Gopher Uniform History 1954-59
Please click on the photos below to enlarge.
Helmets
The 1954 and 1955 Gopher helmets were made by Wilson or Riddell and had no numbers on the sides of the helmet. Many were worn without facemaks. The helmets that did use facemak usually had the "stubby" one bar facemaks. More facemasks were worn in 55' than in 54' and a few odd examples of facemaks were used such as a clear plastic shield as well as the example seen below. All of these helmets had a center gold striped bordered by two maroon stripes that were either painted or taped on. We've found no general consistency as to which method was used and why. Both Wilson and Riddell used a 6 point suspension system. We have seen any combination of names written in black marker, numbers, or both with any combination thereof. Our only hemet from this era is the one below with the stubbed facemask. They are nearly impossible to find in the hobby and we know of only one other in existance.
The helmets used from 1956 to 1959 were all made by Riddell to the best of our knowledge. In 1956 to 59 numbers were used on the sides of the helmet with more modern facemasks being used. The numbers vary in size and width. The photos below are in cronological order. Notice the much "fatter" numbers on the 1956 helmet in comparison to the others.
The helmets used from 1956 to 1959 were all made by Riddell to the best of our knowledge. In 1956 to 59 numbers were used on the sides of the helmet with more modern facemasks being used. The numbers vary in size and width. The photos below are in cronological order. Notice the much "fatter" numbers on the 1956 helmet in comparison to the others.
Uniform
The Gopher uniforms during the 1954 to 59 era are fairly similar to each other year by year. We simply haven't seen enough clear photo evidence and we also don't own enough of them to differentiate many clear differences. What we do know is that the Gophers wore maroon jerseys with full length sleeves and sewn on yellow numbers. The jerseys were made of durene cotton. Many of the players had their jerseys altered and the sleeves sewn up to above or around the elbow. In 1957 we have found a few photos of a white jersey with maroon numbers also being worn, but not during the other seasons of this same era (see photo below). We belive the supplier was MacGregor during this era. White pants with a center gold stripe flanked by two maroon stripes were worn for home and away as well as black shoes with white socks.
