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Archives & Special Collections (ASC)

History of the Cardinal Bird: 1958-1979: The Era of the Papier Mache Head

A history of the evolution of the University of Louisville's athletics mascot, known as the Cardinal Bird or Louie. Covers the development of the costume used for in-person appearances as well as the Cardinal Bird's depiction in print.

1958-1960

According to a 2009 UofL Magazine article, the first Cardinal Bird costume with a papier mache head was created in 1958. Dick Dyson, who served as the Cardinal Bird in academic years 1958-1959 and 1959-1960, reported that his cosume was made at the University of Louisville Arts Center, of papier mache on a wire frame. His long black coat came from the UofL Players. Dyson characterized his tenure as "unofficial." 

1960s-1970s

In 1962-63, Lloyd Collins served as the Cardinal Bird. Sally Herman (Poland) developed the Lady Bird in the fall of 1962. She had been interested in being the Cardinal Bird, but since that position was taken, she developed her own character. Her head was a football helmet covered with papier mache. She made her debut during a basketball game: someone acted the part of a preacher at the wedding of the Cardinal Birds. 

in 1963-64, Sally Herman and her husband-to-be played the mascots. They were married on August 8, 1964 and set off for Ankara, Turkey to serve in the Peace Corps. 

 

 

Cardinal Bird and Lady Bird in costume, 1964
Image credit: Cardinal Bird (Mascot) reference file, Archives & Special Collections, University of Louisville. Image number ULUA 001_0244

The Cardinal Bird and Lady Bird in costume (above), and with their true identities revealed (below), 1964.

Cardinal Bird and Lady Bird with their mascot costume heads off, 1964
Image credit: Cardinal Bird (Mascot) reference file, Archives & Special Collections, University of Louisville. Image number ULUA 001_0245

 

October 25, 1965: this is most likely Ann Moon as the Ladybird. 

Female Cardinal Bird (a.k.a., Lady Bird or Mrs. Cardinal), 1965

Image credit: Cardinal Bird (Mascot) reference file, Archives & Special Collections, University of Louisville. Image number ULUA 001_0423

 

 

Lowell Katz served as the Cardinal Bird in 1967.

Lowell Katz as the Cardinal Bird, 1967
Image credit: University of Louisville v. University of Cincinnati basketball program, February 4, 1967, Archives & Special Collections, University of Louisville.

 

The papier-mache-headed Cardinal Bird evolved over time. Here, the Bird consults with cheerleading coach Sherrill Brakmeier at a pep rally in October, 1977:

  Cardinal Bird with cheerleading coach Sherrill Brakemeier at pep rally, October, 1977
Image credit: Photo by Sandy Yee, Cardinal Bird (Mascot) reference file, Archives & Special Collections, University of Louisville.