This is a hand painted ceramic University of Houston Cougar Decanter, roughly 12 inches high, and produced by the McCormick Distilling Company in 1972.
University of Houston
1972 Foundation Excellence Campaign Ring
I have very little information on this over sized ring. It was presented to Frank H. Newnam, Jr., P.E., (A&M ’31) in 1972. Newnam had a distinguished career as a Civil Engineer and was responsible for developing the Port of Houston Master Plan. I can only speculate that Newnam contributed his expertise to the development and planning of the future and continued success of the University of Houston.
1950s Variant Logo
This lesser known variant logo was designed by former Disney artist Arthur C. Evans. Evans famously created the sailor mascot logo series which included the University of Houston’s “Sailor Coog” logo. In an era before licensing, many of Evans’ logos were marketed to schools with the same mascots.
This logo is made from felt and appears to have been cut from a pennant and judging by the glue damage it was placed in a scrapbook at one point.
Board of Governors Award
This unique award was presented to Travis E. Parish for his distinguished service as a member of the University of Houston Board of Governors from 1957 – 1963. It was manufactured by Balfour and its diameter is roughly 4-inches with a depth of 1-inch.
“A legislative act in 1945 provided for 15 regents, who along with 45 additional Houstonians formed the University of Houston’s Board of Governors.
The Board of Governors operated for over six years as the policy-making body of the institution, working on many problems including the crucial ones of meeting the operating deficit and helping to bring about full membership in the state system of higher education.
The Board was replaced by a nine-member Board of Regents appointed by Governor John Connally when UH went into the state system on September 1, 1963.”
University of Houston Ceramic Piggy Bank
This roughly 5-inch tall ceramic piggy bank is white with red detailing and “University of Houston” script written on its back. I have very little information on this item, it does not have a manufacturer’s mark and I have only seen a handful of similar designs for other schools.
