Huskerville - Bev Russell, Library Director

(This column appeared in the November 25, 2007, Star-Herald)

 

What gives us our shared sense of place? As Nebraskans our shared heritage comes from the Plains Indians, westward trails, the transcontinental railroad, homesteading, farming, ranching, and yes, Cornhusker football. I lived in three other states but always considered myself a Nebraskan and always followed the Huskers. Many other Nebraskans can identify with this feeling. In his book "Huskerville: A Story of Nebraska Football, Fans, and the Power of Place" Roger Aden talks about this phenomena.

My parents and grandparents loved the Cornhuskers. My dad talked about the pride he felt when the Cornhuskers went to the Rose Bowl in the 1940s. As an Army private, he was stationed in Hawaii and listened to the game on the radio. Only the Attack on Pearl Harbor made a greater impression on him. My mother never watched football except when the Cornhuskers played. Then she would serenade us will a rousing rendition of "There Is No Place Like Nebraska". She was an alumi.

My memory of Nebraska football traces back to the Bill Jennings’ era. The first game, which I attended, was Band Day in 1960. Bill "Thunder" Thorton was the big name on that team, and Memorial Stadium looked much different than it does today. I got wrapped up in Nebraska football too with the growing excitement of the Bob Devaney Era. I could not sit still during half time of the "Game of the Century" in 1971 but had to walk off the tension in our backyard. In 1984 I endured a week of depression when Tom Osborne went for two in the Orange Bowl and failed. (It was the right decision, Tom.) When we lived in Wyoming, Roger and I spent Sundays searching for a paper that provided coverage of Nebraska’s Saturday game. Finally, in the 1990s when Dr. Tom got his National Championships, I was both elated and relieved.

Roger Aden is quite a bit younger than I am, but he can identify with this experience. Roger, a native of Scottsbluff, relates his feelings of disorientation when he moved out-of-state. When change happens, people need something to help orient them. For Roger and many other ex-Nebraskans, Cornhusker football is one of those things. It is part of what makes us unique as Nebraskans. It is part of our shared experience.

This is a short article. I would like to tell you more about this wonderful book but I have yet to read it. I can’t get it away from my husband.

Also, I’ve got to go. The Colorado game is about to start. Can’t miss that. Will this be the end of an era or a continuation? Oh, by the way, have you heard the joke about how to keep Bill Callahan off your lawn? Go Big Red!

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