Since the museum opened to the public in 1992 our sports collection has remained very popular with visitors. In order to preserve these delicate objects the case is being refinished to remove old cork and adhesives, which give off harmful gases. While the images have been removed the cases they are being scanned and catalogued so that we can better share our local sports history. Below are a few images that have been on display for many years, yet deserve a closer look.
Little is known about the "Apollos" which appear to be a 1902 Coloma Football team - pre-dating Coloma High School having enough male students to have large team sports. Note the unusual nose guards the players are wearing around their necks. These strapped around your head and the player would bite down to keep it in place. The only player identified is Felix Sawatski, who is in the second row, second from the left.
Here we have Richard Greenberg, a member of the 1928 US Olympic Water Polo team who was a summer resident of Paw Paw Lake.
In the center of this image we have H.O. "Pat" Page, a life time resident of Paw Paw Lake. Pat Page was elected to the National Basketball Hall of Fame in 1963 for his skill playing for the University of Chicago. He went on to be head coach of the Indiana University Football Team, and pitched batting practice for the Chicago Cubs and White Sox during the summer. Quite the accomplished athelete!
