Huron restoration records
011.HR

Summary Information

Repository
Eastern Michigan University Archives
Creator
Huron Restoration Alumni Chapter.
Title
Huron restoration records
ID
011.HR
Date [bulk]
Bulk, 1991-1992
Date [inclusive]
1929-2008
Extent
0.8 Linear feet 2 archive boxes
Language
English
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.

Preferred Citation note

Please cite materials from the University Archives in the following manner: Item. Collection Title. Eastern Michigan University Archives.

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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.

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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.

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Administrative Information

Publication Information

Eastern Michigan University Archives 2012 January 12

Halle Library, Room 310
Ypsilanti, Michigan, 48197
734-487-0020

Revision Description

  2012 February 13

Conditions Governing Access note

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

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Controlled Access Headings

Corporate Name(s)

  • Alumni Association of Eastern Michigan University. -- Administration

Personal Name(s)

  • Shelton, William E.

Subject(s)

  • Alumni and Alumnae
  • College presidents
  • College sports
  • Eagles
  • Eastern Michigan University
  • Mascots
  • Michigan State Normal College
  • Universities and colleges--Alumni and alumnae--Michigan

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Collection Inventory

Huron mascot 1929-2008 

Scope and Contents

This box contains a correspondence from Leaford Bearskin Chief of the Wyandotte Tribe in Oklahoma, newspaper clippings, and the memorabilia.

History 1929 


    Box Folder
Text (32307023994115)   1 1

Scope and Contents

Leaford Bearskin is the Chief of the Wyandotte Tribe of Oklahoma.

Correspondence 1991-2000 


    Box Folder
Text (32307023994115)   1 2

Memorabilia 


    Box Folder
Mixed materials (32307023994115)   1 3

Scope and Contents

A report given by President William E. Shelton.

Report to the Board of Regents 1990 


    Box Folder
Mixed Materials (32307023994115)   1 4

Meeting of the Board of Regents on logo 1991-1995 


    Box Folder
Mixed Materials (32307023994115)   1 5

Clippings 1970-2008 

 1970-1990 


    Box Folder
Text (32307023994115)   1 6

 1991 


    Box Folder
Text (32307023994115)   1 7-8

 1992 


    Box Folder
Text (32307023994115)   1 9

 1995-2008 


    Box Folder
Text (32307023994115)   1 10

Huron Happenings newsletter 1998-2000 


    Box Folder
Text (32307023994115)   1 11

Flyers and pamphlets 


    Box Folder
Mixed materials (32307023994115)   1 12

Alumni chapter 1991-1995 


    Box Folder
Mixed materials (32307023994115)   1 13

Chief Yellowhawk 


    Box Folder
Mixed materials (32307023994115)   1 14

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Eagles mascot 1991-2004 

Scope and Contents

In October of 1988 the Michigan Department of Civil Rights issued a report that made suggestions that all schools using Native Americans names and mascots to change their names and mascots. The report stated that the use of Native American names and mascots for athletic teams promoted racial stereotypes. So on May 22, 1991 the Board of Regents officially changed Eastern Michigan University's mascot from the Hurons to the Eagles.

Logo Committee Binder 1991 


    Box Folder
Mixed materials (32307023994115)   1 15-17

Logo proposals 1991 

Eagles 1991 


    Box Folder
Text (32307023994115)   1 18

Emus 1991 


    Box Folder
Text (32307023994115)   1 19

Generals, Green, Emeralds 1991 


    Box Folder
Text (32307023994115)   1 20

Patriots, Panthers 1991 


    Box Folder
Text (32307023994115)   1 21

Other 1991 


    Box Folder
Text (32307024766298)   2 1-2

Hurons 1991 


    Box Folder
Text (32307024766298)   2 3

Collegiate mascot list 


    Box Folder
Text (32307024766298)   2 4

Eagles history 2005 


    Box Folder
Text (32307024766298)   2 5

News releases 1991-1992 


    Box Folder
Text (32307024766298)   2 6

Logo designs 


    Box Folder
Graphic materials (32307024766298)   2 7

President Shelton's decision essay 1991 


    Box Folder
Text (32307024766298)   2 8

National Coalition on Racism in Sports and Media 1999 


    Box Folder
Text (32307024766298)   2 9

Correspondence 1971-1997 


    Box Folder
Text (32307024766298)   2 10

Clippings 1991-2004 

 1991 


    Box Folder
Text (32307024766298)   2 11

 1991-2000 


    Box Folder
Text (32307024766298)   2 12

 2000-2004 


    Box Folder
Text (32307024766298)   2 13

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