State Historical Society of Iowa

Letter by Iowa State Football Player Jack Trice Written from the Curtis Hotel, October 5, 1923

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Courtesy of Iowa State University Library Special Collections and University Archives, Trice, Jack, "Last Letter," 5 October 1923

Description

This letter was written by Jack Trice from the Curtis Hotel the night before his second game of the season for Iowa State College. Trice was the first African-American athlete to compete at Iowa State. In the letter, he described the significance of him playing in the game, and what he would face during the contest. During the football game against the University of Minnesota, Trice sustained severe injuries that later led to his death.

Transcript of Jack Trice's Letter from the Curtis Hotel

Source Dependent Questions

  • Reflecting on the historical context, why was Jack Trice's presence on the ISC football team significant at the time?
  • How did Jack Trice describe the significance of his role? Use evidence from the source in your description.
  • Read the letter that C.L. Brewers wrote on October 8, 1923 and compare it to this letter. How did the perspective of C.L. Brewers differ from that of Jack Trice? Given Jack Trice competed despite Brewer's warnings, how did Trice's actions show him as a trailblazer?

Citation Information

Trice, Jack, "Last Letter," 5 October 1923. Courtesy of Iowa State University Library Special Collections and University Archives Courtesy of Library of Congress