There’s a lot of great Husker memorabilia out there. Husker Attic is how we’ve showcased those vintage finds in every issue of Hail Varsity since our very first one. In the weeks ahead we’re sharing some of those gems online for the first time. Brought to you by Husker Army Presents 2019 Husker Collectible and Autograph Show.
Harry Husker Bank
>>The Harry Husker bank was created about 1970 and was given away by the National Bank of Commerce, according to Randy Meyer, formerly of Superior Collectibles.
>>The 8-inch high ceramic banks are “highly collectible,” according to Meyer.
More Husker Attic: NIT Notepad | Frost Mt. Dew | 1925 Program | Collector’s Plate | Wheaties Boxes | Whiskey Decanters
>>After Nebraska won national championships in 1970 and 1971, some banks included that information on the front of the base, according to Huskerj.com.
>>The Harry Husker character first appeared in Nebraska Farmer magazine. The artist, Bill Goggins, gave the Nebraska athletic department permission to use the character as a mascot. The Huskers had no official mascot at the time.
>>Harry Husker’s successor, Herbie Husker, was the work of Lubbock, Texas, artist Dirk West, who drew a cartoon figure as decoration for press headquarters at the 1974 Cotton Bowl. He was subsequently commissioned by Nebraska to draw an original character based on that.
Looking to add some new Husker memorabilia to your own collection? The 2019 Husker Collectible and Autograph Show, presented by Husker Army, is the place for you the day after Nebraska’s spring game. Find full details of the event at the Husker Army Facebook page.
Mike is in his 40th year covering Husker athletics, after seven years of community-college teaching. He has written and edited a dozen books, all on Nebraska football except one, a brief history of Husker basketball. He previously wrote for the Lincoln Journal and Star and Huskers Illustrated. He enjoys music, from the Grateful Dead and Jack Johnson to Van Morrison, Bob Wills, Glenn Miller and pretty much anyone else.
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