LSU ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME TROPHY PRESENTED TO JOSEPH T BUTLER, SR

 

When my father-in-law, Joe, participated in track and field and football at Louisiana State University in the 1920s after World War I, athletes received no scholarships from the university and even had to buy their own uniforms.

Joe was quite an athlete and participated in the Inter-Allied Games in 1919 in Pershing Stadium, outside Paris, which were scheduled in lieu of Olympic Games at the end of WWI.

Why the university waited until Joe was in his 80s to induct him into the Hall of Fame, I can't say except for a guess that he was old and perhaps not long for the world, and they hoped for a legacy to the Athletic Department when he departed this life.

Since Joe's usual dress was farmer-casual khaki, and his most comfortable footwear was slip-on rubber galoshes, Tom bought him a new sports jacket and new shoes for the big event, which took place on the field at halftime in LSU stadium. When we met Joe at the stadium that evening, he was wearing his new sports jacket, a nice pair of slacks, and his rubber galoshes. Some concessions he would make, but concession only went so far. I don't believe he ever wore the shoes, because they were like new when we cleared out his house after he died at the age of 91.

Before the game, we had dinner with the other inductees, the chancellor, the athletic director, and other luminaries of the university. When Joe was introduced to the chancellor, he said, "Chancellor? What's that?" In his day, they were called presidents. We watched the game from the athletic director's VIP box which is indeed a fine spot to view a football game. Extended family were allotted tickets to the game in regular seating in the nosebleed section.

OUR DOUGHBOY - JOSEPH T. BUTLER, SR.

 

Last year I wanted the picture above of my father-in-law for Armistice, Remembrance, Veterans Day, but it was in New Roads. Now I have a scan to use today at the proper time, on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, the 94th anniversary of the end of bloody World War I.

 

Joe's papers show that he was not discharged until many months after the armistice was signed. As you see, Joe was one of the fortunate ones, as he did not engage in even a skirmish or an expedition. He brought home a French sword, which was given him by a Frenchwoman of his acquaintance. The sword belonged to her deceased husband. I'm sure she was a very nice lady, so no 'Madame from Armientières, parley voo' here. Besides, the two were single at the time.

 

Joe's occupation is listed as farmer on the papers, and his home community was tiny Butler, Louisiana, which disappeared from the map, if it was ever on the map. Once the older folks died off, and the youngsters migrated away, the community was no more.

Joe competed in The Inter-Allied Games, which were...

...a one-off multi-sport event held from June 22nd - July 6th 1919 at the newly constructed Pershing Stadium just outside Paris, France following the end of the First World War. The forum for the games, Pershing Stadium, had been built near the Bois de Vincennes by the U.S. Military in cooperation with the YMCA. The event was only open to participation by military personnel who were currently serving or had formerly served in the armed forces during the War. 18 Nations participated in the proceedings which included, among others, track & field events, swimming, baseball, football, rugby, basketball, tennis, boxing, horse riding events, pistol and rifle marksmanship, and wrestling. Following the conclusion of the games, Pershing Stadium was presented as a gift to the people of France from the United States of America. The area, still known as Le Stade Pershing, continues to be used as an open air recreation park to this day.

After the war, Joe attended Louisiana State University and won letters in several sports. He was inducted into the LSU Athletic Hall of Fame in 1982. It was only right. When he competed in the early 1920s, athletes received no help or scholarships. They even had to buy their own uniforms.

 

Joe was musical, too, and played the violin, the guitar, and the banjo. He loved the old country hymns and went to the Baptist church for choir practice on Wednesdays, but he didn't go to church on Sundays. He liked the singing but not the sermons. Joe and Grandpère both say Joe's mother preached frequently to her husband and children, and he'd had enough. We still have some of her letters, and they are quite like sermons.

When he graduated from LSU, Joe took a job as a teacher/coach at the high school in New Roads, LA, met Laura Janis, married, and settled there for the rest of his life. His teaching career ended when his principal wanted him to wear a tie, and he refused. He then took up welding, opened his own shop, and worked as a welder for the rest of his working life. Come hell or high water, Joe took a nap after lunch from which he was not to be disturbed.