Towel
Object number2024.43.1
Manufacturer
Cannon Mills Company
Date1955-1956
OriginUnited States of America
MediumFabric
Credit LineGift of Family of John Cenci
DescriptionLocker room towel. Rectangular white fabric towel with low white pile. Top and bottom long edges are flat. Two flat stripes at each short end. Short ends are hemmed. Blue stripe horizontally across length with dark blue text including event name and year range.DimensionsHeight x Width x Depth (Towel only): 22.75 x 41.875 x 0.188 in. (57.8 x 106.4 x 0.5 cm)Height x Width x Depth (Towel on padded backer): 27.125 x 46.25 x 1.375 in. (68.9 x 117.5 x 3.5 cm)
Height x Width x Depth (Framed): 28.25 x 47.25 x 3 in. (71.8 x 120 x 7.6 cm)
InscriptionsFront has dark blue text across center "SUGAR BOWL 1955-56"; on reverse of towel the text appears white.
MarksReverse along viewer's right side near viewer's top right corner has white fabric tag with dark blue text and details, the same on both sides: "TRADE MARK / MADE IN U.S.A. / CANNON"; there is a cannon at top center.
Historical NotesLocker room towel from the 1956 Sugar Bowl collected by University of Pittsburgh co-captain John Cenci. The bowl game featured the 7th-ranked Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, and the 11th-ranked Pittsburgh Panthers. This was the first integrated Sugar Bowl . Label TextBobby Grier, a fullback and linebacker for the University of Pittsburgh, became the first African American to compete in the Sugar Bowl in 1956. Pitt’s team had been integrated since 1945 when Jimmy Joe Robinson became the first Black varsity football player, joined by Herb Douglas and Allen Carter several weeks later. Grier’s presence in the Sugar Bowl represented a major step forward in the integration of collegiate football. With the university’s support, Grier overcame the objections of the Georgia governor, Marvin Griffin, and a large contingent of Southern segregationists, to take the field against Georgia Tech and break the color barrier.
Previous owner
John Cenci
(born 1934)
Related institution
University of Pittsburgh
Related institution
Pittsburgh Panthers
Related institution
Georgia Institute of Technology
Related institution
Pittsburgh Steelers
Related institution
Schenley High School
Related person
Robert Warren Grier Sr.
(1933 - 2024)
On View
Not on view
2014
c. 1960
C. and E. Marshall Company