Van Dyke’s Colored House of David vs Little Falls (1937)

This broadside was used to promote a baseball game between Van Dyke’s Colored House of David and the local team from Little Falls on Thursday, July 8, 1937.



Van Dyke’s Colored House of David was modeled after the original House of David baseball team and fed off their reputation and notoriety. There was a significant problem of unauthorized teams using the House of David name. This was especially true in the 1930’s and 1940’s. Harry Crump who became a baseball promoter in his career managed the team. The team supposedly featured former Negro League stars that played a high level of baseball along with their comedy routine. The poster advertises their current featured players as “Rocking Chair Catcher Babe” Mc Cray, “Cannon Ball” Berry and “Flier” Coleman. Van Dyke’s Colored House of David mainly played the small town markets across the country.