Traditions
H.B. Dunagan, Jr. Hat - History
by Donna Beth McCormick
One of the many traditions of the LHAB is the passing of the H.B. Dunagan Scholarship Hat each year. For you newcomers, or those of you who have forgotten, here is the story of the hat.
H.B. was LHAB President in 1966-67. He always wore a hat, being of the old school and because his hair was thin on top. Our first effort at collecting scholarship funds was at our 2nd annual meeting as we reflected on our purpose. H.B. gave his hat to be passed around--and it was--to collect scholarship money, and each year thereafter the hat was passed. H.B. died of cancer in 1974 and his widow, Lucy, gave his President's hat to LHAB for this purpose. I did the needlepoint band to highlight the hat. The hat is a symbol -- in actuality, other containers are passed to collect the money. It is fitting that the hat should belong to H.B. because he was a proponent of scholarships, and during his tenure as President most of the operating funds for LHAB expenses (postage, printing, secretarial help, phone calls) came out of his pocket. Of course, this was true of the early officers and early days! H.B. also designed and had the first stationery printed.
Scholarships are one of the strong foundations of LHAB, so keep the tradition going by giving.
The President's Gavel
These words are taken from the plaque on the gavel case:
Completely hand turned from pine blocks salvaged from the barracks building which stood at 500 East 23rd Street and served as the "temporary" home of the Longhorn Band from 1947-1969.Presented to President Garland Hagood at the 7th Annual Meeting at the Villa Capri Club Caravan Oct. 3, 1970 (Texas 20 - UCLA 17).
Designed by Tommy Cowan (LHB 1963-1968)
Made by J.P. Kirksey (LHB 1962-1965)