Over much of the first fifty years of the State University of Iowa (1860-1910), the only “official” mascot was the nickname “Hawkeyes”, with no costumed student running up and down the sidelines. But between 1908 and 1910, the SUI football team decided to bring on a live mascot. His name? No – it’s not Herky. Everybody’s favorite hawk wouldn’t be “invented” until 1947 when SUI graduate Dick Spencer would create Hercules the Hawk – affectionately known as Herky. So, in 1908 through 1910, the best option was Burch the Bear! That’s right – a live bear cub that grew up before the team’s eyes, and eventually caused a big stir wherever he went. Sadly, Burch met an untimely demise when he escaped from his pen during the winter of 1910, fell through the ice on the Iowa River, and drowned. That led to Mascot #2 – Rex the ROTC Dog who roamed the Hawkeye sidelines during the 1920’s and 30’s. Ironically, Rex met with the same fate as Burch the Bear during the icy winter of 1935! But fear not, Herky appeared in the flesh (feathers?) in the early 1950’s, and has been safe and sound, leading Hawkeye cheers now for over 70 years!
CHECK OUT THE COMPLETE BLOG SERIES – Iowa City’s Top 50 Influencers – Part II
Back in 1979 – The Iowa City Press Citizen ran a special seven-page section called Chronology 1841/1979 and it featured Iowa City’s famed historian – Irving Weber – and his look at 25 People Who Left Their Stamp On Iowa City. So, here we are – forty-four years later – and now, I’m offering these two posts – dedicated to those who have greatly influenced our city over the first 100 years or so. This page features the First 25, and as you can see, each of the 25 names has a brief overview with a link(s) to read more, if you like. Enjoy!
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