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2006 Mail

John Harris - William Penn Football Rivalry

From Ron Wenzell, February 16, 17, 2006

Can someone help refresh my memory about the John Harris-William Penn football game won by John Harris on a long run by Dick (Richard) Gibney?  I believe it was 1941 or 1942. I grew up in Harrisburg and every Thanksgiving my grandfather, John W. Appleby, took all his children to Hershey to see the John Harris-William Penn game. We were John Harris fans. Also, what was the name of the man who used to toss the "rabbit foot" over the goal post before every John Harris-William Penn game because tradition had it that if he caught the rabbit foot John Harris would win?

Is there anyone who knows what the final win-loss records of John Harris and William Penn were in their long football rivalry? I would be thrilled to get the scores of every game played in the series if there is someone out there who has the time to compile it for me. Also, is it possible that the Harrisburg Patriot carried a summary of the John Harris-William Penn football series at or around the time of their last meeting?  If I could get the date of any such article or a copy of the article itself, I would be very appreciative. What I'm searching for is a written history of the John Harris-William Penn football rivalry.

Does anyone know if there is a history of John Harris that is available and is it possible to buy John Harris shirts, hats, pennants, etc.?

Ron Wenzell

[Editor's note:  I have seen newly produced clothing with the John Harris Pioneers logo.  I believe it is sometimes sold in conjunction with class reunions.  As far as information on the football games mentioned above, I'm betting some of our readers can supply part or all of the data, which we would be happy to print, here at Afrolumens.]

Calobe Jackson's reply, February 20, 2006

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