Frederick "Fritz" Pollard Jr. Papers

Collection — Box: 1

Identifier: OGLMC-1719

Scope and Contents

The Frederick "Fritz" Pollard Jr. Papers consist of a letter dated April 13, 1937, from Pollard to his grandmother, Mrs. J.W. (Amanda) Pollard of Chicago, Illinois. The letter recounts Fritz’s perspective on college life and his colleagues at UND.

Dates

created: 1937
Other: Date acquired: 01/29/2024

Creator

Pollard Jr., Frederick "Fritz" (Person)

Conditions Governing Access

Open for inspection under the rules and regulations of the Elwyn B. Robinson Department of Special Collections.

Biographical or Historical Information

Fritz Pollard Jr. was the first African American athlete at UND. Pollard won a bronze medal at the 1936 Olympics for high hurdles. On February 6, 1937, Pollard placed fifth at the prestigious Milrose Games in New York City. He played on the UND Football Team from 1935-1937 and lettered all three years. While playing football for UND, he helped the 1936 Football Team win the NCC Championship. Pollard also ran for the track team, where he helped the track team win the NCC Championship in 1937. Fritz is the son of Frederick Douglass Pollard, Sr. who was one of the first African Americans to play in the NFL in 1920 and the first African American NFL coach. (Information from A Century of UND Sports pg 84, University of Northern Plains pg 390, 1937 Dacotah pg 120, 122-124, NFL Hall of Fame website).

Note written by

Full Extent

0.25 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

1915-2003; UND Class of 1939

Custodial History

Mary Beth Gerlach first sent the letter to Coltyn Sanderson at the UND Alumni Association and Foundation. Sanderson then sent it to the Department of Special Collections.