Inside Label: Penn Rooter Hat
The University of Pennsylvania was founded in 1740, and was the first University within America. Its prestige and academic distinction are noted in Penn’s alliance with the Ivy League. Penn’s athletic history is very rich. The first sport displayed at Penn was cricket. However, it is the game of football that holds the deepest roots. Penn first fielded a football team on November 11, 1876 at the nearby Germantown Cricket Club. The style in which they played served as an innovative structure for the development and progress of the game. Football was highly popular within the university setting and only played at the amateur level; there weren’t any professional leagues. By the turn of the century Penn was considered one of the nations top football teams. Penn students followed the team vigorously and bore team colors and apparel as they rooted for their Quakers.
This early 20th century hat is constructed by Spalding and made of cardinal, melton wool. Its eight panels and short curved brim make it a very distinguished piece. The navy felt P, located on the front of the cap, was cut and sewn on by hand. The interior has a black stamped Spalding mark on the worn leathered band. This rooter style hat, which received its name from the fans who wore it, was recently put up by Mastro Inc. for auction at the Sports Museum of America in New York.
