Donald Bogdan Pistol Pete papers, 1971-2023
Table of Contents
Overview of the Collection
- Creator
- Bogdan, Donald V.
- Title
- Donald Bogdan Pistol Pete papers
- Dates
- 1971-2023 (inclusive)Date of CollectionDate of Collection
- Quantity
- 0.35 cubic ft. (2 boxes) + 2.36 GB
- Collection Number
- 300070
- Summary
- Donald V. Bogdan (1945-2014) was the University of Wyoming’s first Pistol Pete mascot. This collection contains a signed poster of Bogdan as Pistol Pete, biographical information about Donald, and an oral history about him, conducted by John Waggener with George Henderson.
- Repository
-
American Heritage Center, University of Wyoming
American Heritage Center
University of Wyoming
1000 E. University Ave.
Dept. 3924
Laramie, WY
82071
Telephone: 3077663756
ahcref@uwyo.edu - Access Restrictions
-
There are no access restrictions on the materials for research purposes, and the collection is open to the public.
- Languages
- English
Historical Note
Donald V. Bogdan (1945-2014) was the University of Wyoming’s first Pistol Pete mascot. Born in Oakland, California, Bogdan studied at San Jose State University, where he was on the Spartan cheer squad with his roommate, George Henderson—later known as “Krazy George,” a professional cheerleader credited with creating “the Wave,” a popular stadium cheer in the 1980s and 1990s. Bogdan went on to earn a master’s degree in industrial arts education from the University of Wyoming. While attending UW, he became the first student to personify the Pistol Pete mascot in 1970, transforming it from a logo into a live-action figure that energized school spirit. For this initiative, he received the Admiral Emory S. Land Award, which recognized non-athletes who promoted athletics at the university. Bogdan also served on student committees and was elected to the ASUW Student Senate for the 1971–1972 term. After graduating in 1972, he returned to California to teach and later co-founded Krazy’s Restaurant and Bar in Santa Cruz in 1980 with George Henderson. He passed away in 2014 at the age of 69.
Content Description
This collection contains biographical information about Donald Bogdan, a signed poster of Bogdan as Pistol Pete in 1971, and information about him from the book Krazy George: Still Krazy After All These Cheers by his former roommate and business partner, George Henderson. Also included is an oral history conducted by John Waggener with Henderson about Donald Bogdan, conducted in 2023.
Use of the Collection
Restrictions on Use
Copyright InformationThe researcher assumes full responsibility for observing all copyright, property, and libel laws as they apply.
Restrictions on Use
Statement on Potentially Harmful Language and Images Found in CollectionsThe American Heritage Center aspires to approach all areas of our work in ways that are respectful to those who create, use, and are represented in our collections. For a variety of reasons, however, users may encounter offensive or harmful language or images in some of our finding aids, catalogs, and collection materials.
Note that the AHC does not censor or alter contents of the collections as they provide context and evidence of a time, people, place, or event. Therefore, we encourage users to bring questions and concerns about descriptions in our finding aids to our attention via email or anonymous web-form. For more information, read our full statement.
Preferred Citation
Item Description, Box Number, Folder Number, Collection Name, Collection Number, American Heritage Center, University of Wyoming.
Administrative Information
Return to TopDetailed Description of the Collection
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Description: Biographical Information - Donald BogdanDates: 1971Container: Box 1, Folder
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Description: Donald Bogdan - photographsDates: 1971, 2010-2012Container: Box 1, Folder
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Description: George Henderson - information about Don Bogdan from Henderson's book "Krazy George: still krazy after all these cheers"Dates: 2014-2018Container: Box 1, Folder
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Description: George Henderson - Oral History Interview with focus on Don BogdanDates: September 19, 2023Container: Box 1, Digital, Folder ahcdm_300070_001
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Description: Signed Poster of Donald Bogdan as Pistol PeteDates: 1971Container: Box 2, Folder
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Names and SubjectsReturn to Top
Subject Terms
- Mascots
Corporate Names
- University of Wyoming.
- University of Wyoming. Athletics Media and Public Relations Office
- University of Wyoming. Division of University Public Relations
- University of Wyoming. Division of University Relations
Geographical Names
- Laramie (Wyo.)
- Wyoming -- History -- 1946-1999
