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The House of David was a religious commune founded in 1903 by Benjamin and Mary Purnell. Based in and around Benton Harbor, Michigan, and High Island (Michigan), the commune required its members to refrain from sex, haircuts, shaving, and the eating of meat. The House of David operated a famous barnstorming baseball team, nationally known musical bands between 1906 and 1927, and a world-famous amusement park and zoo. The House of David commune reached the peak of its operations in 1907-1927. Difficulties arose in the 1920s, as newspapers began running articles attacking Benjamin Purnell, who was accused of violating the commune's oath of celibacy. Purnell was tried for "public immorality," and 13 young women confessed to having had sex with the patriarch. The trial led to Purnell's expulsion from the commune in 1927, and the former leader died in 1929; his body was mummified and kept in a glass coffin in the commune. The group suffered further splintering after his death and ultimately split into two groups. One group, run by Purnell's wife Mary, remained successful until her death at 91 in 1953. The group has since declined, but still has a few dozen members.
The House of David baseball team travelled all over the country with their infamous long hair and beards. They went down in history for entertaining America with their uniqueness on the field, their superb playing ability, their own invention of the game of pepper, and their ability to break the color barrier due to their involvement with Negro League teams. The first teams were made up of strictly members of the religious colony, but starting in 1914, they began to take on outside teams, and soon found out that they were better than most that they encountered. They soon played the best talents of the State of Michigan, and by 1917, were taking on talented teams around the country. The House of David team won over 70% of the games they played year after year, and were invited to play so many teams that they had to soon build up a second, third, fourth and even fifth travelling team to fill in all of the demand.
Oscar Sassman is a documented member of the House of David colony, and a known player on the House of David baseball teams. He was one of the original members of the House of David, joining the group in 1915 as a native of St. Joseph, Michigan. Prior to joining the House of David major traveling team in 1923, Sassman played for the junior team beginning in 1918. Sassman played second base, and is probably most famous for being one of six boys who played for one year on the House of David women's team (the boys had long hair and indiscreet builds, and were able to pass as women). The team went undefeated that year, and it wasn't until years later that it was disclosed that these boys played on the women's team.
This uniform was manufactured by Spalding prior to 1918. It is gray in color, with maroon pinstripes. The jersey is a three-button style with a small collar (one button is missing, two were replaced). On each sleeve are red (faded) triangles, with a white "H" inside (bled to pink). There is no tagging remaining on the jersey, although it measures approximately 22" across the chest. There are two large repairs on the back of the jersey, with staining in the collar and throughout the jersey. The pants still have the Spalding manufacturer tag intact in the waistband, and exhibit tremendous evidence of use. There is a pocket affixed to the back right side, and a small cufflink style button in the waistband (presumably to help affix the jersey to the pants). The button the pants is period, but might have been restored. Overall, this uniform displays beautifully.
It is believed that this uniform was worn by Oscar Sassman while playing for the House of David junior team. Our consignor contacted the House of David Museum in Benton Harbor, Michigan, regarding this uniform. Their curator was able to confirm Oscar Sassman's history with the team, but they have no images of the junior team prior to 1923. Styles of House of David uniforms also varied greatly, so at this time the uniform has not been photo style matched. It was the curator's educated opinion that the jersey was likely an authentic House of David uniform. Based on our research, however, we do not believe it was worn while Sassman was playing for the major traveling team. This uniform was part of Oscar Sassman's estate until he passed away in 1982. The uniform was then transferred to his son, Arthur Sassman, Sr. It remained in Arthur's possession until his death in August of 2007, when it was sold as part of his estate by his son, Arthur Sassman, Jr. The uniform is accompanied by a signed letter of authenticity, dated 12/1/07, from Mr. Arthur Sassman, Jr. View Lot Detail page
The House of David baseball team travelled all over the country with their infamous long hair and beards. They went down in history for entertaining America with their uniqueness on the field, their superb playing ability, their own invention of the game of pepper, and their ability to break the color barrier due to their involvement with Negro League teams. The first teams were made up of strictly members of the religious colony, but starting in 1914, they began to take on outside teams, and soon found out that they were better than most that they encountered. They soon played the best talents of the State of Michigan, and by 1917, were taking on talented teams around the country. The House of David team won over 70% of the games they played year after year, and were invited to play so many teams that they had to soon build up a second, third, fourth and even fifth travelling team to fill in all of the demand.
Oscar Sassman is a documented member of the House of David colony, and a known player on the House of David baseball teams. He was one of the original members of the House of David, joining the group in 1915 as a native of St. Joseph, Michigan. Prior to joining the House of David major traveling team in 1923, Sassman played for the junior team beginning in 1918. Sassman played second base, and is probably most famous for being one of six boys who played for one year on the House of David women's team (the boys had long hair and indiscreet builds, and were able to pass as women). The team went undefeated that year, and it wasn't until years later that it was disclosed that these boys played on the women's team.
This uniform was manufactured by Spalding prior to 1918. It is gray in color, with maroon pinstripes. The jersey is a three-button style with a small collar (one button is missing, two were replaced). On each sleeve are red (faded) triangles, with a white "H" inside (bled to pink). There is no tagging remaining on the jersey, although it measures approximately 22" across the chest. There are two large repairs on the back of the jersey, with staining in the collar and throughout the jersey. The pants still have the Spalding manufacturer tag intact in the waistband, and exhibit tremendous evidence of use. There is a pocket affixed to the back right side, and a small cufflink style button in the waistband (presumably to help affix the jersey to the pants). The button the pants is period, but might have been restored. Overall, this uniform displays beautifully.
It is believed that this uniform was worn by Oscar Sassman while playing for the House of David junior team. Our consignor contacted the House of David Museum in Benton Harbor, Michigan, regarding this uniform. Their curator was able to confirm Oscar Sassman's history with the team, but they have no images of the junior team prior to 1923. Styles of House of David uniforms also varied greatly, so at this time the uniform has not been photo style matched. It was the curator's educated opinion that the jersey was likely an authentic House of David uniform. Based on our research, however, we do not believe it was worn while Sassman was playing for the major traveling team. This uniform was part of Oscar Sassman's estate until he passed away in 1982. The uniform was then transferred to his son, Arthur Sassman, Sr. It remained in Arthur's possession until his death in August of 2007, when it was sold as part of his estate by his son, Arthur Sassman, Jr. The uniform is accompanied by a signed letter of authenticity, dated 12/1/07, from Mr. Arthur Sassman, Jr. View Lot Detail page