Monteroso (Ray) Polytechnic High School Football Collection, 1928-2012

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Summary

Title:
Ray Monteroso Polytechnic High School Football Collection
Dates:
1928-2012
Creators:
Monteroso, Ray (Raymond), 1937-2014
Abstract:
Contains souvenir programs, photographs, and VHS videotapes of football games; plus sports uniforms, photographs of Hall of Fame honorees, and some school commencement programs.
Extent:
3 cartons, 2 Bully Boxes, 3 oversized flat boxes, 1 document box, 1 framed art piece (10 cubic feet)
Language:
Collection materials are in English.
Preferred citation:

[Identification of item], Ray Monteroro Polytechnic High School Collection (SFH 376), San Francisco History Center, San Francisco Public Library.

Background

Scope and content:

Contains souvenir programs, photographs, and VHS videotapes of Polytechnic High School football games, sports uniforms, Hall of Fame photos, some school commencement programs, and a painting depicting Ray Monteroso and Coach Milt Ax.

Biographical / historical:

Polytechnic High School, known as Poly, was a San Francisco football powerhouse, winning championships almost every year in the 1940s and early '50s, and going undefeated from 1949 to 1954. The Poly-Lowell "Turkey Bowl," played on Thanksgiving Day, was a city tradition—SF's "Big Game" between high schools. Kezar Stadium's seating capacity was 50,000; the 1928 game was over capacity. The Turkey Bowl gave way to the city championship (in 1943). The school was closed in 1972 due to earthquake hazard.

Ray Monteroso was a Poly student-athlete, playing football and basketball. He quarterbacked the Parrots to an upset win over the Balboa Bucaneers in 1955. He called it "the greatest thrill of my life" in a 2009 San Francisco Chronicle article on the Turkey Bowl. And in a 2012 Chronicle article, he told reporter Carl Nolte, "I'm a Poly Parrot." Monteroso started the Poly Athletic Association in 1984, and was among the first Poly High School Hall of Fame inductees that same year. He wrote for the Perennial Parrot (alumni newsletter) which is still in production; see www.perennialparrot.com). He organized alumni lunches and events. Monteroso died in 2014, survived by his wife, Rosalie.

Acquisition information:
Materials were collected by Ray Monteroso and donated to the library by his widow, Rose Monteroso, in 2014.
Processing information:

Processed by Tami J. Suzuki, with film and video assistance from staff member Jennifer Weiser.

Arrangement:

Organized into five series: 1. Programs; 2. Photographs; 3. Football Game Footage; 4. Sports Uniforms; and 5. Artwork. Most series arranged chronologically.

Physical / technical requirements:

There are 2 CDs (compact discs) of photographs, and 31 VHS videocassettes. Original 16mm films (1945-1959) are not accessible.

Physical location:
Open for research. The collection is offsite and advance notice is required for retrieval. Material must be requested at least 4 business days in advance of visit.
Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

About this collection guide

Collection Guide Author:
Finding aid prepared by Tami J. Suzuki.
Date Encoded:
This finding aid was produced using ArchivesSpace on 2025-01-17 00:43:32 +0000 .

Access and use

Restrictions:

The collection is open for research and available for use during San Francisco History Center hours. Photographs are available during Photo Desk hours. This collection must be requested at least 4 business days in advance of visit.

Original films (in boxes 5-8) are not accessible.

Terms of access:

These government materials are in the public domain. There are no restrictions on use of public domain materials.

Preferred citation:

[Identification of item], Ray Monteroro Polytechnic High School Collection (SFH 376), San Francisco History Center, San Francisco Public Library.

Location of this collection:
San Francisco Public Library
100 Larkin Street
San Francisco, CA 94102, US
Contact:
(415) 557-4567
sfhistory@sfpl.org
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