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Tigger1- Looking for "Deaf Valley" in print
Posted on 12/12/12 at 7:10 pm
Posted on 12/12/12 at 7:10 pm
I was just wondering when the earliest date the term "Deaf Valley" was used in print. I know it was AFTER Dale brown started referring to PMAC as the Deaf Dome. Just need clarification on the year it was put in print. Thank You!
This post was edited on 12/12/12 at 7:13 pm
4
Posted on 12/12/12 at 7:17 pm to magicman0001
Nah...it was in the early part of the century. I just saw it the other day and will look for the link.
Posted on 12/12/12 at 7:19 pm to magicman0001
I believe it was used in 1958 when LSU defeated Ole Miss 14-0 in Tiger Stadium. At the time Ole Miss was like No.2 or No.3 in the nation.The Headlines in the Paper were "LSU is undefeated and Ole Miss Ain't". I think in that article or in that time period LSU Tiger Stadium was called "Deaf Valley".
Posted on 12/12/12 at 7:28 pm to magicman0001
LINK /
This link shows that the term was probably coined by the A.P. during the early part of the 20th century. Most of internet citations are saying that it occurred during the 80's. I was in school in the 80's and the only 'deaf' we had was Dale Brown's 'Deaf Dome'. Tiger Stadium was already 'Death Valley', and had been for quite some time.
This link shows that the term was probably coined by the A.P. during the early part of the 20th century. Most of internet citations are saying that it occurred during the 80's. I was in school in the 80's and the only 'deaf' we had was Dale Brown's 'Deaf Dome'. Tiger Stadium was already 'Death Valley', and had been for quite some time.
Posted on 12/12/12 at 7:32 pm to lsutigermall
thanks lsutigermall.. that was my point. LOL I knew Tiger Stadium was Death Valley before the Deaf Dome came into play. Since people have confused the 2 terms, I wsa trying to get some facts straight and put things in perspective. I'll check out the link. Thank you!
This post was edited on 12/12/12 at 7:42 pm
Posted on 12/12/12 at 8:43 pm to lsutigermall
quote:
Posted by lsutigermall LINK / This link shows that the term was probably coined by the A.P. during the early part of the 20th century. Most of internet citations are saying that it occurred during the 80's. I was in school in the 80's and the only 'deaf' we had was Dale Brown's 'Deaf Dome'. Tiger Stadium was already 'Death Valley', and had been for quite some time.
When I was in school in the 80's we called TS "Deaf Valley". There was even a gas station right outside the gates just past the Chimes called Deaf Valley Shell. We used to load up on our Schaefers there.
Posted on 12/12/12 at 8:49 pm to magicman0001
You will not find any article before 1980 calling LSU Tiger Stadium Deaf Valley....
You will find Death Valley as early as 1960 Times Pic.
First Time in national print is 1966 that we (a Clemson fan and I are doing research) have found so far.
The first time you find Death Valley in a LSU sport pub is the 1968 or 9 football media guild. There is also said to be a gameday program with Death Valley in it from the mid 60's but I have not seen it.
PMAC got the nickname Deaf Dome in 1978 season late.
Marty Mule made the mistake and confused the 2 when he printed his book on LSU football.
Yes there was the service station outside of LSU called Deaf Valley, but just like Death Valley in Cal had a service station in the 30's called Deaf Valley.
Grantland Rice is said to have named Tiger Statium Death Valley pre channel 9 in 1970 range, when they were trying to get the Grantland Rice Bowl played at Tiger Stadium.
But todate I have not found an article By Grantland on Tiger Stadium. It maybe out there but Rice's articles are not cataloged todate.
I told Jimmy Hymns asid at LSU in the middle 80's people would confuse the names in the future and it took less than 6 years.
I still have not had a chance to go thought the 1930's 40's 50's BR newspapers, but will in the future as I am getting a micro film viewer in 2 years (don't ask, cost a lot).
My research is mainly 1903-12 LSU football, but was given this task of the death valley name in 1970 and I have done what I could on the side.
As to fans, I have talked to people from the 40's that said it was called Death Valley even back then, and from the early 50's, but you can find fans that say Deaf Valley also from the 50's. I also have talked to some who said it was only called Tiger Stadium from that time as well. So I have to rely on what can be found in print.
Now don't forget the sign said Death Valley under the press box when first put up and then changed to Welcome Death Valley in the middle 70's.
You will find Death Valley as early as 1960 Times Pic.
First Time in national print is 1966 that we (a Clemson fan and I are doing research) have found so far.
The first time you find Death Valley in a LSU sport pub is the 1968 or 9 football media guild. There is also said to be a gameday program with Death Valley in it from the mid 60's but I have not seen it.
PMAC got the nickname Deaf Dome in 1978 season late.
Marty Mule made the mistake and confused the 2 when he printed his book on LSU football.
Yes there was the service station outside of LSU called Deaf Valley, but just like Death Valley in Cal had a service station in the 30's called Deaf Valley.
Grantland Rice is said to have named Tiger Statium Death Valley pre channel 9 in 1970 range, when they were trying to get the Grantland Rice Bowl played at Tiger Stadium.
But todate I have not found an article By Grantland on Tiger Stadium. It maybe out there but Rice's articles are not cataloged todate.
I told Jimmy Hymns asid at LSU in the middle 80's people would confuse the names in the future and it took less than 6 years.
I still have not had a chance to go thought the 1930's 40's 50's BR newspapers, but will in the future as I am getting a micro film viewer in 2 years (don't ask, cost a lot).
My research is mainly 1903-12 LSU football, but was given this task of the death valley name in 1970 and I have done what I could on the side.
As to fans, I have talked to people from the 40's that said it was called Death Valley even back then, and from the early 50's, but you can find fans that say Deaf Valley also from the 50's. I also have talked to some who said it was only called Tiger Stadium from that time as well. So I have to rely on what can be found in print.
Now don't forget the sign said Death Valley under the press box when first put up and then changed to Welcome Death Valley in the middle 70's.
This post was edited on 12/12/12 at 8:50 pm
Posted on 12/12/12 at 9:21 pm to tigger1
Thank all of you for the insight. I really appreciate the answers even though this question has been repeated many times. I know it gets old..
Tigger1- I have read a LOT of your posts concerning this issue but wasn't sure the exact date in PRINT that "Deaf Valley" was used. I'm currently writing an article for a website on this subject. Someone posted a link to a blog with a snippet from an AP article dated 1985 using the term "Deaf Valley." This is the earliest I've found. I know people use both and for various reasons and I know the search for the origin of "Death Valley" is still ongoing. However, I'm aware that you probably know more relating to this matter than most because you have been researching this for so long. Again, I thank you for responding. Your time and effort is appreciated.
Tigger1- I have read a LOT of your posts concerning this issue but wasn't sure the exact date in PRINT that "Deaf Valley" was used. I'm currently writing an article for a website on this subject. Someone posted a link to a blog with a snippet from an AP article dated 1985 using the term "Deaf Valley." This is the earliest I've found. I know people use both and for various reasons and I know the search for the origin of "Death Valley" is still ongoing. However, I'm aware that you probably know more relating to this matter than most because you have been researching this for so long. Again, I thank you for responding. Your time and effort is appreciated.
Posted on 12/12/12 at 9:24 pm to tigger1
Thanks for the excellent history. What is this about the sign under the original press box that read "Death Valley"? Do you happen to know the year that the press box was put up? I'm beginning to believe that we may have never been 'Deaf Valley' and that we probably are the original 'Death Valley'.
Posted on 12/12/12 at 9:35 pm to lsutigermall
lsutigermall- im quite sure that it was never MEANT to be Deaf Valley. But some pronunciation, misunderstandings, plays on words/puns were the cause of the term "Deaf Valley". Especially after Dale Brown coined the pmac the 'deaf dome" and Marty Mule's book came out. As for when the sign was removed, it slips my mind. Not sure about the press box, either. But as far as us having the name before Clemson, check this out:
"Baton Rouge( Red Stick )and Tiger Stadium/Death Valley were built on a friendly boundary marked by a tree that separated 2 Native American Indian Tribes believed to be the Choctaw and Istrouma. The tree was said to be a ceremonial sacrificial site for animals killed by the Native's during their rituals. The sacrificed animals were then hung from the the tree (red stick) and cleaned. This is where the name "Baton Rouge", which means: Red (from the blood) Stick (from the tree) originates. The area was also called "Death Valley" by some of the early settlers due the sacrificial aspects of the "red stick". When Tiger Stadium was nicknamed Death Valley, the reference was both to the rabid fans and the history of the Red Stick/Baton Rouge area"
"Baton Rouge( Red Stick )and Tiger Stadium/Death Valley were built on a friendly boundary marked by a tree that separated 2 Native American Indian Tribes believed to be the Choctaw and Istrouma. The tree was said to be a ceremonial sacrificial site for animals killed by the Native's during their rituals. The sacrificed animals were then hung from the the tree (red stick) and cleaned. This is where the name "Baton Rouge", which means: Red (from the blood) Stick (from the tree) originates. The area was also called "Death Valley" by some of the early settlers due the sacrificial aspects of the "red stick". When Tiger Stadium was nicknamed Death Valley, the reference was both to the rabid fans and the history of the Red Stick/Baton Rouge area"
This post was edited on 12/12/12 at 9:36 pm
Posted on 12/12/12 at 10:12 pm to magicman0001
November 1, 1958 LSU 14 Ole Miss 0 was the first time that LSU Tiger Stadium had been sold out since it was expanded to 67,500. It was sold out because LSU was No.1 and Ole Miss was No.6. There was no TV coverage at the time so the only people to see the game was the ones who went. So before 1958 I do not think Tiger Stadium was called "Deaf" or "Death" because no one went to the games. In 1957 LSU had a so-so team and was picked to finish 8th in the SEC in 1958. There was not a lot of fan interest and I think in 1958 LSU only sold about 10,000 Season Tickets.
Posted on 12/12/12 at 10:27 pm to magicman0001
Thanks and I totally agree...
Acadians - 'Cajuns'
Indians - 'Injuns'
Death - 'Deaf'
Have you happened to look through any old Reveille's or Gumbo's? If it exists, I bet we could find an early reference there.
Acadians - 'Cajuns'
Indians - 'Injuns'
Death - 'Deaf'
Have you happened to look through any old Reveille's or Gumbo's? If it exists, I bet we could find an early reference there.
Posted on 12/13/12 at 5:48 am to lsutigermall
I was at LSU in the 80's as well as a ticket holder in the late 70's and TS was Definetly called Deaf Valley...The Deaf Dome derived from Deaf Valley!
LINK
LINK
Posted on 12/13/12 at 8:48 am to ghols2112
Nice Find...With the Boom Box and all, that's definitely an early 80's shirt. It probably reverted back to the, what I believe to be the original 'Death Valley' by the time I got there in 86. 
Posted on 12/13/12 at 9:00 am to lsutigermall
quote:
I was at LSU in the 80's as well as a ticket holder in the late 70's and TS was Definetly called Deaf Valley...The Deaf Dome derived from Deaf Valley!
Could be wrong but this is also my memory from being at LSU in the 70's...IMO it changed to Death Valley sometime from the 70's into the 80's. When was the first sign of Death Valley put under press box??
This post was edited on 12/13/12 at 9:03 am
Posted on 12/13/12 at 10:19 am to lsutigermall
quote:
Nice Find...With the Boom Box and all, that's definitely an early 80's shirt.
That shirt isn't from the early '80s. If it is, then why are there TWO upper decks and the NEW scoreboard on the stadium--neither of which existed in the early '80s... It's because it's a retro-style shirt.
Posted on 12/13/12 at 10:42 am to TheDude321
I should have noticed that. It's even copyrighted 2008 down below.
Posted on 12/13/12 at 10:46 am to TheDude321
Exactly right, it didn't look like that in the 80s. 
I was attending school in the early 80s as well, which is the first time I ever heard of the stadium referred to as "Deaf Valley." I was corrected by another student when I referred to Death Valley and remember thinking, "how have three generations of my family been such die-hard fans and not known the correct nickname for the stadium?"
I was attending school in the early 80s as well, which is the first time I ever heard of the stadium referred to as "Deaf Valley." I was corrected by another student when I referred to Death Valley and remember thinking, "how have three generations of my family been such die-hard fans and not known the correct nickname for the stadium?"
Posted on 12/13/12 at 11:01 am to lsufanz
My elders, going back for numerous generations also referred to TS as 'Death Valley'.
Considering the numerous publications prior to 1970 referring to the stadium as 'Death Valley', it really sounds like there was a shift to 'Deaf Valley' for a decade or so.
Who knows why? Could have been dialect or just flower children not wanting to say 'Death'. We may never figure that one out.
At least 'Death Valley' is back.
Considering the numerous publications prior to 1970 referring to the stadium as 'Death Valley', it really sounds like there was a shift to 'Deaf Valley' for a decade or so.
Who knows why? Could have been dialect or just flower children not wanting to say 'Death'. We may never figure that one out.
At least 'Death Valley' is back.
Posted on 12/13/12 at 11:07 am to lsutigermall
Im still looking for the year the sign was put under the press box.. lol
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