Overtime Auction #10
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/27/2007
From the collection of longtime Philadelphia Flyers executive and later Spectrum president, Lou Scheinfeld, you will appreciate this fine collection of scarce Kate Smith historical memorabilia pieces. When good luck charms are mentioned in professional sports, the one name that always comes up is "Kate Smith". Never in professional sports has there ever been an unlikely combination that has worked so well; the radio star of yesteryear and the "Broad Street Bullies". But you couldn't argue the results and the love affair that grew between Flyer fans and that first class lady. On December 11th, 1969, Flyers’ vice-president Lou Scheinfeld ordered the playing of Kate Smith's "God Bless America" in place of "The Star Spangled Banner". There were several angry comments during that first playing, but a Flyers 6-3 win over Toronto changed their tune as well. The Flyers lost their next home game without Kate, but the subsequent home game and Kate's song resulted in another win - and the legend started. It was up to Lou Scheinfeld to choose which games to play Kate. Generally it was a game-by-game decision - with Lou deciding on instinct or according to the importance of the game. The first 3 years saw an incredible difference in the home records; 19-1-1 with Kate and a losing 31-38-28 record without Kate (including playoffs). When the Flyers eventually made the finals and Kate played live before game 6 of the finals, Boston stars Bobby Orr and Phil Esposito tried to reverse the jinx by shaking Kate's hand and giving her flowers - it didn't work and the Flyers won the cup. A live performance in game 7 of the semi-finals inspired a victory over the New York Islanders as the Flyers continued on their way to a second straight Stanley Cup. Smith died on June 17, 1986, in Raleigh, North Carolina, but her memory lives on. A statue of her appears today as a tribute to what she brought to the Flyers. Historical pieces included in this collection are two signed Christmas cards sent by Kate Smith to Lou Scheinfeld; one card is signed “Kate Smith” while the other one is signed “Kathryn” (born Kathryn Elizabeth Smith). The signatures on both cards are nice, clean and bold. Also included is a period original 8” by 10” photo of Kate Smith, Lou Scheinfeld and Myrna Snider which is from Kate's first live performance and was the home opener of the 1973-74 season (light surface paper loss on the back). A vintage button reading “We love you Kate” (oxidation on the back) and a five-page Flyers news release as well as a one-page White House letter, all relating to the unveiling of the Kate Smith Memorial Statue complete this tempting lot. All items are in excellent or better condition unless noted otherwise.
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