The Crimson Sweater

"The Crimson Sweater" by Ralph Henry Barbour is an early 20th-century story that follows Roy Porter, a fresh face at Ferry Hill School, as he tackles boarding school adventures filled with football, camaraderie, and intense competition. The tale is of never giving up, remaining true to your friends, and finding your place in a challenging world. Roy's journey starts on his very first day, marked by a memorable meeting with an older student named Horace Burlen. This encounter lights the fuse for the rivalries and social structures that define Ferry Hill, with Roy's crimson sweater becoming a powerful symbol of his bond to his brother at Harvard. As Roy gets used to school, he dives into football practice while fighting homesickness and the need to belong. He also forges friendships, most notably with Chub Eaton, who becomes a dependable ally in the rollercoaster world of his new life. The beginning of the book crafts an engaging foundation for Roy's growth and the trials he will face.