Burch was an American black bear cub, imported from Wisconsin to serve as the mascot for the Iowa Hawkeyes football team in 1908. The team grew fond of Burch, taking him on the road with them, wrestling playfully with the bear and hoping he would bring them good luck as he prowled the sidelines of opponents’ fields across the Midwest.
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Marty, I have often wondered if the black stuffed bear in front of the Detlef Rosenkranz’ hats, caps & furs store on Clinton St was Burch. Mr. Detlef would have been able to perform taxidermy, being a furrier. And Burch was occasionally stolen (but returned) on football weekends. I mention Rosenkranz in both What Was, What Remains & in Finials and have always been intrigued by the story. Marybeth
very interesting, Marybeth. It sure makes sense. Is there a pic of that stuffed bear in your book? Marty Boller