1956 Harvard/Yale Crew Race

[Pineedles]

I probably only need to email McDude directly, but who knows where it might come from. My cousin is looking for a picture of the 1956 Harvard/Yale Crew race in Center Harbor. Anyone got something? He wants to commission a painting from our camp's perspective with the picture.

[mcdude]

Sorry Pineedles....can't help you with that! Maybe if you could dig up an old 1956 yearbook from either Harvard or Yale? Good Luck!

[GWC...]

This should prove a sizeable challenge - even Harvard avoids mention of the event.

It does, however, mention this noteworthy date:

August 3, 1852 - America's first intercollegiate athletic event was held as Yale and Harvard met for a crew race on Lake Winnipesaukee in Center Harbor, NH.

[Redwing]

As I recall, Heath's in Center Harbor has an image of the Yale/Harvard crew event blown-up on one their interior walls, which would likely be an image that they have in their possession. I was drawn to the image, as I work at Yale, and would be happy to check Archives at our Sterling Memorial Library for the 1956 Yale yearbook; will also check with the Crew coach, but will not be able to do so until after Spring break, when students/coaches/faculty return to campus.

I have been reading the Forum for the past year, and enjoy the myriad of information and camaraderie therein; this is my very first post! A long-time summer resident of Moultonboro (we still have our original 1952 cottage..... one of the few remaining "cottages" on the lake), I am reassured to find so many commonalities among the posters.

[Pineedles]

I have searched Harvard's archives and after finding their archives very confusing would appr4eciate some help. My cousin and I would find it very helpful if you could provide us with any pictorial info. Time is not an issue. He intends on have Peter Ferba of Wolfeboro do a painting of the race from our camp's (Moultonborough 1st neck) perspective. It is strange that Harvard seems to deny that the event ever took place. We have tried to ask our relatives about the 1952nd 100 year recreation but find that there are no relatives left alive that were on the lake that August of 1952.

[Pineedles]

Thanks GWC,

Did you see that the pair came back after a New London race to commererate the 100th anniversary to Center Harbor? I never knew our little harbor was witness to such a MAJOR event(s).

[SteveA]

Found This:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harvard-Yale_Regatta

I'll keep looking.

SteveA

[SteveA]

http://www.hcs.harvard.edu/~harvcrew...te/History/HY/

If you scroll down... you'll find mention of the 100th ann. on Lake Winnipesaukee... but no pictures

[RI Swamp Yankee]

SteveA beat me to it, I found the same 2 links. Here is some of the text.

On August 3, 1852--in a two-mile race on the calm waters of Lake Winnepeaukee--Harvard and Yale battled like never before. Yale was represented by two boats, the Shawmut and the Undine, while Harvard rowed in the Oneida. Harvard won the inaugural race by about four lengths, earnings a pair of black walnut oars as its prize. It seems that people right away knew this was going to be the start of something big, for among the distinguished observers was General Franklin pierce, the Democratic party nominee and native of near-by Hillsborough, who would be elected President later that year.
...

In 1952, the schools went to New London in June, then ventured to Lake Winnepesaukee in August to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the first Regatta. The race followed the original script, with Harvard winning by 2.7 seconds.

In 1956 the Yale Crew won a gold in the Olympics

[Pineedles]

yes, I too have seen the info on the race(s). When I get back up to the lake this summer perhaps I'll spend some time in Nichol's Memorial Library in CH and see if they have something. Thanks again.

[Redwing]

Dear Pineedles,
I have been in contact with Yale's Athletic Department, and am sorry to say that they do not have a photo from the 100th year anniversary crew race in Center Harbor in 1952. HOWEVER, do not despair as they have a program from that race and on the front cover (which I am told was done in red, white & blue), there is a picture of Center Harbor from the air.

I am going to take a walk over to the AD offices on Friday, and check out the program. Perhaps there wlil be other information/photos of interest, but I will definitely keep you posted on my sleuthing progress. I embrace a good chalenge!

[Pineedles]

Thank you for going above and beyond the call.... I anxiously await your info.

[Redwing]

On this absolutely beautiful day, I have just returned from a walk to visit with the archivist at the Yale Athletic Department. He has one copy of the Yale/Harvard Regatta Program from the 100th anniversary crew race in Center Harbor, and has offered to make me a copy of the front cover (ariel view in red/white/blue of Center Harbor/lake) blown-up to 11X14, on a thick-ish poster board, that will be suitable for hanging. He will also make a good-quality (color) copy of the entire program, which contains more ariel photos of Center Harbor within it's pages. I know this is not what you were looking for, but I would be happy to provide you with a coyy of the program, once I receive it. Because of copyright issues, I would not want to post it on this Forum.

Also, as I mentioned in an earlier post, Heath's Grocery store in Center Harbor has a blown-up mural on their interior wall of a Y-H crew event, which may - or may not - have been the 100th anniversary event. I imagine that the Center Harbor Historical Society and/or Nichols Library would likely have photos of the actual event, as well, if those photos exist!

[mcdude]

Center Harbor has recently installed a plaque comemorating the first Harvard/Yale race in 1852.

Here's the LACONIA CITIZEN Article

[GWC...]

Posted by the Webmaster July 6, 2007

[Boardwalk Bluesboy]

I was recently perusing my copy of the 1956 Lakes Region Association's Where To In the Lakes Region of New Hampshire guidebook. Noticing this photo, I recalled the forum about this very subject. From the number of boats lining the race course, and the photo caption, it does indeed appear to be an aerial of the 1952 race.

[Argie's Wife]

This race is part of my family history - James Elkins, the superintendent of the Boston, Concord, and Montreal railroad, was the sponsor of the races and started them in 1852 - he is my great-great grandfather on my father's side. (More info HERE.)
I would be interested in knowing more about this - my dad spoke about it and told some stories. I have a brother who has a lot of family history documents - I'll check with him on what he has on this...

[Redwing]

I have a copy of the entire program from the 100th anniversary Y-H crew race in Center Harbor, and will be happy to provide copies to anyone who is interested (Pineneedles?), which contains ariel views of Winnipesaukee. It is a nice keepsake. I'll bring a sign-up sheet to this Saturday's Forum Fest and can send color copies to anyone who desires one.

[Pineedles]

Redwing,

Thanks, for following through. I would definitely like a copy. I am still desperately trying to make it this weekend.

[Argie's Wife]

Redwing - Yes, please. I'd love a copy!

[Mr. V]

Interesting documentary on you tube.

The Calling.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZC5jNyq_tjA

[SteveA]

Originally Posted by Mr. V

Interesting documentary on you tube.

The Calling.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZC5jNyq_tjA

Great film. Thanks!

[Redwing]

Krista and Pineedles,
I have just made you both color copies of the Centennial Program and put it in the mail. It is a nice keepsake, and as I explained in my notes to you, we have framed the cover of program and hung it on our cottage wall. A nice addition!! Krista, you will be pleased to read about your great (or was it great, great) grandfather, who was pivotal in organizing the Y-H Regatta.

It was wonderful meeting you both at the Forum, and hats-off to you Krista, for a marvelous job of coordinating the event. You are nothing short of a professional event planner, and we all appreciated being on the receiving end of your skillful and thoughtful planning! You have inherited many of your great, great grandfather's skills in bringing people and events together! Best, Redwing

[Boardwalk Bluesboy]

Here's an interesting envelope, postmarked the same day as the Centennial race.

[Redwing]

Boardwalk Bluesboy,
Where did you find this amazing postcard? Many thanks for sharing it...was there a photo on the reverse side, or any other information?

[Redwing]

I see it is an envelope.... in any case, please share where you found it! Inquiring minds want to know! Thanks! Redwing

[Boardwalk Bluesboy]

The image of the envelope was found on a very well-known auction website. There was no image of the reverse side of the envelope provided with the auction listing. I did not buy the envelope, so I have no further information for you, sorry.

[Pineedles]

Never mind looking for it, I checked ebay and did a pretty good search on the internet and can't find hide nor hair of it. It must have been snatched up by some collector. McDude, did you get it?

[mcdude]

nope....wasn't me!

[Boardwalk Bluesboy]

I just keep stumbling across stuff related to this forum. This banner was just listed on that well-known auction website if anyone's interested.

[Pineedles]

Originally Posted by Boardwalk Bluesboy

I just keep stumbling across stuff related to this forum. This banner was just listed on that well-known auction website if anyone's interested.

BB,

This is the second time you have posted an auction item without stating the auction site. Just saying a well known aution site. If you mean Ebay, then it wasn't there, ever. Would you please state the auction site?

[Senter Cove Guy]

Originally Posted by Pineedles

BB,

This is the second time you have posted an auction item without stating the auction site. Just saying a well known aution site. If you mean Ebay, then it wasn't there, ever. Would you please state the auction site?

I found it there yesterday. Do a search on Harvard-Yale and scroll down.

[Pineedles]

I saw it, thanks. I swear it wasn't there yesterday. Now for the bid.

[JEEPONLY]

My wife conducts remote learning classes for middle-school learners.

From time to time she will back off from her lessons to interject some bonding chit-chat. We look up interesting facts about the immediate area (I learn, too!) that her students can relate to.

One of last week's days included information about the Harvard/Yale sport contest.

So cool to see this post from 2007!

[JGSH]

My uncle and late father were Harvard rowers in the late 1940s. I was recently corresponding with my uncle (now 94 years old!) about old family stories and he offered the following. I googled the event and found this string. If anyone can comment on or add to my Uncle Ted's account, I would be delighted to hear from you:

One memorable story ties back to 1852 and the Harvard - Yale crew race that year, which was the first intercollegiate rowing race in America. It was held on Lake Winnipesaukee, NH, and Harvard won. No subsequent H - Y race had been rowed in NH. Leap ahead to 1952, the Centennial. Insofar as I know, the athletic departments of Harvard and Yale had failed to take any notice of that historic date. It was going to disappear without any celebration.

But hold on! Out of the blue an enterprising real estate broker and civic booster on the town council in Center Harbor, between Lakes Winnipesaukee and Squam, stumbled on the historic account of that date and started promoting the idea of a re-row as a tourist attraction for the region.

Enter your father and mother. Harpo [Hanson, my dad] was on duty that early summer as a “Baby Dean” to show the flag for Harvard on anything that might arise while senior administrators were summering out of town. His phone rang and he was asked whether Harvard was sending a crew to NH to race in the Centennial Celebration. Acting mostly on his own, he contacted his opposite number at Yale and found they were faced with the same bewildering question. They agreed to give it a try. Harpo enlisted me and the requisite number of bodies who at least knew bow from stern from a group of summer idlers and ne’er-do-wells who were headed to various resorts. I don’t know where he got a shell. We all showed up for a bus ride to NH, including Harpo and Thee [my mother Dorothea].

On our arrival at Center Harbor we were greeted by the Chamber of Congress and a bevy of local belles who were recruited as guides and hostesses to make our visit more enjoyable. Yale was similarly welcomed. Suddenly Thee became the de facto chaperone for what could have gotten rapidly out of hand. She was given a place of honor at every occasion, but no other support. She dispensed her duties as chaperone with a light but effective hand, good friends with all.

To conclude: There was a race, never reported outside Center Harbor, Harvard won. There were several good parties, and everyone dispersed to their interrupted summer idylls, no harm done so far as I know.

[JGSH]

Take a look at the list of sponsors -- can anyone comment on how many of these businesses still exist, 68 years later? Few, I expect.

[joey2665]

Laconia Savings and loan changed it’s name to Bank of New Hampshire about 5-6 years ago


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[I.C.Isles]

Related...great book that talks about the Harvard-Yale races is “The Boys in the Boat”. More about rowing and the 1936 Berlin Olympics though. Worth a read.


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[Nblackie57]

The NH Boat Museum on Center Street in Wolfeboro has an exhibit on the Harvard Yale crew race. This is a new exhibit that will run in 2021 through fall 2022.
U

[Descant]

Good info, and thanks. Welcome to the Forum.