The story is finally ready to tell. Most LetsGoDU readers will think this is satire but every word is true. The original 1960’s Denver Boone mascot has been found and is now in the hands of LetsGoDU staff. The original Denver Boone mascot is no worse for wear despite relocation and eventual rediscovery after 50+ years in the hands of unknown individuals.
The discovery may not rank with the discovery of penicillin, the Dead Sea Scrolls, or the discovery of the Tomb of Tutankhamun, but it is nonetheless significant. The back story is hard to believe but true. Damien Goddard, original founder of LetsGoDU, was visiting Denver on a short visit and agreed to meet at the Pioneer Bar for a beer and to catch up with some old friends. Goddard struck up a conversation with the only other person in the seating area and invited him to join the group. The invitee, a graduate student at DU’s Lamont School of Music, listened to Goddard as he and the group discussed DU athletic teams. “I’m not much of a sports fan,” said the guest. “Oh, by the way, I have the original Denver Boone in my apartment – do you want it?”
“Uh, yes!” said Goddard without missing a beat, his heart pounding. The stranger left the bar, went to his apartment, and came back ten minutes later with the original 1960’s Denver Boone. Now, the original Boone head and coon skin cap are safely stored at the LetsGoDU offices while we examine various options to refurbish the original to its past glory. His eyes and mouth require additional work but the rest of the head and cap are in amazingly good condition.
The coincidences in securing the ancient relic were beyond belief, as it was Goddard who also relaunched the Denver Boone mascot in 2009. Ironically, he has rediscovered the original – at the Pioneer Bar, nonetheless. Even more surprising, the figure that adorns the roof of Pioneer Bar even resembles the original Denver Boone more than Goddard’s 2009 recommissioned Boone mascot.
The discovery of the original Boone provides a snapshot into DU’s past and a nod to a central figure in DU athletics history. The iconic original will now be held in safekeeping for future generations.
That found Boone head is not ‘original.’ It dates from the early to mid 1990s.
The first Boone costume had no head – it was just the costume that Doug Hirsch wore with a Coonskin hat.
The first Boone head was made from Paper mache’ in the early 70s and lasted into the 1980s.
Looking back at Puck Swami’s Denver Boone mascot article, it does appear this may be from the 90’s. Quite a find nonetheless.
Bring back Boone!
Bring back Hirsh
Good job DG!
Thanks for remembering me as Boone.
Doug Hirsh
When i was a student in the early 60’s it was Pioneer Pete with that coon skin fur hat