Given the conventions of the time, this entailed invitation letters, written letters of acceptance and regret, and documentation of logistical details for hosting scores of people for lunch. As prominent Stanford alumni, the Hoovers hosted large luncheons prior to the Big Game. Not surprisingly, the folders are titled ‘Big Game, 1933-1939.’ These folders contain Lou Hoover’s invitations, guest lists, correspondence and summary of finances related to the Big Games of 1933, 1935, 19.Īt this time, the Hoovers had returned to private-ish life in Palo Alto.
We are left with two folders in box 83 of her Subject Files. Lou Henry Hoover did not write memoirs regarding her engagement with the Big Game. As a student, Herbert Hoover played a small role as financial manager for the 1894 Big Game, a tale he relates in fine detail in the first volume of his memoirs. The Stanford-Cal Big Game dates back to 1892, when Walter Camp coached the Stanford team to a 14-10 victory over their rivals across the bay. While every region has its natural collegiate rivals in football-think Auburn-Alabama, Michigan-Ohio State, Texas-Oklahoma-only one rivalry comes complete with capital letters. “A unique portrait of Herbert Hoover as formed by the cheering section of the University of California during a Cal-Stanford football game.”
