Huron Restoration records

Collection

Identifier: 011.HR

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The Huron Restoration records include materials pertaining to the controversial 1991 decision by the Eastern Michigan University President and Board of Regents to change the mascot from Hurons, which was decided to be racially insensitive to the Eagles. The collection includes materials pertaining to the history of the Huron mascot, proposals for a new mascots, as well as relevant clippings, news releases, and correspondence.

Materials in the collection date from 1929-2008, with the bulk of this material dating from 1991 to 1992. The Huron Restoration records have been divided into two series: Hurons mascot and Eagles mascot.

The Hurons mascot series includes correspondence, memorabilia, Board of Regents materials, and clippings pertaining to the Hurons mascot and its proposed change.

The Eagles mascot series includes contents from the Eastern Michigan University Logo Committee, including selection materials, as well as proposals for new mascots, an essay from University President William E. Shelton defending the Eagles mascot, as well as proposed logo designs, correspondence, and clippings.

Dates

Creation: 1929 - 2008
Creation: Majority of material found within 1991 - 1992

Creator

Huron Restoration Alumni Chapter (Author, Organization)

Conditions Governing Access

Researchers are asked to request materials 24 hours prior to use through the University Archives.

Administrative History

At its founding, the Michigan State Normal College teams were known as the "Normalites" or the "Men from Ypsi." In 1929, a committee composed of Dr. Clyde Ford, Dr. Elmer Lyman, and Professor Bert Peet, selected the "Hurons" as the official mascot, a suggestion submitted by Gretchen Borst and Geroge Hanner in a Men's Union contest. The runner-up was the "Pioneers."

In October of 1988, the Michigan Department of Civil Rights issued a report that made suggestions that all schools using Native American names and mascots change them. The report stated that the use of Native American names and mascots for athletic teams promoted racial stereotypes. On May 22, 1991, the Board of Regents changed Eastern Michigan University's mascot from the "Hurons" to the "Eagles" after much controversy. From 1991-1992, Huron Restoration Inc. was founded as a chapter of the EMU Alumni Association in order to fight the change.

Extent

1.1 Linear Feet (2 archive boxes, 1 object)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

In October of 1988, the Michigan Department of Civil Rights issued a report that made suggestions that all schools using Native American names and mascots change them. The report stated that the use of Native American names and mascots for athletic teams promoted racial stereotypes. On May 22, 1991, the Board of Regents changed Eastern Michigan University's mascot from the "Hurons" to the "Eagles" after much controversy. During the period of 1991-1992 the Huron Restoration Inc. was founded as a chapter of the EMU Alumni Association in order to fight the change. The Huron Restoration records include materials pertaining to the controversial decision, the history of the Huron mascot, proposals for new mascots, as well as relevant clippings, news releases, and correspondence. The records date from 1928-2008, and have been divided into two series: Hurons mascot and Eagles mascot.