Ernie Davis Memorabilia Collection, 1956-2008
Collection context
Summary
- Creator:
- Mace, Robert
- Abstract:
- This collection contains materials related to Ernie Davis collected by Bob Mace.
- Extent:
- .5 linear feet
- Language:
- English
Background
- Scope and content:
-
The Ernie Davis Memorabilia Collection contains items related to Ernie Davis and his football career including press clippings, photographs, and other ephemera.
- Biographical / historical:
-
Ernie Davis (1939-1963) grew up in Elmira where he played football and basketball at Elmira Free Academy and Neighborhood House. He attended Syracuse University where he played football from 1959 to 1961. Know by the nickname “The Elmira Express,” he became the first African-American Heisman Trophy winner in 1961. On February 3, 1962, Elmira hosted Ernie Davis Day featuring a public meet-and-great with Davis and Jim Brown, as well as a special dinner with public officials. In 1962, he was drafted by the Cleveland Browns but was diagnosed with leukemia before he ever got to play. He died on May 18, 1963 and is buried in Woodlawn Cemetery in Elmira. In 2008, the film The Elmira Express: the Story of Ernie Davis was released about his life story.
- Acquisition information:
- The items in this collection were donated to the Booth Library Bob Mace in 2019.
- Rules or conventions:
- Describing Archives: a Content Standard
Access and use
- Restrictions:
-
The Chemung County Historical Society's research library and archives are open to the public from 1pm to 5pm, Monday through Friday. There is a $5 fee for non-members.
- Location of this collection:
- Contact:
- (607) 734-4167cchs@chemungvalleymuseum.org