First, let me apologize for the random and tangential connections, but that is how my pandemic brain is working these days. So we watched Prop Culture on Disney+ tonight, and one of the episodes was about the Muppet Movie.
This reminded me of a story that our first modern Norm mascot costume was made by someone connected to Jim Henson and the Muppets, which seemed pretty big time. I did a little Googling and I think I know the connection. Bonnie Erikson went from costume maker for Henson, to Head of the Muppet Workshop. She and her husband owned Acme Mascots, Inc, and designed and built mascot costumes primarily for pro teams. I believe she may have been the creator of our 80s Norm. They famously–or is it phamously?–did the Philly Phanatic, and our own Hugo the Hornet.
Has anyone heard this before? Can anyone confirm it? Maybe @TheReal49er knows the history here. If we can get the story we should update Norm’s wiki page.
Came across this picture today. I remember it was on one of our student directories or something like that in the late 90s. Always thought it was odd. Maybe the Muppets connection helps explain its existence.
I’d guess he’s referencing UCLB dropping their 49ers’ name because actual 1849ers were apparently not as friendly as they could have been to some of California’s native communities.
