During the early years of Basketball at Springfield College, interschool leagues were formed. The teams gave themselves colorful names, such as flappers, cowboys, otters, or, as is shown in this postcard, farmers and mermaids.
Blanche is recognized as the first African American to graduate from the University of Kansas. In 1885 he earned his A.B. and 1891 his A.M. in education. Bruce was appointed principle of Sumner School in Leavenworth in 1885, retiring in 1939.