1960s Football Program Appraisal

Auburn vs. Mississippi State 1960 Football Program

This item is an official football program for the game between Auburn and Mississippi State, played on November 5, 1960, at Cliff Hare Stadium. The program measures approximately 8.5 x 11 inches, a standard size for such collectibles. The cover features a whimsical, hand-drawn illustration attributed to 'PHIL NEEL' (visible in the lower right corner of the illustration). The artwork depicts a friendly rivalry between the teams' mascots. An Auburn Tiger, characterized by orange and black stripes, is seen carrying a football and standing over a white bulldog, presumably representing Mississippi State's Maroons. The bulldog is comically holding a bone tied with a maroon ribbon and has 'MAROONS' written on its side. Above, a yellow paint can labeled 'MAROON PAINT' is spilling maroon paint onto a wooden board marked 'PROPERTY ENGINEERING DEPT AUBURN UNIVERSITY', suggesting a playful jab at the opposing team's colors or perhaps an inside joke related to Auburn's campus. The background is a light blue, likely depicting a sky, with a green grassy foreground featuring a rendered goalpost. The overall condition appears to be good for its age, with some minor wear visible along the edges and corners, consistent with a paper item from the 1960s that has been handled. The colors remain vibrant, indicating it has been stored without excessive light exposure. There are no obvious tears, significant creases, or repairs visible in the provided image. The program is clearly marked 'OFFICIAL PROGRAM' and originally sold for 'FIFTY CENTS'. This piece is a classic example of mid-20th-century sports memorabilia, encapsulating the humor and design aesthetics of the era, and would be of interest to collectors of college football history, particularly fans of Auburn and Mississippi State.