Why I Oughta...

What do you do when most of the men on campus are tied up with military programs in 1943 and there's nobody with the free time who can participate in the role of Chief Illiniwek at the University of Illinois?  You introduce "Princess Illiniwek".  Her name was Idelle Brooks and that's her up there in the photo at the top of this post.  I came across this story in a book that I dug out from our bookshelves.  You can see that book below - it is from the News-Gazette and I *think* it came out during the 'Last Dance' time when they retired the Chief.  More on that war-time period in Champaign-Urbana (including photos and other what-have-yous) can be found here . 

First of all. Check your inboxes. We sent out our 3 reasons for $3 today. If you're not on the list, then fill in your email address up on the top right and click the box for the 'Cross Connection'... On to the business of the day..... This Chief stuff is nonsense. I mean....Come on. As a proud grad of the fine University of Illinois, I am proud of the Chief and how he conducts himself. This symbol or as some in the legislature call it "a mascot" is simply not a mascot. When a new car wash opens in Champaign The Chief doesn't go there and do a dance and hand out foam tomahawks. He doesn't do endorsements. In fact, the university does not use his image anywhere to promote anything! A smart man named Chapin Rose said yesterday, "I think it's a little bit ludicrous to hijack a tier-one university's funding over an athletic symbol." Right on, Chapin. Many do not know how revered the Chief is inside the locker room and around campus.