Virtual Meeting of the Board of School DirectorsAugust 4, 2020

UPDATED 9/2/20

Historical Origins of the Radnor Raiders

1893Radnor High

School Established

1934First known use of “Raiders” and/or

“Red Raiders” in connection with Radnor High School published in The

Philadelphia Inquirer. The origin or reason behind the name “Raiders” has not been confirmed. No evidence has

been found that the name or “red” was inspired by or in reference to Native

Americans, including the Lenape. Interviews with RHS alumni from 30s,

40s and 50s indicate Native Americans imagery was not in use at RHS or

associated with “Raiders” during this time. Some believe the name may have been tied to the term ”dry raiders” that

emerged during Prohibition.

1897-1924

Jan. 1897: The Critic (Student Paper)

School Colors of “Red and White” First Chosen and Used by Student

Body

Oct. 26, 1903:“Crimson and White” October 1905: “Red and White” May 4, 1911 Delco Times: “Red and White”

December 1924: New Football Song

Nov. 3, 1934 Inquirer: First located mention of “Red Raiders” for Radnor High School

Dec. 12, 1936 RHS Informer 1938 Yearbook and Dec. 16, 1938 Radnorite Use Multiple Nicknames

NOTE: This slide has been updated from the original 8/4/20 presentation to correct the reference to the Lenape from the initial description as the Lehigh Lenape.

Emerson ”Chief” Metoxen was born in Oneida, Wisconsin and was a member of the Oneida Nation of Wisconsin, formerly Oneida Tribe of Indians of Wisconsin. He attended the Carlisle Indian School. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War I. He graduated from Mercersburg Academy and Lebanon Valley College. He also received an M.S. in education from Harvard. At Lebanon Valley College, Mr. Metoxen earned 12 varsity letters and was ultimately inducted into the college’s inaugural Athletic Hall of Fame class.

1945LM Game program

displays Radnor players’ photos

over “Red Raiders” sans Native

American imagery. Perhaps tellingly,

Lower Merion team photographs are

imposed over Bulldogs mascot. 1951

Spring 1964“Radnor has always had the nick-name of the Raiders, but we never had a real Raider to act as mascot at our sports events. The Student Council has decided to remedy this

situation. They are conducting a contest which anyone can enter just by illustrating his idea of a Raider. After Council

has decided the three best, they will place them in the school store to be voted on by the entire student body.

Starting with the football season next September, a Raider will appear on the sidelines to help cheer on the team.” (The

Suburban and Wayne Times, March 12, 1964)

1968RHS Student

Newspaper begins to use Native American imagery in masthead

No Later Than 1969

Road leading into Radnor High School

named “Raider Road” (possibly earlier).

1977 at LatestNative American logo placed

on the side of RHS above Prevost Field per photograph. Photograph also depicts a

Native American logo on the side of football helmets, although the history of this particular logo is currently unknown.

June 2013The costumed “Raider”

bobblehead-type mascot is officially “retired,” however logos and the name remain. The exact origin, history and

debut of the costume are not currently known.

2006Radnor High School student newspaper, The Radnorite, publishes opinion piece addressing potential inappropriateness of mascot. It is possible the topic was addressed in earlier editions, but this

cannot currently be verified.

Inquirer, Delco Times, Suburban, Daily Local, CBS, KYW, FOX 29, Daily Journal, Pocono Record, Evening Sun, Lebanon Daily News, Fort Mill Times, York Daily Record, The Harrisburg Patriot-News, The Beaver County Times

2016-PresentStudents become increasingly vocal through various media about possible

inappropriateness of “Raiders” and associated imagery and “traditions,” with many calling for the removal of “Raiders” name and all related Native American iconography.

Nov. 2013Oneida Indian Nation’s ”Change

the Mascot” Campaign Urges Washington Redskins to Change

Name. Mr. Metoxen was a member of the Oneida Nation.