Benny Beaver
Encyclopedia
Benny Beaver is the official mascot of Oregon State University
and current winner of the 2011 Capital One Mascot of the Year write-in campaign. The exact date of when the name was first used as the university's mascot is not known, but photographs in the school's yearbook document its use as early as the 1940s.
The university's yearbook staff was the first known organization on campus to adopt the beaver as its namesake and did so in 1915. The yearbook's long use of the name eventually helped solidify the beaver as the university's official mascot. The popularity of the beaver was also shared by students at University of Oregon
. For several early publishings, students at this school also used "The Beaver" as their yearbook's title.
Oregon State University's first documented use of "Benny Beaver" was found in a photograph showing students posing next to a statue of a beaver inscribed with the name "Benny Beaver." This photograph appears in the 1942 edition of the yearbook. Although this is the university's first documented use of a beaver as the school mascot, there is considerable debate as to when it was actually first used. Alumni from the early 20th century have claimed the school used the Beaver as a mascot as early as 1910. However, no known documentation exists.
Prior to the beaver, Oregon State's mascot was an individual known as John Richard Newton Bell (1893–1928). A longtime member of the university's board of regents, Bell became hugely popular among the students for his ritual of marching to the Marys River
after each of Oregon State's Civil War
victories. He was said to have tossed his top hat into the water as a token of celebration. Earlier mascots include "Jimmie" the Coyote (1892–1893) and "Bulldog" (1906–1910). The beaver mascot's name, "Benny," was officially adopted in 1945.
The early Benny Beaver "cartoon" icon/logo was created by famous graphic illustrator, and former Disney employee, Arthur C. Evans. As the art director for Angelus Pacific Company, Evans submitted his design to OSU and it was approved for use in 1951. His logos were used at hundreds of other universities and high schools throughout the nation. Evans' beaver logo also appeared in the 1985 movie "Teen Wolf
."
The first appearance of the beaver mascot, in costume
and during an athletic event, was performed by Ken Austin on September 18, 1952 . Austin later founded Newberg, Oregon
-based A-dec
, the largest privately-held dental equipment manufacturer in North America. Austin is also a major Oregon State donor.
Between the early 1980s and mid-1990s, Benny was often joined at sporting events by a co-mascot, known as "Bernice Beaver."
In 2001 the Benny Beaver costume changed to match the new logo, but was not well accepted by younger fans. In 2005 the mascot costume was changed to a more family-friendly version. This is the version in use today (2007). Benny wears #0 at football games and #6 at basketball games.
In December of 2010, Benny Beaver was ranked 13th on a list titled 20 Worst Behaved Mascots Of All Time, in part due to an incidence, caught on film, of Benny fighting with the Oregon Duck mascot, who was ranked #1 on this list. However, Benny Beaver won the 2011 Capital One Mascot of the Year write-in campaign. The win earns him $1,000 toward OSU’s Mascot Program and inclusion on the 2011 Capital One All-America Mascot Team.
as a mascot is closely linked to Oregon's prominence in the early American fur trade. During the first half of the 19th century, the Oregon Territory
was internationally renowned for beaver trapping.
Much like the gold rush during this same period, trappers trekked from around the globe to make their fortune in the territory's lucrative fur trade
. Researchers at the Oregon Historical Society describe the fur as an important economic commodity. "Beaver pelts acquired from European colonies and American territories were sent mostly to London and Paris, where they were sold at large auctions primarily to hat-makers."
The British owned Hudson's Bay Company
(HBC), a leading fur trader, constructed a number of large forts/trading posts in the vast Oregon Territory to profit, specifically, from the beaver trade..svg.png)
The HBC's Columbia District was headquartered at Fort Vancouver
. The presence of the HBC in the Oregon Territory played a key role in bringing early commerce and civil laws to the Northwest. Notable district HBC supervisor and Oregon historical figure, John McLoughlin
, was credited with helping to make the company's beaver trade highly profitable during this early territorial period.
By the 1830s, beaver furs were viewed by both British and American Governments as a highly valuable international commodity and the two competing interests laid claim to Oregon's vast territory. In 1847, the British Government conceded ownership to America with the signing of the Oregon Treaty
.
Once Oregon acquired statehood in 1859, the beaver continued as the symbol of the state and was later adopted as Oregon's official animal in 1969. Oregon is still popularly known as "the Beaver State" and utilizes the beaver as a state symbol.
The beaver's central role in early Oregon history led students at OSU to adopt the semi-aquatic mammal as the university's mascot.
) in 1999 and 2000.
Oregon State University
Oregon State University is a coeducational, public research university located in Corvallis, Oregon, United States. The university offers undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees and a multitude of research opportunities. There are more than 200 academic degree programs offered through the...
and current winner of the 2011 Capital One Mascot of the Year write-in campaign. The exact date of when the name was first used as the university's mascot is not known, but photographs in the school's yearbook document its use as early as the 1940s.
Mascot history
University of Oregon
-Colleges and schools:The University of Oregon is organized into eight schools and colleges—six professional schools and colleges, an Arts and Sciences College and an Honors College.- School of Architecture and Allied Arts :...
. For several early publishings, students at this school also used "The Beaver" as their yearbook's title.
Oregon State University's first documented use of "Benny Beaver" was found in a photograph showing students posing next to a statue of a beaver inscribed with the name "Benny Beaver." This photograph appears in the 1942 edition of the yearbook. Although this is the university's first documented use of a beaver as the school mascot, there is considerable debate as to when it was actually first used. Alumni from the early 20th century have claimed the school used the Beaver as a mascot as early as 1910. However, no known documentation exists.
Marys River
Marys River is a tributary of the Willamette River in the U.S. state of Oregon. From its source at the confluence of its east and west forks near Summit, it flows generally southeast from the Central Oregon Coast Range to Corvallis.-Name:...
after each of Oregon State's Civil War
Civil War (college football game)
The Civil War is the colloquial name for an American college football rivalry game played annually by the Oregon Ducks football team of the University of Oregon and the Oregon State Beavers football team of the Oregon State University...
victories. He was said to have tossed his top hat into the water as a token of celebration. Earlier mascots include "Jimmie" the Coyote (1892–1893) and "Bulldog" (1906–1910). The beaver mascot's name, "Benny," was officially adopted in 1945.
The early Benny Beaver "cartoon" icon/logo was created by famous graphic illustrator, and former Disney employee, Arthur C. Evans. As the art director for Angelus Pacific Company, Evans submitted his design to OSU and it was approved for use in 1951. His logos were used at hundreds of other universities and high schools throughout the nation. Evans' beaver logo also appeared in the 1985 movie "Teen Wolf
Teen Wolf
Teen Wolf is a 1985 American fantasy comedy film released by Atlantic Releasing Corporation starring Michael J. Fox as Scott Howard, a high school student who discovers that his family has an unusual pedigree when he finds himself transforming into a werewolf...
."
The first appearance of the beaver mascot, in costume
Costume
The term costume can refer to wardrobe and dress in general, or to the distinctive style of dress of a particular people, class, or period. Costume may also refer to the artistic arrangement of accessories in a picture, statue, poem, or play, appropriate to the time, place, or other circumstances...
and during an athletic event, was performed by Ken Austin on September 18, 1952 . Austin later founded Newberg, Oregon
Newberg, Oregon
-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 18,064 people, 6,099 households, and 4,348 families residing in the city. The population density was 3,599.4 people per square mile . There were 6,435 housing units at an average density of 1,282.2 per square mile...
-based A-dec
A-dec
A-dec is a dental office furniture and equipment manufacturer based in Newberg, Oregon, United States. It is considered one of the largest dental equipment makers in the world, and as of 2002 is Newberg's largest employer with 832 employees...
, the largest privately-held dental equipment manufacturer in North America. Austin is also a major Oregon State donor.
Between the early 1980s and mid-1990s, Benny was often joined at sporting events by a co-mascot, known as "Bernice Beaver."
In 2001 the Benny Beaver costume changed to match the new logo, but was not well accepted by younger fans. In 2005 the mascot costume was changed to a more family-friendly version. This is the version in use today (2007). Benny wears #0 at football games and #6 at basketball games.
In December of 2010, Benny Beaver was ranked 13th on a list titled 20 Worst Behaved Mascots Of All Time, in part due to an incidence, caught on film, of Benny fighting with the Oregon Duck mascot, who was ranked #1 on this list. However, Benny Beaver won the 2011 Capital One Mascot of the Year write-in campaign. The win earns him $1,000 toward OSU’s Mascot Program and inclusion on the 2011 Capital One All-America Mascot Team.
Historical connection
The school's use of the beaverBeaver
The beaver is a primarily nocturnal, large, semi-aquatic rodent. Castor includes two extant species, North American Beaver and Eurasian Beaver . Beavers are known for building dams, canals, and lodges . They are the second-largest rodent in the world...
as a mascot is closely linked to Oregon's prominence in the early American fur trade. During the first half of the 19th century, the Oregon Territory
Oregon Territory
The Territory of Oregon was an organized incorporated territory of the United States that existed from August 14, 1848, until February 14, 1859, when the southwestern portion of the territory was admitted to the Union as the State of Oregon. Originally claimed by several countries , the region was...
was internationally renowned for beaver trapping.
Fur trade
The fur trade is a worldwide industry dealing in the acquisition and sale of animal fur. Since the establishment of world market for in the early modern period furs of boreal, polar and cold temperate mammalian animals have been the most valued...
. Researchers at the Oregon Historical Society describe the fur as an important economic commodity. "Beaver pelts acquired from European colonies and American territories were sent mostly to London and Paris, where they were sold at large auctions primarily to hat-makers."
The British owned Hudson's Bay Company
Hudson's Bay Company
The Hudson's Bay Company , abbreviated HBC, or "The Bay" is the oldest commercial corporation in North America and one of the oldest in the world. A fur trading business for much of its existence, today Hudson's Bay Company owns and operates retail stores throughout Canada...
(HBC), a leading fur trader, constructed a number of large forts/trading posts in the vast Oregon Territory to profit, specifically, from the beaver trade.
Fort Vancouver
Fort Vancouver was a 19th century fur trading outpost along the Columbia River that served as the headquarters of the Hudson's Bay Company in the company's Columbia District...
. The presence of the HBC in the Oregon Territory played a key role in bringing early commerce and civil laws to the Northwest. Notable district HBC supervisor and Oregon historical figure, John McLoughlin
John McLoughlin
Dr. John McLoughlin, baptized Jean-Baptiste McLoughlin, was the Chief Factor of the Columbia Fur District of the Hudson's Bay Company at Fort Vancouver. He was later known as the "Father of Oregon" for his role in assisting the American cause in the Oregon Country in the Pacific Northwest...
, was credited with helping to make the company's beaver trade highly profitable during this early territorial period.
By the 1830s, beaver furs were viewed by both British and American Governments as a highly valuable international commodity and the two competing interests laid claim to Oregon's vast territory. In 1847, the British Government conceded ownership to America with the signing of the Oregon Treaty
Oregon Treaty
The Oregon Treaty is a treaty between the United Kingdom and the United States that was signed on June 15, 1846, in Washington, D.C. The treaty brought an end to the Oregon boundary dispute by settling competing American and British claims to the Oregon Country, which had been jointly occupied by...
.
Once Oregon acquired statehood in 1859, the beaver continued as the symbol of the state and was later adopted as Oregon's official animal in 1969. Oregon is still popularly known as "the Beaver State" and utilizes the beaver as a state symbol.
The beaver's central role in early Oregon history led students at OSU to adopt the semi-aquatic mammal as the university's mascot.
Current design
The mascot logo has seen several alterations since its inception. It was last redesigned in 2000 by Morrow Creative Group of Portland, Oregon. The new version (shown top left) was officially adopted by the university in 2001 and often referred to by fans as the "Angry Beaver." The make-over came about, in part, due a long desire by the company's CEO Michael Morrow to update the look, coupled with the university's successful fund raising campaign to expand the university's football stadium (Reser StadiumReser Stadium
Reser Stadium is an outdoor athletic stadium in Corvallis, Oregon, United States. on the campus of Oregon State University. It is the home of the Oregon State Beavers of the Pacific-12 Conference. Originally opened in 1953 as Parker Stadium, the stadium was renamed in 1999, and its current...
) in 1999 and 2000.
Other universities and colleges with a beaver mascot
- Babson CollegeBabson CollegeBabson College is a private business school located in Wellesley, Massachusetts near Boston.- History :Babson College was founded by Roger Babson on September 3, 1919, as the Babson Institute. It was renamed "Babson College" in 1969...
-Wellesley, Massachusetts - Bemidji State UniversityBemidji State UniversityBemidji State University is a public state university in Bemidji, Minnesota, USA, located on the shores of Lake Bemidji. It is a part of Minnesota State Colleges and Universities .-History:BSU was founded in 1919 as Bemidji State Normal School...
-Bemidji, Minnesota - Blackburn College -Carlinville, Illinois
- Bluffton College -Bluffton, Ohio
- Buena Vista UniversityBuena Vista UniversityBuena Vista University is a private 4-year college located in Storm Lake, Iowa. Founded in 1891 as Buena Vista College, it is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church. The university's campus is situated on the shores of Storm Lake, a natural lake...
-Storm Lake, Iowa - California Institute of TechnologyCalifornia Institute of TechnologyThe California Institute of Technology is a private research university located in Pasadena, California, United States. Caltech has six academic divisions with strong emphases on science and engineering...
(Caltec) -Pasadena, California - Champlain CollegeChamplain CollegeChamplain College is a private, coeducational college located in Burlington, Vermont. It offers professionally focused programs that incorporate an interdisciplinary core curriculum. In addition to its main campus, the College maintains study-abroad campuses in Montreal and Dublin, and offers...
-Burlington, Vermont - City College of New YorkCity College of New YorkThe City College of the City University of New York is a senior college of the City University of New York , in New York City. It is also the oldest of the City University's twenty-three institutions of higher learning...
-New York, New York - Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyThe Massachusetts Institute of Technology is a private research university located in Cambridge, Massachusetts. MIT has five schools and one college, containing a total of 32 academic departments, with a strong emphasis on scientific and technological education and research.Founded in 1861 in...
(MIT) -Cambridge, Massachusetts - Minot State UniversityMinot State UniversityMinot State University is a four-year institution of higher learning in Minot, North Dakota. Founded in 1913 as a normal school, Minot State University is the third-largest university in North Dakota, offering undergraduate and graduate degree programs.Minot State University was founded in 1913...
-Minot, North Dakota - University of Maine at FarmingtonUniversity of Maine at FarmingtonThe University of Maine at Farmington, established in 1864 as Maine’s first public institution of higher education, is a public liberal arts college, and a founding member of the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges offering programs in teacher education, human services and arts and sciences as...
-Farmington, Maine - University of TorontoUniversity of TorontoThe University of Toronto is a public research university in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, situated on the grounds that surround Queen's Park. It was founded by royal charter in 1827 as King's College, the first institution of higher learning in Upper Canada...
-Toronto, Ontario, Canada