It was the class of 1906 that started the tradition of junior hats. In the early years of Purdue University it was standard practice for each class to hold a meeting to discuss the events of the coming year during the first weeks of the fall semester. The tank scrap and various class events, such as balls and parades, were discussed. When the freshman held their meeting, the class yell and the class colors were decided. Since the seniors had their cords, the juniors felt the need to have something that distinguished themselves from the other classes. The junior hats appeared for the first time as an experiment at the Purdue-Indiana football game of 1904. Deemed a success the hats were officially adopted the following year. Unlike the senior bowlers and freshman pots, the junior hats changed in style and color every year.
Class of 1910
http://earchives.lib.purdue.edu/u?/debris,7868
