#TBT in the Archives 2/25/16: Animals on Campus

During the 1960s and 1970s there were a lot of different animals on campus! Many of the fraternities had pet dogs that they kept in their houses. The animals served as their house mascots and would often get dressed up for special events. Fraternities were not the only ones who had furry friends, however. Some of the other student organizations and sports teams also kept their mascots as pets.

In 1962 the men of Sigma Pi had their goat mascot dressed up and ready for their yearbook photo.

The men of Theta Chi also included their pup mascot in their yearbook photo.

During Greek Week there were different events where the campus animals were brought out for support and to raise team spirits! There were donkey basketball games and pig chases during special event weeks. Fraternity mascots were also dressed up and brought out for these events.

A donkey who participated in the Greek Week donkey basketball game in 1975.

Here's the Sigma Pi mascot all dressed up for 1974 Greek Week events! He was ready to cheer on the men of Sigma Pi!

Just as the fraternities had pets, other student organizations also had animal mascots present at their events. In 1969, the women's golf team had a dog who they brought to nearly all their events. But the oddest pet was probably a raccoon, Ralph, who was raised by students in the Franklin Science Center.

While these golfers were practicing their swing, their furry mascot wandered around.

After being orphaned, this little raccoon and his sibling were raised by Connie Mauss and lived in the Franklin Science Center.

Want to learn more about Ship's history? No need to wait for the next Throwback Thursday! Contact Archives & Special Collections via e-mail: specialcollections@ship.edu or phone: 717-477-1516.