Knute Rockne’s Inscribed Prayer Book Found at Fatal Plane Crash Site
In the history of sports perhaps there is nothing that transcends the story of Notre Dame’s most legendary alumni and football Coach Knute Rockne. As a youngster Rockne learned to play football growing up in the streets of Chicago and fulfilled his childhood dream to attend the University of Notre Dame when he entered as a 22 year old freshman in 1910. Rockne went on to become an All-American and captain of the 1913 football team and in 1918 became the team’s Head Coach from where he achieved his legacy, leading Notre Dame to five undefeated seasons, winning three national championships and being considered the greatest coach in college football history. His championship football teams made Notre Dame one of the most famous universities in the nation, a status unheard of for a non-Ivy League school. Among Rockne’s closest personal possessions tying him to Notre Dame is this offered prayer book that was found in his travel bag at the site of his tragic fatal plane crash March 1931 enroute to California to participate in the production of the film coincidently titled the “Spirit of Notre Dame.” Rockne was gifted the prayer book, when in 1925 he was baptized in the Log Chapel on the campus of Notre Dame from his close friend and former classmate at Notre Dame, Reverend Vincent Mooney who had inscribed inside, “Notre Dame 11/20/1925 To Knute Rockne – a loyal friend – May the blessing of God descend upon you and yours and remain forever. Devotedly, Father Vincent Mooney, CSC, Class of 1916.” After her husband’s death, Mrs. Rockne passed the prayer book back into the hands of Reverend Mooney whose family will provide additional provenance and has maintained possession ever since. The prayer book is accompanied by three original index cards containing a typed outline of Rockne’s life used to deliver remarks about Rockne’s life at his funeral as well as an original prayer card from the funeral. This historic Knute Rockne collection also includes a one-of-a-kind audio biography LP album made by Reverend Mooney that includes his voice recording of the eulogy delivered by Rockne’s widow, Bonnie Rockne at the funeral on one side and Knute Rockne’s autobiography on the other side. The prayer book epitomizes the very essence of Rockne’s commitment to God, his family and the Notre Dame family. It represents the “Spirit” that will forever live on in the annals of Notre Dame football history. These museum quality artifacts deserve a place in the finest Notre Dame or football collection. Comes with a certificate that unconditionally guarantees the authenticity of this item.
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Price: $50,000.00 Or  | | |
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