Official State of Iowa Website Here is how you know
State Historical Society of Iowa

Letter by Iowa State Football Player Jack Trice Written from the Curtis Hotel, October 5, 1923

    Download PDF Resource

Courtesy of Iowa State University Library Special Collections and University Archives, Trice, Jack, "Last Letter," 5 October 1923

Description 

This letter was written by Jack Trice from the Curtis Hotel the night before his second game of the season for Iowa State College. Trice was the first African-American athlete to compete at Iowa State. In the letter, he described the significance of him playing in the game, and what he would face during the contest. During the football game against the University of Minnesota, Trice sustained severe injuries that later led to his death.

Transcript of Jack Trice's Letter from the Curtis Hotel

Source-Dependent Questions

  • As you read the letter, what do you feel are the main points Jack Trice is trying to state?
  • Why do you feel he wanted to write this letter before this game? Do you think he understood his role and significance in playing this game for Iowa State College? What text evidence leads you to this conclusion?
  • Read the letter that C.L. Brewers wrote on October 8, 1923 and compare it to this letter. Based C.L. Brewers letter, why do you think Jack Trice would predict his own death? What textual evidence would support your claim?

Citation Information 

Trice, Jack, "Last Letter," 5 October 1923. Courtesy of Iowa State University Library Special Collections and University Archives