Rare! BOSTON UNIVERSITY - Vintage 1950s Genuine Collegiate Pet by Collegiate Mfg. Co | Vintage Boston University Souvenir | BU Souvenir

A rare, vintage souvenir of Boston University (BU), this adorable, red felt stuffed dog sports "BU" on the side of his body. The white letters are cut felt and sewn to the red body. He wears his original tag which reads "I'm Lil Herbie." (We're not entirely sure why Herbie and what that has to do with BU, so we'll leave that to you.) And please note, because we found this adorable fellow in Massachusetts, we are assuming he is a souvenir of Boston University, but there's nothing on the tag that confirms that.

This is a "Genuine Collegiate Pet" was produced by Collegiate Mfg. Co. of Ames Iowa. Based on the styling and the company's history (below), we believe he was probably produced in the 1940s-1960s.

ABOUT COLLEGIATE MFG. CO. (Courtesy of Ames (Iowa) History Museum
Collegiate Manufacturing Company traces its roots back to 1904 when Galen Tilden, one of the managers of The Tilden Store, became interested in producing college pennants using the store's alteration department. Nine years later, it incorporated as a separate entity as Tilden Manufacturing Company. Sometime after 1931, the business was taken over by Chev and Clint Adams under the name of Collegiate Manufacturing Company with its home in all but the top floor of the Masonic Building (now the Octagon Center for the Arts) on the corner of Douglas Avenue and Fifth Street. In the ensuing years, it expanded to become the nation's leading supplier of college memorabilia with salesmen covering all 50 states as well as an overseas market. In their more than six decades of existence, stuffed animals became one of the biggest sellers. At its peak, the company had over 150 employees, producing 2,000 stuffed animals and printing 2,500 shirts per day. During WWII they contracted with the Quartermaster Corps to manufacturer ponchos and raincoats for the war effort earning the company the coveted Army Navy “E” Award for excellence. In 1954 Collegiate's head designer, George Grooms, created the first CY mascot for Iowa State. It stood eight feet tall and was made of aluminum and hardware cloth covered with plush fabric using salad bowls as eyes. Though this first CY was much loved, it was cumbersome and in 1995 was given the look we know today. 

BIXLEY NOTES
• Boston University (BU) souvenir
• Genuine Collegiate Pet
• Red felt dog with "BU" felt appliqué with white satin bow
• Original tag in place "I'm Lil' Herbie"
• Produced by Collegiate Manufacturing Company of Ames, Iowa, circa 1940s-1960s
• Stands 7" tall x 6" long x 2 1/2" wide

VINTAGE NOTES
• In great condition for its age
• White fur and felt on the nose and ears needs cleaning
• Red felt is in great shape - no rips or tears

At Bixley, forgotten treasures are looking for a home to call their own. We love the "as is" quality of vintage pieces and hope you do too. Please read our description carefully and take a good look at our photos. We'll do our best to point out any of the bumps and bruises of age.

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