Widener Exhibits Original Catcher's Mask Made in 1878

Invented over 50 years ago by undergraduate Frederick W. Thayer '78, the original baseball catcher's mask is now among a group of nineteenth century relics on exhibit in Widener Library.

In addition to the protector, which revolutionized battery technique, several football mementoes are on display. Among them are the ball used by the first Percy Haughton team which beat Yale, 4-0, in 1928, and that used by the last, victorious over the Elis, 41-0, in 1915.

Track relics include the shoe worn by Wendell Baker '86, in setting a new world's record for the 440 yard dash, the she which broke and came off 155 yards from the finish.

Other objects number various historic and oddly shaped baseball bats, cups, and early crew photographs.