Blackhawks Logo, one of the bests

DP · May 26, 2010

BY KYLE KOSTER kkoster@suntimes.com
Irene Castle, the woman behind the crude sketch that would become one of the most distinctive logos in sports, was an accomplished ballroom dancer whose ragtime steps gained fame around World War I.

Like the team that is wearing her design some 84 years after she brainstormed it, Castle knew a thing or two about being swift, agile and acrobatic on her feet.

Castle and her first husband, Vernon, whom she married in 1911, were a dancing duo that graced the New York City scene before his death in a 1918 plane crash. She later married Frederic McLaughlin, the founder of the Blackhawks.

"She was quite a fashion trend-setter in her day," her son, Bill McLaughlin, said Tuesday. "Back when my father was creating the team, they were in their early years of marriage. I'm sure he wanted her to be involved."

McLaughlin -- now 81 and living in Greenwood, S.C. -- said he never had a conversation with his mother about the Blackhawks design.

"The Blackhawks were my father's thing and my mother had her own life," McLaughlin said.

McLaughlin said his mother used to own a hat shop on Oak Street and was involved in many celebrity galas and events.

Her svelte, elegant look and short bobbed hair -- known today as the "flapper" look -- was widely imitated as her career grew in popularity. She's seen as an innovator in the fashion world for her ability to bring her edgy style to the mainstream.

Irene Castle also performed vaudeville until her career ended in 1923. In 1939, she was an adviser in "The Story of Vernon and Irene Castle," a biopic staring Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. She died in 1969 at age 75.

As for her son, he's still keeping his connection to the franchise.

"I grew up with the Black
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Interesting read. I never knew where the logo came from. Its one of the best in sports imo, along with one of the best jerseys ever. Both logo and jersey are slick and really well designed.

Big Frame · May 26, 2010

Maybe if you like saying FUCK YOU to a whole group of people. But what ever floats your boat DPGB.

DP · May 26, 2010

Oh it does, I say it to Bears and Red Wings fans a lot! =D

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Blackhawks Logo, one of the bests

DP He shoots, he scores!

Big Frame Well-Known Member

DP He shoots, he scores!

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Blackhawks Logo, one of the bests

DP He shoots, he scores!

Big Frame Well-Known Member

DP He shoots, he scores!

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