The Sugar Bowl

The NOKIA Sugar Bowl, born in the depths of the depression, has survived many difficulties, including a World War, and today it ranks as one of the most uniquely successful amateur athletic achievements in the history of American sports.

Behind the Sugar Bowl is a story of community spirit and initiative that has been instrumental in spreading the name and fame of New Orleans worldwide.

The New Orleans Mid-Winter Sports Association actually became a reality when, in late October 1934, it was able to announce it had in escrow the sum of $30,000 for the promotion of the inaugural Sugar Bowl Football Classic.

The idea of a New Year's Day football classic in New Orleans was first presented in 1927 by Colonel James M. Thomson, publisher of the New Orleans Item, and Sports Editor Fred Digby.

Every fall thereafter Fred Digby called for action, outlined a mid-winter calendar of sports, and even gave the still dream game its name - "Sugar Bowl." The idea also began to catch on in the community, with civic and political leaders beginning to discuss the potential. In fact, in 1929, Mayor A.J. O'Keefe sent a delegation to the Southern Conference asking approval of a proposed New Orleans game. The request was rejected.

Early in January 1934, Warren V. Miller, representing the Co-Operative (now Executives') Club, and Joseph M. Cousins, head of a citizens committee, came forth simultaneously with proposals to put the plan into action.

Managing Editor Clarke Salmon of the The Item recommended that the Miller and Cousins groups combine and invite other civic, professional and athletic clubs to join in the promotion.

Meeting in Mr. Cousins' office a few days later were Mr. Miller, Dr. Fred Wolfe, Sr., Dr. M.P. Boebinger, F.D. "Hap" Reilly, Ralph J. Barry, T. Semmes Ranlett and Fred Digby.

Out of this discussion came a call for a city-wide meeting. On February 15, 1934, the New Orleans Mid-Winter Sports Association was formally organized under a constitution and by-laws were written by Mr. Miller.

First Officers were Warren V. Miller, president; Joseph M. Cousins, vice-president; Harry W. Fletcher, treasurer; and T. Semmes Ranlett, secretary.

For months the membership rolls were kept open, but many were still skeptical and saying: "It can't be done." Even some who sat in on early discussions failed to maintain their interest. After one year the rolls were closed and limited to the original 39 organizers.

Even after the birth of the association, its future looked dark because of the many obstacles it faced, but President Miller had a comprehensive program and was a determined leader. Meanwhile, Digby continued to lend encouragement in the The Item, and their associates remained enthusiastic.

From its inception, the Mid-Winter Sports Association has been free of political entanglement. Under the charter drawn by Mr. Miller, attorney-president, it was stipulated that it was to be a "voluntary, non-profit civic organization whose members serve without remuneration." In practice this means that every Sugar Bowler buys his own tickets to all events.

Further, the charter provided that there shall be no private profits, and any surplus above the required operation expenses or reserve fund must be devoted to "charitable, religious or educational purposes."

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