Collection Guide
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Cal Poly Rose Float Collection
UA2002/8
UA2002/8
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Description
Since 1948, the Cal Poly Universities (Pomona and San Luis Obispo) have produced a float in the famed Tournament of Roses
Parade held each year in Pasadena, California. This Collection contains files, photographs, negatives, and memorabilia (including
posters, pins, buttons, patches, clothing, mugs, calendars, plaques, ribbons, 2 float models, 3 float parts) relating to the
Cal Poly Rose Float Project’s operation and activities from September 1948 to April 2010. Also included are Tournament of
Roses Parade programs dating back to 1912 (some years are missing). As this is a continuing project, new items will continue
to be added to the collection. An index is also provided to assist in accessing the collection.
Background
The Cal Poly Rose Float has been jointly created at the Pomona and San Luis Obispo campuses since 1948. It is the only student
built float in the annual Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade. Cal Poly students have been building rose floats for over 50
years. Student Don Miller deserves credit for getting Cal Poly into the annual Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade. His family,
long-time residents of Pasadena, had a history of involvement with the parade. As a proud Cal Poly student, Don Miller had
openly spoken about his belief that Cal Poly could create a Rose Parade float.
Extent
120.0 Linear feet
56 boxes; three models; 3 float pieces on the display table; 10 flat file drawers; 20 pieces of past float control electronics