Historical Origins of the Radnor Raiders Nov

Virtual Meeting of the Board of School Directors August 4, 2020 UPDATED 9/2/20 Historical Origins of the Radnor Raiders Nov. 3, 1934 Inquirer: First located mention Dec. 12, 1936 RHS Informer 1938 Yearbook and Dec. 16, 1938 of “Red Raiders” for Radnor High School Radnorite Use Multiple Nicknames 1934 First known use of “Raiders” and/or “Red Raiders” in connection with Radnor High School published in The Philadelphia Inquirer. The origin or reason behind the name “Raiders” has not been confirmed. No evidence has been found that the name or “red” was inspired by or in reference to Native Americans, including the Lenape. 1893 Interviews with RHS alumni from 30s, 40s and 50s indicate Native Americans Radnor High imagery was not in use at RHS or School associated with “Raiders” during this Established time. Some believe the name may have been tied to the term ”dry raiders” that emerged during Prohibition.

Jan. 1897: The Critic (Student Paper) Oct. 26, 1903:“Crimson and White” October 1905: “Red and White” May 4, 1911 Delco Times: “Red and White” 1897- 1924 School Colors of December 1924: New Football Song “Red and White” First Chosen and Used by Student Body

NOTE: This slide has been updated from the original 8/4/20 presentation to correct the reference to the Lenape from the initial description as the Lehigh Lenape. Emerson ”Chief” Metoxen was born in Oneida, Wisconsin and was a member of the Oneida Nation of Wisconsin, formerly Oneida Tribe of Indians of Wisconsin. He attended the Carlisle Indian School. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War I. He graduated from Mercersburg Academy and Lebanon Valley College. He also received an M.S. in education from Harvard. At Lebanon Valley College, Mr. Metoxen earned 12 varsity letters and was ultimately inducted into the college’s inaugural Athletic Hall of Fame class. Spring 1964 “Radnor has always had the nick-name of the Raiders, but we never had a real Raider to act as mascot at our sports 1945 events. The Student Council has decided to remedy this LM Game program situation. They are conducting a contest which anyone can displays Radnor enter just by illustrating his idea of a Raider. After Council players’ photos has decided the three best, they will place them in the school store to be voted on by the entire student body. over “Red Raiders” Starting with the football season next September, a Raider sans Native will appear on the sidelines to help cheer on the team.” (The American imagery. Suburban and Wayne Times, March 12, 1964) Perhaps tellingly, Lower Merion team photographs are imposed over Bulldogs mascot. 1951

1977 at Latest Native American logo placed on the side of RHS above Prevost Field per photograph. Photograph also depicts a Native American logo on the side of football helmets, although the history of this No Later particular logo is currently unknown. 1968 Than 1969 RHS Student Road leading into Newspaper begins to Radnor High School use Native American named “Raider Road” imagery in masthead (possibly earlier). Inquirer, Delco Times, Suburban, Daily Local, CBS, KYW, FOX 29, Daily Journal, Pocono Record, Evening Sun, Lebanon Daily News, Fort Mill Times, York Daily Record, The Harrisburg Patriot- News, The Beaver County Times

2006 June 2013 The costumed “Raider” Radnor High School student newspaper, bobblehead-type mascot is The Radnorite, publishes opinion piece officially “retired,” however addressing potential inappropriateness logos and the name remain. of mascot. It is possible the topic was The exact origin, history and addressed in earlier editions, but this debut of the costume are cannot currently be verified. not currently known. Nov. 2013 Oneida Indian Nation’s ”Change the Mascot” Campaign Urges Washington Redskins to Change Name. Mr. Metoxen was a member of the Oneida Nation.

2016-Present Students become increasingly vocal through various media about possible inappropriateness of “Raiders” and associated imagery and “traditions,” with many calling for the removal of “Raiders” name and all related Native American iconography.