ISU flag sighting in Pullman on the Game Day set!
Iowa State Flag on Game Day
- Thread starter Ace000087
- Start date
Desmond Howard still picked Iowa State to lose this weekend.
It amazes me that Wazzu has stuck with that note-paper doodle of a logo for all this time.
Created by art student Randall Johnson in 1936.
Needing money for tuition, Johnson worked during the summers as an artist, producing window displays, signs, and illustrations. Having learned the art of lettering in high school, he was able to produce interesting signage around campus. In the summer of 1936, he was hired by sign painter Fred Rounds who was head of the Department of Buildings and Grounds, to produce signage for classrooms and offices. His wages were $.30 per hour.
One morning after discussing some jobs, Rounds said to Johnson, “what this place needs is some kind of trademark.” After brainstorming, the two decided that the trademark needed to be pictorial and also include the initials WSC, representing Washington State College. Both liked the idea of using the cougar if possible.
“After a night or two at the drawing board, I came up with an arrangement shaped like a cougar head with an open-mouthed, snarling C,” said Johnson. “Fitting the letters together effectively wasn’t easy, and when I unveiled it to Rounds the next morning it was with nervous doubt.”
After a few minutes of discussion, Rounds said, “Let’s show it to the president.” President Holland was on sabbatical at the time, so the two showed the drawing to Dean Herbert Kimbrough, who was acting President. He looked it over, smiled, and said, “Go ahead, we’ll make it official.” Once approved by college administration, its first use was on the door of a new college truck.
