Freshman Beanies and Pins

The Freshman Beanie was introduced in 1920.  The original style was a black cap with a red button on top  and a green F attached to the front of the cap.  These later gave way to a red cap with the class year of
the freshman prominently displayed in black on the front of the beanie.  The caps had to be worn all year long unless the freshman were victorious in the sophomore-freshmen day contest, usually consisting of a football game or other athletic contests held in the Fall. By 1967, the move had been made to require red
and black with “Davidson” on the front instead of the class year.  This was done so the caps could be sold to the public. 1969 was the last year that the freshmen caps were required.

Beanie from 1921

Beanie from 1925

Beanie from circa 1920s

Beanie from 1932

Beanie from 1949

Beanie from 1950

Beanie from 1955

Beanie from 1959

Beanie from 1961

Beanie from 1963

Freshman Pin from circa 1920s-30s

For several years in the 1920s and 1930s, freshmen were required to wear a “Freshman Pin” either on the front of their shirt or attached to their “Freshman Beanie.”

Freshman I.D. Tag from 1930

This nametag was worn by William H. Jetton, Class of 1930.  All freshmen were required to wear  their nametags until October.

Author: Dustin Edge
Date: May 2001

Cite as: Edge, Dustion. “Freshman Beanies and Pins”
Davidson Encyclopedia May 2001 <https://digitalprojects.davidson.edu/omeka/s/college-archives-davidson-encyclopedia/page/freshman-beanies-and-pins>