A Storied Tradition: Exploring the History of Duke University Hats
Duke University, located in Durham, North Carolina, boasts a rich history and a strong athletic tradition. Its intercollegiate athletic teams, known as the Duke Blue Devils, compete in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I. While the Blue Devils are known for their prowess in sports such as basketball, lacrosse, and golf, a unique aspect of Duke's history lies in the tradition of hats, particularly those worn by freshmen. This article delves into the captivating story of Duke University hats, from the early days of freshman dinks to the modern-day spirit wear.
The Origin of the Blue Devil Nickname
Before diving into the history of Duke University hats, it's important to understand the origin of the "Blue Devils" nickname. Prior to adopting this moniker, the athletic teams of what was then Trinity College were known as the Trinity Eleven, the Blue and White, or the Methodists. In the academic year 1922-23, William H. Lander, editor-in-chief, and Mike Bradshaw, managing editor, of the Trinity Chronicle (now The Chronicle) began referring to the athletic teams as the Blue Devils.
The name "Blue Devils" was inspired by the Chasseurs Alpins, a French military unit also known as "les diables bleus" ("The Blue Devils"). This unit's distinctive blue jackets and blue-grey breeches, worn during World War I, left a lasting impression on Duke students and alumni returning from the Western Front.
The Era of Freshman "Dinks"
In 1925, Duke University established the practice of blue freshman caps, colloquially known as "dinks." This tradition aimed to foster class spirit among the new students. An article in The Chronicle on Nov. 25, 1925, declared “Freshman Caps Are Successes Say Sophomore,” further stating that “Prophesies of Evils Are Not Being Fulfilled - Class Spirit Among the New Men Has Been Improved.”
Originally, freshmen were expected to wear these caps throughout the school year. However, in February 1926, due to the freshman class's satisfactory conduct, it was announced that "the freshman caps may now be abolished for the remainder of the year.” Celebrating their newfound freedom, the freshmen built a bonfire and burned their dinks.
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The tradition evolved over time, with dinks later being restricted to the first semester only. A significant event tied to the dink tradition was the annual football game against the University of North Carolina (UNC). If Duke emerged victorious, freshmen were granted the privilege of removing their dinks at that point.
Rules and Repercussions
Wearing dinks was not merely a suggestion; it was a requirement with consequences for non-compliance. The Men’s Student Government Association (MSGA), and later a specially designated committee, would identify students who neglected to wear their dinks. These students would be called before the review committee and required to wear yellow dinks. Continued non-compliance could even lead to expulsion, although no dink-related expulsions have been documented.
There were rare instances where students could request special permission to forgo wearing dinks. The minutes of the MSGA in November 1932, report that “William L. Holler, Columbia, South Carolina, appeared before the council, asking that he be permitted to discontinue wearing his freshman cap, in as much as he was 25 years old upon entering Duke, and that he had been out of school for five years at work, feeling very much out of place in wearing the cap. After a discussion, it was decided to grant Mr. Holler's request.
Women's Hair Bows
The women of Duke University adopted a similar practice, beginning in the 1930s. Instead of dinks, they used hair bows to distinguish first-year students from upper-level students. These hair bows were printed with the class year, and non-compliant students were given red hair bows.
The Decline of Dinks and Bows
The tradition of dinks and bows faced disruption during the years of World War II but was revived in 1945 with an October Dink-Bow Day. The Chronicle described this event as “a combination games and listening party” with a king and queen “chosen by the sophomore class presidents on the basis of the cleverest outfits.” Freshman women were even asked to wear their clothes inside out and backwards.
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However, the rules surrounding dinks and bows gradually became more relaxed. By 1960, The Chronicle published an editorial suggesting that the days of dinks were numbered, stating, “The wearing of dinks, we think, does little to foster class unity or love for the University. Most freshmen want simply to get rid of the obnoxious hats which mark them as inferior citizens.” In 1961, the MSGA officially ceased the dink tradition.
Women students continued the bow tradition for a few more years. A 1963 article described the initiation process for freshman women as one where they were “harassed and humiliated by the ‘powers above’ - the sophomores - during initiation into the noble traditions of the Woman’s College. Freshmen were forced to chant their inferiority, submit to having flour and shaving cream rubbed into their beautiful tresses, and wear white bows and name tags in unusual locations on their person.” The wearing of bows, along with its associated humiliations, finally ended in 1968.
The Legacy of Hats and Spirit Wear
While the tradition of freshman dinks and bows has faded into history, the spirit of Duke University lives on through its iconic colors and symbols. Today, students, alumni, and fans proudly display their Duke pride by wearing Duke T-shirts, sweatshirts, and, of course, hats.
The "Horny" Versions
Some alumni recall "old-style beanie caps" that were navy blue felt with white horns and a white felt "D" on the front. These were reportedly sold at the bookstore in the early 1980s.
Throwback Styles
For those seeking to make a statement at Cameron Indoor Stadium, a vintage Duke letter sweater from the 1940s, blue with a white block D, is sure to turn heads. Tom Connelly Jr., son of Thomas Connelly ’41 (captain of the Duke men’s basketball team in 1941), wore his father's sweater to a game and received a warm reception from the crowd.
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Duke Athletics: A Tradition of Excellence
The Duke Blue Devils have achieved remarkable success across a variety of sports. The Blue Devils have won 17 NCAA National Championships, including seven by the women's golf team (1999, 2002, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2014, and 2019), five by the men's basketball team (1991, 1992, 2001, 2010, and 2015), three by men's lacrosse (2010, 2013 and 2014), and one each by the men's soccer (1986) and women's tennis (2009) teams.
Duke has also captured 119 ACC Championships. The university's teams hold the longest streak of consecutive ACC Championships in women's tennis (14), women's golf (13), men's basketball (5), women's basketball (5), and volleyball (4, tied).
Men's Basketball
Duke University's men's basketball team is one of the most successful college basketball programs of all time. Under the leadership of head coach Mike Krzyzewski ("Coach K"), the team has won the NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Championship five times and has made 18 Final Four appearances. Duke has also produced numerous NBA players, with seventy-one players drafted into the league.
Women's Basketball
The Duke women's basketball program has also achieved national prominence. In the 2000-01 season, the Blue Devils posted a 30-4 record, won the ACC Tournament and ACC regular season championships, and earned a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament. The team continued its success in subsequent seasons, making multiple NCAA Final Four appearances.
Football
The Duke football program experienced its most famous season in 1938, under head coach Wallace Wade. The "Iron Dukes" went unscored upon during the entire regular season and reached their first Rose Bowl appearance. The team also had successful periods in the late 1980s under coach Steve Spurrier and in 1994 under coach Fred Goldsmith.
Other Sports
Duke's athletic success extends to other sports as well. The women's golf team has been particularly dominant since 2000. The men's lacrosse program has risen to challenge traditional lacrosse powers, winning national titles in 2010, 2013, and 2014. The women's soccer team has advanced to the NCAA Tournament 23 times.
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