FORT BENNING, Ga., (Sept. 7, 2016) -- 1925, Doughboy Stadium and Gowdy Field were the center of social life on Fort Benning. Following WWI, the "war to end all wars," we were an Army focused on fitness and fun. In the fall of that year, the Doughboys were gearing up for an exciting season that would include matchups against the University of Alabama, Georgia Tech and a number of other colleges and military teams.
The archways under the stadiums housed offices, stores and businesses, like the post's brand new Beauty Shoppe. An advertisement in the post newspaper encouraged girls to make an appointment with "our expert hair bobber" before the big game. Though the short, blunt controversial Page Boy style was making waves across the country, hair bobbing was generally frowned upon, especially in military circles, where social protocols were rigidly conservative. Bob your hair, if you dare. A 1927 song asked:
"Why do you bob your hair, girls? You're doing mighty wrong. God says it is a glory and you should wear it long. You spoil your lovely hair, girls, to keep yourself in style. Before you bob you hair, girls, just stop and think a while."
While you stop right there to think about it for a while, take a minute to mark your calendar for the opening day of Doughboy Football Sept. 10, when the Doughboys take on Texas A&T at historic Doughboy Memorial Stadium. As always, home games are free.
Opening day activities include the annual Gowdy Field Homerun Derby, because nothing says football like softball. The derby starts at 9 a.m., with on-site registration at 8 a.m. Winners will take home a Louisville Slugger bat, valued at more than $300. The entry fee is $5, but the first 40 participants will get in free. For more information about the homerun derby, call 706-593-5471.
It's going to be a fun football season, but challenging, since the Doughboys lost so many veterans when the 3rd Brigade left Kelley Hill. Get your Doughboy t-shirts and sweatshirts at the Breezeway on Muir Street, next to the Benning Club off Morrison Avenue. We need your support more than ever, and in return, we'll support your right to bob your hair.
2016 Doughboy Football Schedule
. Sept. 10 @ 11 a.m.: Texas A&T at Doughboy Stadium
. Sept. 18 @ 2 p.m.: Point University at Doughboy Stadium
. Sept. 25 @ 1:30 p.m.: Faulkner University at Faulkner
. Oct. 2 @ 2 p.m.: LaGrange College at LaGrange
. Oct. 9 @ 2 p.m.: Faulkner University at Doughboy Stadium
. Oct. 16 @ 2 p.m.: Alabama Prep at Birmingham
. Oct. 20 @ 6 p.m.: Columbus State University at Doughboy Stadium for the annual Doughboy Bowl
The annual Doughboy Bowl will start with a tailgating party at 3 p.m. on Stilwell Field next to the stadium. This free event includes kids activities (inflatable bounce houses, face painting and more) from 6 to 8 p.m., food vendors until 6 p.m., pregame activities (Silver Wings, National Anthem, coin toss, etc.) at 5:30 p.m. and kickoff at 6 p.m.
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