gridironmike Posted August 21, 2005 Share Posted August 21, 2005 I got to tool around the Club Level Friday. At the top of the escalators, there is a huge sculture of the Native American head that appears in the Redskins logo. It was commissioned by Gerald Snyder and sculpted by George Carr. A small description in front of the sculpture tells the story of Walter "Blackie" Wetzel and his desire to use a Native American as the logo (Search this forum when the search feature is working). It also says a composite of photos Wetzel brought was used to develop the logo. First, this is the first time I've seen evidence that the Redskins actually recognize the Wetzel claims ( I had read plenty of articles where Wetzel claimed this) as to the origin of the logo. Second, I glanced through the media guide. There are several enlargements of the watercolors by Tino Paolini that document the history of the Redskins uniform (http://www.mapleleafproductions.com) along with the historical descriptions written by another gentleman at Maple Leaf. He (the other gentleman) and I have corresponded quite often about the history of the Redskins uniform. All of the "official" items the Redskins used to issue had the feather helmet listed as in use in 1955. It was never actually used until the last two games of 1958. My point, are the Redskins using the research of others for their materials? Is there any actual proof other than Wetzel's own claims that this is how the logo was created? Keep in mind that the very first Boston Braves jersey had the Native American profile on the chest and the very first Washington Redskins jersey had the profile on each sleeve. I've already shared my theory on the logo (James Earl Fraser's Indian head...or buffalo... nickel) in another thread. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blade Posted August 21, 2005 Share Posted August 21, 2005 Mike, I can try to get your question answered by the team, but I am not sure I really understand your question... help me out bro. Is there any actual proof other than Wetzel's own claims that this is how the logo was created? This one is straight forward.... however: My point, are the Redskins using the research of others for their materials? Specifically, for *what* materials? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Califan007 The Constipated Posted August 21, 2005 Share Posted August 21, 2005 Mike,I can try to get your question answered by the team, but I am not sure I really understand your question... help me out bro. Since you're willing to get questions answered by the team, I have one for you as well...Are the Redskins cheerleaders really trying to get my phone number?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brave Posted August 21, 2005 Share Posted August 21, 2005 Cali, I think I can answer that one. No. Is "fan" for fantasy?? :laugh: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gridironmike Posted August 21, 2005 Author Share Posted August 21, 2005 Mike,I can try to get your question answered by the team, but I am not sure I really understand your question... help me out bro. This one is straight forward.... however: Specifically, for *what* materials? Complicated, but I'll try to explain. I have several tee-shirts, ornaments, hat pins, pennants, etc. that were given out at Redskins games over the years. Anytime the feather helmet (or helmet history) was mentioned, the date that was always mentioned was 1955. I even have a book titled "Geat Teams, Great Years" written by Jack Clary that addresses helmet history and makes this claim. Actually, the feather helmet was first used with two games left in the 1958 season, not 1955. Mr. Clary also says that the 1972 helmet design (supposedly Wetzel's design) was "borrowed" from the U.S. Mint (you can check my threads about the James Earl Fraser research I did there). I've never heard or read any "official" material that says Wetzel actually did suggest the current logo....until I got to see the sculpture Gerald Snyder had commissioned. It says that due to Wetzel's suggestion, the logo was changed. Before reading that little description that is in the sculpture display case, I had only read interviews of Wetzel wherein he made that claim (nothing from the team suggesting it was true). My question is are the Redskins hitching their wagon to Wetzel's claim (since the name change debate is raging, this makes the Redskins look good, right? A Native American suggested the logo) without actually researching it themselves? Same for the jersey paintings by Paolini? I guess since the prints are licensed by NFL Properties, the Redskins have free use of the research that went into producing them (for use in their Media Guide....including the pictures and historical descriptions). Have they actually researched all of the uniforms for accuracy? The information in Clary's book and most other materials up through at least 1994 make different claims: 1955 versus 1958 (1959 full season) for the feather helmet 1972 - logo was changed due to Wetzel's request and based on composites of his photos OR logo was borrowed from U.S. Mint by George Allen I already posed a question for Snyder regarding a Redskins Hall of Fame (which would require a research dept.). Do they contact Joe Horrigan at the Pro HOF and verify information before publishing it? Do they have a research department or do they rely on the work of outside individuals? Have I confused you? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TK Posted August 21, 2005 Share Posted August 21, 2005 Take look at redskins.comTV. Larry did a short piece on the statue that you referenced. I think it's listed as Redskins History. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gridironmike Posted August 21, 2005 Author Share Posted August 21, 2005 I always thought that article you found was an amazing find. I would love to have about a 1/3 scale replica of that sculpture for the Redskins room. Are the marketing/merchandising gurus at FedEx listening? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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