Americana & the U.S.

Kit Kelly was born blind in Indiana. Her dog “Spirit” was not only her seeing-eye dog, but business partner. They’d begun performing halftimes at high school football games. Mid-field, Spirit by Kit’s voice commands did tricks!

Then in 1946 Kit was invited to her first college football game to perform. Before game with Purdue, Kit and Spirit met the Notre Dame team. When Kit asked Spirit, “Will Purdue win?” Spirit laid down. “Will Notre Dame win?” Spirit sat up and barked. “Who will be star of the game?” Spirit circled, rubbing Fred Earley’s legs. All laughed at the choice of team’s kicker for that game’s outcome.

Tim Bowsher had acquired Kit Kelly and Spirit photo, Kit’s first college game items from Kelly family (Wapak) in 1963.