While basketball was invented in the early 1890's, it was slow to really hit women as a popular activity. Some universities and YWCA organizations on the east coast started teams, but due to poor lighting and camera technology, almost zero action photographs of women playing the game from before WWI exist with this example from the George Grantham Bain photo service being the best we have ever seen. It captures a game in action from before dribbling was invented and it shows stationary athletes, similar to handball or ultimate frisbee, and running an "interference" play. The photo shows an incredible early hoop and net and no set lines on the floor! This is a large photo that is a true piece of basketball history, made important by the massive swing in popularity in women's basketball in 2024. The photo has been glued to thicker board at the Culver archives but it presents well with some wear at the corners.

Size: 6.5x8.25
Designation: Vintage 1
Condition: 2.5/5
Quality: 5/5
Overall Grade: 7.5/10