Columbia University Students Battling a Push-Ball, 1910

This photograph captures male students at Columbia University engaged in a game of push-ball on September 29, 1910. Push-ball, a somewhat lesser-known sport at the time, involved large inflated balls that players would push and maneuver in order to score points, making it a unique blend of teamwork and strategy. The scene highlights a moment of camaraderie and physical activity, with students actively involved in an outdoor setting typical of collegiate life in the early 1900s.

The image provides a glimpse into the recreational pursuits that were popular among university students during this period. This was a time when colleges were beginning to emphasize not just academic achievement, but also physical fitness and community engagement through sports. Push-ball, along with other informal games, played a role in fostering social bonds and school pride among the participants, showcasing an important aspect of student life that contributed to the campus culture.

Taken by Bain News Service in New York City, this photograph stands out as a documentation of an athletic event that may have been a part of a larger trend toward organized sports within higher education. Understanding these activities allows us to appreciate how students pastimes have evolved and how they reflect broader societal attitudes toward education, fitness, and community during the early 20th century.