History of Austin

Here's the history behind University of Texas' original mascot, Pig Bellmont

Pig Bellmont University of Texas first mascot

Pig Bellmont, the original UT mascot.

Courtesy photo

It is hard to believe that there was ever a time before Bevo, but indeed there was. Pig Bellmont, a scrappy tan-and-white bull terrier was born in Houston in 1914. Shortly after his birth, he was transferred to Austin by his owner, L. Theo Bellmont. In no time, rather than remaining confined to his yard, the dog accompanied his owner to the 40 acres and then started to roam the UT campus seeking affectionate students, retreating squirrels, shaded trees, and shaded campus buildings. He was adopted by students and university faculty, spending his days visiting classrooms and seeking shelter during storms.

Theo Bellmont was appointed as the first athletic director of UT in December 1914. He attended numerous sporting events with his bull terrier, particularly the Longhorn football games. Although the university football players were known as the Longhorns, they did not have a mascot. Football fans noticed that the dog and the football player, Gus "Pig" Dittmar, both stood on the sidelines in a bowlegged manner. Gus Dittmar acquired the moniker "Pig" because of the way he moved liked a "greased pig" on the field. Soon, the terrier was named Pig in his honor.

Pig Bellmont became such a permanent fixture on the UT sports scene and such an avid member of the athletic fan base that one person at the time noted, "If you say A&M to him, he will promptly lie down as though ready to give up the ghost in disgust. On the other hand, say Texas to him and he starts barking with joy."

Although Pig Bellmont was a vital part of the University from 1914 to 1923, in his later years, Pig began slowing down physically. Unfortunately Pig became a casualty of traffic in the university area and was struck by a Model T at the intersection of 24th and Guadalupe streets.

The university population was in mourning upon learning of Pig Bellmont's death. The school decided to give him a grand send-off led by the band, with members of the Texas Cowboys serving as pallbearers. It was reported that over 1,000 mourners attended the services and the dean of the UT engineering school, Dr. Thomas Taylor, delivered the eulogy, telling the crowd, "Let no spirit of levity dominate this occasion. A landmark has passed away."

A solo bugle played taps for the crowd, and Pig was memorialized with a marker reading "Pig's Dead, Dog Gone." Today, there is a marker next to a tree on the lawn of the Graduate School of Business.

The second official mascot, Bevo the Longhorn, remains today. The first Bevo was acquired by Stephen Pinckney and made his debut at the 1916 Thanksgiving game of UT vs. A&M. UT won the game 21 to 7. Bevo XV, Sunrise Spur (who debuted in the 2016 season, 100 years after the reign of the first Bevo), will preside over the 2017 football season. The first game day is September 2, Maryland vs. UT.

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News from City Hall

City of Austin creates new Office of Arts, Culture, Music, and Entertainment

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The new office combines existing departments for more streamlined work.

Taking care of Austin's important arts and entertainment scene happens on many levels, and a new Office of Arts, Culture, Music, and Entertainment (ACME) is centralizing some of the city's responsibilities in the realm. The new office was announced by city manager T.C. Broadnax on Friday, February 14.

This doesn't necessarily mean more work or big new initiatives, although it could certainly lead to those in time. The main idea is simply to tie together existing local governmental structures so that they can work more efficiently together. A city newsletter explains that what was previously five departments — dealing separately with music, special events, cultural and heritage centers, cultural arts, and art in public places — is now one new office.

“Austin’s identity is closely tied to arts, culture, music, and entertainment," said Broadnax as quoted in the newsletter. "Under a unified office, we can improve how we provide services and create synergistic opportunities that attract tourists, generate revenue, and elevate Austin’s profile as a cultural destination.”

The office will be led by director Angela Means, an internal hire who recently served as the interim director of the Austin Parks and Recreation Department. Means' professional experience appears to be more operational than cultural, with past responsibilities largely related to budget accountability, service analysis, and collaboration between departments.

According to the existing departments various websites, some of their programs and services included providing grants and funding for creatives, providing paid professional development for local musicians, creating reports to track Austin's cultural assets, issuing permits for festivals, and helping creatives and creative businesses navigate city codes.

“Our arts, culture, music, and entertainment industries are what make Austin unique and special," said Mayor Kirk Watson. "Austin is envied by others because of the talent we have here. I appreciate the City Manager for listening to our creative community about the need for this office, and I believe it will continue to show Austin’s commitment to the arts."

The new office does not yet appear in the directory for City of Austin departments. New information is usually added to a page with contact details, a list of services, and other tips and announcements relevant to the public.

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