Makala Trophy Records

Collection

Identifier: MS Coll 173

Scope and Content

Collection contains 1 photograph of the Makala trophy, a typescript of the "Legend of Makala," and a typescript draft of an article about the trophy printed in Florida Gator magazine.

Dates

Creation: Undated

Access

University Archives collections are available for research. Portions of the collections may be restricted due to the requirements of applicable state and federal laws, including but not limited to FERPA and HIPAA, and in accordance with best practices as defined by the Society of American Archivists.

Biographical/Historical Note

The "Legend of Makala" is a story where a carving was found in Big Cypress Swamp that was supposed to depict a Seminole fighting off an alligator. In reality, this legend was invented in the late 1950s by Neil Vanderpoel, an alum of the University of Tampa and a fan of Florida State University. Vanderpoel and a woodcarver friend created what became the Makala Trophy with a Seminole and an alligator mounted on top. The trophy is presented to the winner of the University of Florida-Florida State University football game each year, being passed back and forth to the winning team.

Vanderpoel walked into the St. Petersburg Exchange Club, of which he was a member, in 1958 and presented the trophy and the legend he'd written to the club. The club all agreed that they would award the trophy and a scholarship to the winning school each year at a banquet held in St. Petersburg.

Extent

.003 Linear Feet (1 folder)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

Collection contains 1 photograph of the Makala trophy, a typescript of the "Legend of Makala," and a typescript draft of an article about the trophy printed in Florida Gator magazine.