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

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Collection Overview

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

ID: 26/20/258

Primary Creator: Bitzer, John (1952-2023)

Other Creators: Bitzer, Robert (1923-1996)

Extent: 4.5 cubic feet

Biographical Note

John L. Bitzer was born on October 21, 1952 and passed away on July 14, 2023. He graduated from Shelbyville, IL High School in 1970. He attended the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, serving as Chief Illiniwek, the mascot for the University’s sports teams, for four years. John and his father, Robert, were the only father and son duo who both served as Chief Illiniwek. John graduated in 1974 with a degree in psychology. He received his law degree from John Marshall Law School in 1979 and practiced law in Collinsville, IL.

John was active in the community. He and his wife, Mary Ann, had three children.

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

Regalia is 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]