Purdue University Mascots: A History of Purdue Pete and the Boilermaker Special

Purdue University, known for its engineering and agricultural heritage, boasts a rich history of mascots that embody the spirit and traditions of the Boilermakers. From the iconic Purdue Pete to the impressive Boilermaker Special, these symbols have evolved over time, becoming integral parts of the university's identity.

The Genesis of Purdue Pete

Purdue Pete's story began in 1940, thanks to the vision of Doc Epple and Red Sammons, owners of the University Book Store. Recognizing the need for an advertising logo, they commissioned Art Evans to create the image. However, it wasn't until 1944 that Pete received his name. When the Debris yearbook staff sought to feature the logo, Doc Epple spontaneously christened him "Pete." This appearance in the yearbook catapulted Pete's popularity, and in 1956, the athletic director officially recognized Purdue Pete as the sports mascot.

Larry Brumbaugh was chosen as the first Purdue Pete, facing the challenge of creating a costume. Eventually, a woman from his hometown crafted a 36-pound papier-mâché head for him to wear.

The Evolution of Purdue Pete

Over the years, Purdue Pete has undergone several transformations, reflecting changing times and aesthetics.

The Lost Head (1963): In 1963, the original Purdue Pete head was lost after falling off the Boilermaker Special on the way back from a game against Iowa. Despite extensive searches, it was never recovered, leading to the creation of a new Pete with larger cheeks and eyes.
The Fiberglass Pete (1976): In 1976, Van Betulius created a new head made entirely of fiberglass. This version was less cartoonish than its predecessors.
The Serious Pete (1980): Inspired by a desire for a more serious and intelligent image, a new Pete was introduced in 1980. This version featured a ten-pound head, furrowed eyebrows, and a scowl, replacing the sweater with a jersey.
The Smiling Pete (1983): The "angry Pete" was short-lived, replaced in 1983 by a smiling Pete wearing a construction cap. This version, however, proved difficult for some performers due to its weight.
The Modern Pete (1989): In 1989, students in the Aeronautical Engineering Technology department created a slightly different Pete with a black helmet and non-wiggling eyebrows, which permanently replaced previous versions.
The 2011 Redesign and Backlash: In 2011, Purdue Athletics attempted to introduce a new Purdue Pete design, citing cost concerns and the mascot's perceived scariness. However, the new Pete was met with strong disapproval from students and was quickly replaced by the familiar version.

Purdue Pete's Trials and Tribulations

As a Big Ten mascot, Purdue Pete has faced his share of memorable mishaps:

Read also: Investigating the Death at Purdue

1957: Bucky the Badger stole Pete's hammer, leading to a chase in which John Knote lost Pete's head while trying to hit the Wisconsin mascot.
1962: Purdue Pete's head was lost after the Iowa game.
1989: Purdue Pete lost his head again in Evanston, Illinois, after a Northwestern game.
Various Incidents: Pete has narrowly escaped Bloomington fans attempting to steal his head, and in 1985, during a Michigan game, security guards intervened when fans tried to steal Pete's head.

Despite these challenges, Purdue Pete remains a beloved figure, participating in family traditions, marriage proposals, and prestigious awards ceremonies.

The Boilermaker Special: A Locomotive on Wheels

The Boilermaker Special is the official mascot of Purdue University, embodying the university's engineering heritage. It resembles a Victorian-era railroad locomotive built on a truck chassis.

Origins and Evolution

In the 1890s, Purdue became a leader in railway technology research, operating locomotives like the "Schenectady No. 1" and "Vauclain" for testing. This legacy inspired the creation of the Boilermaker Special.

The Boilermaker Special I (1940): Introduced in 1940, the Boilermaker Special I featured a locomotive body constructed by the Baldwin Locomotive Works on a Studebaker "Champion" automobile chassis.
The Boilermaker Special II (1953): In 1953, the original Baldwin body was installed on an International Harvester truck chassis. A trailer was added in 1956 to accommodate more passengers, but it proved difficult to tow and was eventually retired.
The Boilermaker Special III (1960): Built by General Motors on a GMC school bus chassis, the Boilermaker Special III featured a larger body and modern amenities like headlights, a heater, and a radio.
The Boilermaker Special IV "X-tra Special" (1979): A smaller, electric version built on a golf cart chassis, the X-tra Special allowed appearances at indoor events.
The Boilermaker Special V (1993): Introduced in 1993, the Boilermaker Special V was built on a Navistar chassis with an aluminum body fabricated by Wabash National Corporation. It featured a large coal tender for passengers and the ability to "kneel" for easier access.
The Boilermaker Special VI "X-tra Special" (1996): Designed by a Purdue graduate, the Boilermaker Special VI was built on a Club Car golf cart chassis with a fiberglass composite body.
The Boilermaker Special VII (2011): An overhaul of the Boilermaker Special V, the Boilermaker Special VII featured a new engine, transmission, and chassis, as well as LED lighting and other upgrades. It was severely damaged in a traffic accident in 2025.
The Boilermaker Special VIII "X-tra Special" (2017): Assembled from a new golf cart and a body designed by Wabash National, the Boilermaker Special VIII featured a shorter smokestack.
The Boilermaker Special IX (Planned 2026): Announced in 2023, the Boilermaker Special IX is currently in development to replace the Boilermaker Special VII.

The Boilermaker Special Today

The Boilermaker Special appears at all home games in Ross-Ade Stadium, travels to away football games, and participates in various events. The Purdue Reamer Club is responsible for the care and maintenance of the Boilermaker Special and Boilermaker X-tra Special.

The "Boilermaker" Nickname: From Insult to Icon

The "Boilermaker" nickname originated in the late 19th century, initially as a derogatory term used by rival schools and newspapers.

Read also: Purdue University Fees

The Rise of the Boilermakers

In the late 1800s, Purdue's football team gained prominence, culminating in a decisive 44-0 victory over Wabash College in 1891. In response, a Crawfordsville newspaper referred to the Purdue team as "Boiler Makers," and the name stuck.

Dispelling the Myth

Despite the rumors, there's no evidence that Purdue enrolled burly boilermakers from local railroad shops to bolster its football team. However, the nickname resonated with the university's focus on engineering and hands-on education. From 1891 to 1897, Purdue even maintained a fully operational steam locomotive, The Schenectady, for research.

Read also: Exploring Purdue Wrestling

tags: #purdue #university #mascot #history