a small town called Donora Pennsylvania, about 40 minutes south of Pittsburgh. A young Musial was befriended by Scott Johnston , Mr. Johnston was elected as a school director (1937-1949) and during his time serving headed the school athletic committee. It was shared by a family member that Mr. Johnston was known to have given Musial car fare for him to go try out with the Cardinals!! The items I am showing all originate from a direct descendant of Mr. Johnston:

1) 1941 Donora Zinc Works Testimonial dinner program
2) 1942 Donora Zinc Works Testimonial dinner program
3) 1943 Donora Zinc Works Testimonial dinner program - with Honus Wagner, Stan Musial and Jim Russell (Donora High School football coach) autographs.
4) A Musial photograph inscribed: "Best Wishes Scott, A fine personal friend and a game guy, Stan Musial". Stamped "BY CLARKE" on the back
5) A Western Union Telegram from Mr and Mrs. Stan Musial to Grace Johnson (Johnston) expressing their condolences on the loss of her husband Scott. The telegram reads: "FEEL A PERSONAL LOSS OF A DEAR FRIEND OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY DURING THIS HOUR OF GREAT SORROW= MR AND MRS STAN MUSIAL"

Per an earlier thread started by Lucas, the Testimonial dinners were small (I believe 400 people were quoted regarding the 1942 dinner). These are all unlikely survivors. Enjoy.

For anyone who may be interested in acquiring - see post in BST.

[ALR-bishop]

Great items Howard

[stlcardsfan]

Awesome stuff Howard!! Stan was my dad's favorite player and the reason he (and I) are Cardinal fans even though he grew up in Cubs and White Sox country.

[Lucas00]

Great pieces Howard. 41-43, wow. Hell of a find.

I wonder if they made a premium style photo like mine from 1942 for 41 and 43 as well. Or if it was a Roty special case.

I hope one day if a new Standard Catalogue is created these will be in it. Awesome!

[gonefishin]

Amazing items for a great player. Growing up in Arkansas in the 50s and 60s, the closest team to us was the St. Louis Cardinals and Stan was "The Man". Here is my PSA certified photo of Stan, but unlike yours mine is classified as type III from the 40s. I'm assuming yours is a type I, but I'm no expert.