Canton in Stark County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Ralph Hay / Jim Thorp
Photographed By Craig Doda, July 24, 2022
1. Ralph Hay - Jim Thorp Marker
On this site September 17, 1920, was organized the American Professional Football Association, which was the forerunner of the National Football League. Representatives of 11 teams met in the automobile show room of Ralph Hay at 205 Second Street S.W. and named the legendary Jim Thorpe as the league's first president.
The meeting was called by and presided over by Mr. Hay who was then general manager of the Canton Bulldogs.
The following teams were represented at the meeting:
Canton Bulldogs • Decatur Staleys • Chicago Cardinals • Akron Pros • Cleveland Indians • Dayton Triangles • Massillon Tigers • Hammond Pros • Muncie Flyers • Rock Island Independents • Rochester, N.Y. Jeffersons
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Sports. A significant historical date for this entry is September 17, 1920.
Location. 40° 47.884′ N, 81° 22.625′ W. Marker is in Canton, Ohio, in Stark County. Marker is on 2nd Street Southwest west of Cleveland Avenue Southwest, on the left when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 201 Cleveland Ave SW, Canton OH 44702, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Birth of the NFL (a few steps from this marker); The National Football League Was Born Here on September 17, 1920 (a few steps from this marker); Carnegie Library
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Photographed By Craig Doda, July 24, 2022
2. Ralph Hay - Jim Thorp Marker
Photographed By Craig Doda, July 24, 2022
3. Ralph Hay - Jim Thorp Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on August 18, 2022. It was originally submitted on August 18, 2022, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. This page has been viewed 106 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 18, 2022, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
