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1939 Purdue Cheerleading Squad (1939)

 Organization

Dates

  • Existence: 1939

Historical Information

"Prior to 1939, cheer or yell leaders at Purdue were all men. The male students were chosen by the student body, with one member appointed the head cheerleader. These students were responsible for fostering school spirit and support of Purdue's athletic teams. The position of head yell (cheer) leader was highly coveted, with its selection process well-documented in the Exponent. In 1939 Stubby Meiers was selected as the head cheerleader and forever changed the face of cheerleading at Purdue. During his tenure, Meiers selected three female student to join the squad for the first time: Barbara Cook (BSS 1940), Mary Mather (BSHE 1940), and Marjorie Moore (BSHE 1942). The three women are pictured with the rest of the yell leaders in the 1939 Debris.Interestingly, 1939 also saw the introduction of a mascot to Purdue Athletics, with the creation of the first Boilermaker Special."

Citation

Historical information was taken from the finding aid to the Barbara Cook Collins Collection of Cheerleading Uniforms and Pennants. The following sources were used in writing the historical note:

MSA 26, Barbara Cook Collins Collection of Cheerleading Uniforms and Pendants

1939 Debris Yearbook, Purdue University

http://tourtheten.com/purdue/traditions/game-day-traditions/boilermaker-special-purdue-pete-spirit-squad/#.VL_yziw3k80