1912 newspaper depicts first opening day at Fenway Park

BOSTON (WHDH) -- Opening day at Fenway Park in 1912 was a front page story for the Boston Herald, but 100 years ago it only made page two.

The headline was reserved for the sinking of the Titanic.

“Which was initially supposed to open on a Thursday 100 years ago, but that day got rained out, and so now I have the other paper that has the opening day,” said Nuttelman.

Joe Nuttelman shared the century old paper with the Red Sox on the park’s 100th anniversary.

“My mother found it about 25 years ago in the attic of her home in Hadley, Mass. and she had it framed and gave it to me about 20 years ago, and it just came out of the frame for the first time yesterday,” said Nuttelman. “It’s been nice to have, but not it’s just amazing.

Nuttelman had a chance to meet Red Sox president Larry Lucchino and show off his piece of history.

“He was very nice. He was surprised and very interested in it,” said Nuttelman.

Nuttelman has learned a lot about life back in 1912.

“Well, you could buy a 12 room house on two acres of land in Newton with a fireplace for $5,000,” said Nuttelman.

Now, 100 years later, the paper he has kept in such good condition has landed him on the front page of his hometown paper.

“I’m only on the cover because of this paper. I’m just the guardian of this newspaper, it’s not really about me, it’s just the paper wound up in my hands,” said Nuttelman.

Nuttelman not only got to meet Lucchino, but the paper also got him a ticket into Friday’s game for the 100th anniversary.