Description: This is a single 1957 large 14 1/2 " by 26 " calendar page (May) that was distributed 67 years ago by well-known Brown & Bigelow of St. Paul, Minnesota, who excelled in their beautiful art work. This page was taken from a large wall calendar featuring Great Moments in Sports. While the entire page measures 14.5 inches by 26 inches, the track-and-field art work measures 14 1/2 inches by 14 1/2 inches. And while this listing is rightfully categorized in the sports category, in all honesty this listing could belong in many categories because Bob Mathias excelled in the many areas in which he participated, among the film industry, a hugely successful political career, etc. After the 1952 Olympics at Helsinki, when Mathias established himself as one of the world's greatest all-around athletes by winning the decathlon gold medal by an astounding margin, he returned to the United States as a national hero. Since this listing's viewers possibly cannot adequately see the tribute that the creators of this 1957 calendar, Brown & Bigelow, wrote directly under the art work, I shall repeat it now word-for-word for the viewer: The decathlon is undoubtedly of greatest versatility in ability for track and field. Around the world it is one of the most important of all sports. It requires strength, diverse talent, endurance, and speed. That Bob Mathias did well is no understatement. This 21-year-old Tulare, California, youth put on a demonstration in the 1952 Olympics at Helsinki, Finland, that paled all others. It ranks with Jesse Owens' achievements in 1936 as the two top performances in the Olympics by Americans. So great were this athlete's accomplishments that the comparison with the fabled Jim Thorpe bears out the true brilliance of Bob Mathias. Nine of Thorpe's ten records fell to this young giant. And his record total of 7,887 points over these grueling events marks a truly magnificent achievement, probably one that will stand for all time in Olympic competition. Truly Mathias was a talent of many areas. During the University of Southern California vs. Stanford football game, Mathias returned U.S.C.'s Frank Gifford's kick-off 96 yards for a touchdown. He led Stanford University to a Rose Bowl appearance in 1952, the first nationally televised college football game. That same year Mathias became the first person to successfully defend an Olympic decathlon title. From 1954 through 1972 Mathias made four movies. He served four terms in the United States House of Representatives. Mathias served as the deputy director of the Selective Service in 1975. If you decide to purchase this listing of Bob Mathias, I would encourage the new owner to consider framing the entire sheet, not only to protect the paper, but also to enhance the value the new owner will immediately have. This will be a knock-out piece that will be sure to impress all who view it. Thank you for viewing my EBAY auction item. (Please note: I do not ship internationally.) God bless.
Price: 46 USD
Location: Tyler, Texas
End Time: 2025-01-07T00:14:46.000Z
Shipping Cost: 7.75 USD
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All returns accepted: ReturnsNotAccepted
Country/Region of Manufacture: United States
