Finding Aid for Robert and John Bitzer Chief Illiniwek Papers and Regalia, 1938-2007 | The Sousa Archives and Center for American Music

By Carol Berthold

Email us about these papers | printer

Print this information

Collection Overview

Title: Robert and John Bitzer Chief Illiniwek Papers and Regalia, 1938-2007

ID: 26/20/258

Primary Creator: Bitzer, Robert (1923-1996)

Other Creators: Bitzer, John (1952-2023)

Extent: 6.0 cubic feet

Arrangement: The materials are arranged in two series: Series 1) Personal Papers and Series 2) Chief Illiniwek Regalia and Headdress Box. Series 1 is arranged alphabetically by subject. Series 2 is unarranged.

Date Acquired: 04/05/2024

Subjects: Beta Theta Pi, Chief Illiniwek, Marching bands, Marching Illini, Music -- Illinois, University of Illinois

Languages: English

Scope and Contents of the Materials

Consists of correspondence, publication news clippings, yearbooks, and photographs collected by and regalia designed and worn by Robert and John Bitzer, documenting their role as Chief Illiniwek at the University of Illinois. Of note are the hand-made moccasins, pants, coat, and headdresses, created by Robert and John Bitzer.

Biographical Note

Robert L. Bitzer was born On March 30, 1923 and passed away on July 18, 1996. He graduated from the University of Illinois, majoring in business administration. He served as Chief Illiniwek from 1943 to 1947 and was a veteran of World War II. He was president of an auto dealership in Shelbyville and Sullivan, IL, as well as other companies in Central Illinois. He served on numerous boards and other positions at service organizations in the area.

Subject/Index Terms

Beta Theta Pi
Chief Illiniwek
Marching bands
Marching Illini
Music -- Illinois
University of Illinois

Administrative Information

Repository: The Sousa Archives and Center for American Music

Acquisition Source: Maryann Bitzer

Acquisition Method: Gift.

Related Materials:

Richard Brooks Papers and Chief Illiniwek Triptych Panel Mural, 26/20/204

University Bands Collections, 12/9/93

Box and Folder Listing

Browse by Series:

[Series 1: Personal Papers, 1920-2010],
[Series 2: Chief Illiniwek Regalia and Headdress Box, ca. 1950-1970],
[All]

Series 2: Chief Illiniwek Regalia and Headdress Box, ca. 1950-1970

Consists of hand-made leather, bead, and metal crafts, a pipe, and spare materials used for the repair of the regalia. The regalia and objects in this series are unarranged.

Box 4

Item 1: Jacket, undated: Accession No.:2024.2620258.001
Item 2: Pants, undated: Accession No.: 2024.2620258.002
Item 3: Gloves, undated: Accession Nos.: 2024.2620258.003a; 2024.2620258.003b
Item 4: Moccasins, undated: Accession Nos.: 2024.2620258.004a; 2024.2620258.004b
Item 5: Moccasins, undated: Accession Nos.: 2024.2620258.005a; 2024.2620258.005b
Item 6: Moccasins, undated: Accession Nos.: 2024.2620258.006a; 2024.2620258.006b
Item 7: Moccasins, undated: Accession Nos.: 2024.2620258.007a; 2024.2620258.007b
Item 8: Belt, undated: Accession No.: 2024.2620258.010
Item 9: Straps, undated: Accession Nos.: 2024.2620258.013a; 2024.2620258.013b; 2024.2620258.013c; 2024.2620258.013d; 2024.2620258.013e
Item 10: Headdress, undated: Accession No. 2024.2620258.022
Item 11: Rabbit Pelts, undated: Accession No. 2024.2620258.023
Item 12: Spare Feathers, undated: Accession No. 2024.2620258.024
Item 13: Tandy Leather Company - Indian Lore Imitation Eagle Feathers Right, ca. 1950: Accession No. 2024.2620258.025
Item 14: Tandy Leather Company - Indian Lore Fluffy Plumes, ca. 1950: Accession No.: 2024.2620258.026

Box 5

Item 1: Chest Plate, undated: Accession No.: 2024.2620258.008
Item 2: Pipe, undated: Accession No.: 2024.2620258.021

Box 6

Item 1: Bells, undated: Accession No.: 2024.2620258.014
Item 2: Bells, undated: Accession No.: 2024.2620258.015
Item 3: Bells, undated: Accession No.: 2024.2620258.016
Item 4: Bells, undated: Accession No.: 2024.2620258.017
Item 5: Bells, undated: Accession No.: 2024.2620258.018
Item 6: Bells, undated: Accession No.: 2024.2620258.019
Item 7: Bells, undated: Accession No.: 2024.2620258.020
Item 8: Belt, undated: Accession No.: 2024.2620258.009

Box 7: Headdress Box, n.d.

Accession no. 2024.2620258.012.

Item 1: Headdress, undated: Accession No.: 2024.2620258.011

Browse by Series:

[Series 1: Personal Papers, 1920-2010],
[Series 2: Chief Illiniwek Regalia and Headdress Box, ca. 1950-1970],
[All]