Warner, Pop. (1871-1954) Famous American football coach, founder of "Pop Warner" football league.
Autograph Letter Signed. Two pages, recto/verso, Quarto, on personal imprinted letterhead, Palo Alto, California, February 13, 1953. To Joseph Tomlin, founder of the kids sandlot football program which would grow into the "Pop Warner" football league. Interesting letter to the founder of the Pop Warner league, in which the famous football coach acknowledges Tomlin's pivotal role in launching the kids football league, and gives him carte blanche to go on developing and promoting the idea as he sees fit. Tomlin, who deferred to Warner's wishes at every crucial stage in the development of the league and its promotional events, often brought his plans to the coach who lent his name to the new league, and regularly sought his advice. Warner writes to him about plans concerning the "Pop Warner Foundation":
"...Regarding the location of the headquarters of the Pop Warner Foundation - I received a telegram a couple of months ago from Omaha asking if I would favor locating the headquarters at Lakeland Florida. I wired back that whatever you and the other officers and promotors of the Foundation decided would be all right with me. I expressed no opinion either way because I knew nothing about what was going on at all. The way I feel about matters in connection with the Foundation is that since you are the father and promoter of the kid football idea and the Pop Warner Foundation - you should have a lot to say about what should be done in all matters which come up for consideration, and therefore I authorize you to act in my name and behalf on any plans or business matters or matters of policy which may come up for consideration..."
Warner goes on to discuss the criticism to kids athletics that they have run into among certain school organizations:
"...I know that the N.E.A. and the parent teachers organization has criticized the idea of athletics for kids but I think they are dead wrong...I think you can put forth a very convincing argument in favor of sports for kids. You asked about my idea of having the head Foundation office out here [in California]. I do not think that would be a good idea - the headquarters in my opinion, should be right in Philadelphia where the Pop Warner Foundation was started and I think that you should have the say in such matters...Thank you again for everything you have been doing in behalf of the Foundation. I assure you that I feel very grateful for your giving the project my name...Sincerely, Pop." .
Fine. Mr.Tomlin, the recipient of the letter, has underlined part of the text quoted above in red pencil. There is a very minor tear where the letter was once stapled at top left, otherwise fine condition.
Estimated Value $350-500.
