Football of Yore: Leavitt & Peirce and the Clover Food Lab

Sunday, July 1, 2018

Leavitt & Peirce and the Clover Food Lab

Jacob and I outside of Leavitt & Peirce June 2018

My first true exposure to antique football memorabilia began when I was thirteen, taking several buses to get into Harvard Square on the weekends and spending as much time as I could taking in the then happening hippie movement. I spent countless hours walking in and out of the shops like George’s Follies and the Truc, looking through the black light posters at the COOP, and yes, always visiting Leavitt & Peirce (1316 Massachusetts Avenue). The shop is a time capsule and repository for Harvard sports memorabilia; football and crew in particular. Original photos line its walls, there are shelves of trophy game balls and on the second level beside the small chess tables, hanging in rows, trophy oars dating to the 1880s. A few weeks ago Jacob and I were walking around Harvard Square and once again we paid a visit to Leavitt & Peirce, the tobacco establishment that has been a cornerstone in Harvard Square, at the same location, since 1883.The photos will give you some idea of the magnitude of the memorabilia and atmosphere of the establishment.

Just doors down from Leavitt & Peirce is another “must” visit, the Clover Food Lab Restaurant (1326 Massachusetts Avenue). This is a little known treasure for those reading this blog. In 1913 a Waldorf Lunch System cafeteria style restaurant opened in Harvard Square. The restaurant was adorned with intricate tile work and large reverse painted glass tiles representing college football pennants (even Carlisle is represented). The tiles had been covered over since the 1930s and the location has housed any number of different businesses over an eighty year span. In 2016 during the renovation for Clover, the forgotten tiles were uncovered and subsequently restored after the decision was made to save them. They are a beautiful sight. Photos follow those of Leavitt & Peirce.