Discover a rare piece of Illinois sports history with this original program from the Annual Illinois State High School District Basketball Tournament. This vintage booklet dates back to March 4, 5, 6, 7, 1931, and details the district-level competition held at the Waukegan Township High School Gymnasium in Waukegan, Illinois. The front cover features classic illustrations of basketball player trophies, capturing the spirit of high school athletics from an earlier era. A faint "DAY 2" mark on the cover suggests it was used during the tournament itself.
This unique collectible offers a fascinating glimpse into early 20th-century high school basketball in Illinois. The back cover presents a thoughtful "Prayer of a Sportsman" poem by Berton Braley, adding a layer of historical context to the values associated with sportsmanship during that period. For collectors of vintage basketball memorabilia, Illinois history, Waukegan ephemera, or high school sports programs, this item is a significant find. Its content provides valuable insight into the organization and atmosphere of state-level high school tournaments almost a century ago, making it a tangible connection to the past.