The Boston Football War of 1936

It's Also History

It’s Also History: Tales & Tidbits from Alan’s Archives

Alan Foulds is a local historian who has written several historically related articles in addition to his book, “Boston’s Ballparks & Arenas.” He is a major contributor to the writing of “At Wood End.” Mr. Foulds is also Reading’s Town Moderator.

In the middle of the depression era, the city of Boston had not just one, but two professional football teams. They didn’t play in the same leagues, but they were rivals nonetheless – not on the field, but at the box office. They both fought for more than championships. They were in battles for survival. Both teams were slated to host their respective title games, but circumstances got in the way. Listen to the story of how the Boston Redskins and the Boston Shamrocks vied for the football fandom of Boston, with neither coming out on top.