Nicholas Murray Butler football correspondence, 1905-1907

Collection context

Creator:
Columbia University. Archives
Extent:
0.21 Linear Feet (1 half-size document box)
Language:
English .
Scope and content:

This collection contains correspondence received by Columbia University President Nicholas Murray Butler regarding the banning of football at Columbia in 1905.

Biographical / historical:

According to University President Nicholas Murray Butler, football had "become an academic nuisance because of its interference with academic work and an academic danger because of the moral and physical ills that follow in its train." Without proper rules in place, the game was considered "brutal and abominable." On November 1905, the University Committee on Student Organizations voted to ban intercollegiate football at Columbia. Other colleges and universities similarly discontinued the sport following a season of repeated injuries and deaths. Henry Mitchell McCracken of New York University called a meeting in December 1905 to initiate changes in the rules for playing football. This meeting resulted in the formation of the Intercollegiate Athletic Association in 1906, which became the NCAA in 1910. After a 10-year ban, Columbia rejoined intercollegiate football in 1915.

Access and use

Restrictions:

This collection is located onsite.

This collection has no restrictions.

Terms of access:

Single photocopies may be made for research purposes. The RBML maintains ownership of the physical material only. Copyright remains with the creator and his/her heirs. The responsibility to secure copyright permission rests with the patron.

Preferred citation:

Identification of specific item; Date (if known); Nicholas Murray Butler football correspondence; Box and Folder (if known); University Archives, Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Columbia University Library.

Location of this collection:
6th Floor East Butler Library
535 West 114th Street
New York, NY 10027, USA
Before you visit:
Researchers interested in viewing materials in the RBML reading room must must book an appointment at least 7 days in advance. To make the most of your visit, be sure to request your desired materials before booking your appointment, as researchers are limited to 5 items per day.
Contact:
uarchives@columbia.edu