On May 5, 1910 the FROGS (friendly rivalry often generates success) came into existence. One hundred continuous years of existence is something to celebrate. Three Rivers Stadium, Forbes Field, The Loendi Club and Pitt Stadium are all gone but the FROGS are still jumping around and going strong.
 |
| DOLL AND IRA RITTER—Oldest active member; 33 years as a member.
|
On May 14 at Edgewood Country Club in Churchill, the FROGS gathered for dinner, celebration and reflection. For the past 24 months Larry Glasco (History Department professor, University of Pittsburgh) and his students have worked feverishly compiling a history of the FROGS drawn from the pages of the Pittsburgh Courier. The first article about the FROGS appeared Aug. 5, 1911, describing how 600 folks attended a picnic, dance and a ball game all on one day, Friday, July 28.
FROG Week did not officially begin until 1915. According to Glasco’s research FROG Week quickly achieved national notice and drew revelers from around the country.
After a delightful dinner, Glasco took center stage and shared the history of the FROGS, complete with DVD and photos. KQV’s Elaine Effort served as mistress of ceremonies for the evening and introduced Roland Criswell, who had the honor of sharing the “Tale of the FROGS.” According to the tale, Wilbur Douglas named the club and registered the name in Harrisburg. The main purpose of the newly created club was to have fun.
It seems that years ago the FROGS developed a taste for baked beans and they continue to serve baked beans at every meeting. Over 90 years ago the FROGS used to hold their meetings at Brandt’s Bean Shop. FROG Week occurs each July. The last week of July kicks off with a dinner at the clubhouse complete with baked beans, a golf outing, a formal where Miss FROG Week will be crowned and a bus trip to Mountaineer Casino in Chester, W.V. The week concludes with a picnic at Westinghouse Park.
Spotted on May 14, Margie Walker, Ruth Steel, Elizabeth Youngue, Bill Robinson, Mona Generette, Valerie McDonald Roberts, Franco Doc Harris, Tom and Lilly Motley, Tom and Margaret Burley and Fred Parker.
About Post Author
