Warner Robins in Houston County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)
"Butch" – University of Georgia's First Bulldog
Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, May 8, 2022
1. "Butch" – University of Georgia's First Bulldog Marker
Inscription.
"Butch" – University of Georgia's First Bulldog. . [Top plaque]
University of Georgia's First Bulldog, “Butch” 1947 “Go Dawgs” 1951 Owned by Mr. Mabry Smith – Warner Robins, GA. [Bottom plaque]
Over 50 years and the legend continues. An English Bulldog has represented the fighting spirit, the tenacity, and the pride of the University of Georgia for over 50 years. “Butch” had the distinction as a University of Georgia first bulldog mascot from Warner Robins from 1947 until his untimely death in 1951. Before 1947, a goat and a few bull terriers had filled in as mascots. Butch was an English Bulldog and had a slobbery mouth - like many bulldogs do. He served admirably, but in the off-season he was just another dog. In the summer of 1951, a Warner Robins police officer saw Butch running loose. Thinking the dog was sick, and not knowing the owner, Butch was shot by the officer. A veterinarian later examined the remains and said Butch was perfectly healthy when he died. Butch was buried in 506 Watson Boulevard, which was then the site of Smith City operated by Mabry Smith, Butch's owner. Smith City closed its doors in 1959.,
Thanks to Guy Fussell, Larry Warnock, Bill Weaver, Jean Gunier Bennett and Eddie Wiggins for providing details of a First Dawg in Georgia's sports history., Go Dawgs!!!.
[Top plaque]
University of Georgia's First Bulldog
“Butch”
1947 “Go Dawgs” 1951
Owned by Mr. Mabry Smith – Warner Robins, GA
[Bottom plaque]
Over 50 years and the legend continues
An English Bulldog has represented the fighting spirit, the tenacity, and the pride of the University of Georgia for over 50 years. “Butch” had the distinction as a University of Georgia first bulldog mascot from Warner Robins from 1947 until his untimely death in 1951. Before 1947, a goat and a few bull terriers had filled in as mascots. Butch was an English Bulldog and had a slobbery mouth - like many bulldogs do. He served admirably, but in the off-season he was just another dog. In the summer of 1951, a Warner Robins police officer saw Butch running loose. Thinking the dog was sick, and not knowing the owner, Butch was shot by the officer. A veterinarian later examined the remains and said Butch was perfectly healthy when he died. Butch was buried in 506 Watson Boulevard, which was then the site of Smith City operated by Mabry Smith, Butch's owner. Smith City closed its doors in 1959.
Thanks to Guy Fussell, Larry Warnock, Bill Weaver, Jean Gunier Bennett and Eddie
Wiggins for providing details of a First Dawg in Georgia's sports history.
Go
Click or scan to see this page online
Dawgs!!!
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Sports. A significant historical year for this entry is 1947.
Location. 32° 37.226′ N, 83° 36.018′ W. Marker is in Warner Robins, Georgia, in Houston County. Marker is on North Armed Forces Boulevard north of Watson Boulevard, on the right when traveling north. Marker is by the Warner Robins Visitor Center. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 99 N Armed Forces Blvd, Warner Robins GA 31093, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, May 8, 2022
2. "Butch" – University of Georgia's First Bulldog Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on May 15, 2022. It was originally submitted on May 15, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 474 times since then and 100 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on May 15, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
