"Oh, You Red Sox!"

As Red Sox fans we've become accustomed to the various tauntings (they're clearly jealous), pepto-fueled stressful evenings, and many bleary-eyed mornings. However no matter what curve balls (pun intended) our beloved Boys of Summer, er October, throw at us, we will always declare ourselves proud members of Red Sox Nation. Turns out our all-weather team allegiance is nothing new. One of Boston's most giving and interesting daughters, Isabella Stewart Gardner, was a passionate Red Sox fan.

The folks over at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum tell of a fine evening when Ms. Gardner (a native New Yorker!) showed up at her symphony box wearing a head scarf that proclaimed "Oh, You Red Sox!" Naturally Isabella's curious fashion statement made quite the stir in her social circle at the time; some went so far as to call her crazy. Red Sox fans have been called worse.

Fast forward 95 years later and the Gardner Museum's Visitor Photo Contest. The museum is encouraging guests to take creative pictures with their "Oh, You Red Sox!" banner outside the building. Any photos wishing to be considered for the contest can either be posted to Flickr with the tag "ohyouredsox" or emailed. The contest deadline is Nov 1st, so get your pictures in soon - the winner will receive a free year-long membership to the museum.

Oh, and we almost forgot to mention. The night that Isabella wore her famous head band? She was celebrating the Red Sox' win in the World Series. Deja-vu all over again?

Image mash-up courtesy of this Bostonist, with the help of some good friends. FYI, anyone wearing Red Sox gear to the museum will receive $2 off the regular admission price.