The Illustrious History of Yale's Bulldog Mascot
Never before has a mascot earned the reverence reserved for Handsome Dan, the bulldog mascot of Yale University. Case in point: this scholarly history of Handsome Dan from "The Yale Herald."
A few high points from the essay:
- The original Handsome Dan -- Dan I -- was purchased by Yale undergrad Andrew B. Graves in 1899. Dan I was a ferocious beast who shot fear into the heart of Yale's chief athletic antagonist, Harvard University. Dan I's obituary in the "Hartford Courant" captured his angry essence, "He was always taken to games on a leash and for years the Harvard football team owed its continued existence to the fact that the rope held."
- Harvard exacted revenge in 1934 by capturing Dan II. Photos later surfaced of Dan II dining on a hamburger in front of a statue of John Harvard.
- The Handsome Dan with the longest tenure -- Dan XIII -- served from 1984-1995. He emerged from retirement in 1996 to replace Dan XIV, who died prematurely. Margaret Curtis is credited with discovering Dan XIII (aka "Harrold" and "Maurice"). Said Curtis, "Harrold's mother was the best damn bitch I have ever seen, and he had a champion for a father as well." Well put, Margaret. Well put.
- The most recent Handsome Dan, Dan XV, carried the torch admirably from 1996-2005 but passed away earlier this year. Yale has assembled a committee to select the next Handsome Dan this spring. Yes. A committee. This is serious stuff.
Posted by Mac at April 9, 2005 12:23 PM
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