Gobbling Up the Past
By Andrea Hanson
Posted June 1, 2016
Not everyone in Aitkin knows why or when they became known as the “Gobblers,” but those that do, know how important turkey production was to Aitkin County at one time. In 1936 Aitkin County was the turkey production capital of the world, home to its own hatchery and processing plant. Aitkin High School got a little lost when it comes to mascots and school colors. In 1945 Aitkin was the “Bluejackets” with a sailor's theme. It was not until the next year in 1946 Aitkin decided to become the Gobblers due to so much influence in the area with turkeys.
In the 1960s the Aitkin Area Turkey Growers Association started, due to the nearly 60-plus turkey farmers in the county. Together they discussed the markets, grain prices, and different farming tactics. Back then farmers stuck together and would help each other out if needed. On one occasion two turkey farming families traded a truck load of grain for a snowmobile.
Many people have wanted to change the mascot, but so many of Aitkin High School's Alumni grew up on turkey farms, and many of their kids or grandkids attend school here in Aitkin, too. Not many mascots have a true meaning to them with history. We are very fortunate here in Aitkin to have a mascot so many people are connected to, and that has had a connection to the community.
Posted June 1, 2016
Not everyone in Aitkin knows why or when they became known as the “Gobblers,” but those that do, know how important turkey production was to Aitkin County at one time. In 1936 Aitkin County was the turkey production capital of the world, home to its own hatchery and processing plant. Aitkin High School got a little lost when it comes to mascots and school colors. In 1945 Aitkin was the “Bluejackets” with a sailor's theme. It was not until the next year in 1946 Aitkin decided to become the Gobblers due to so much influence in the area with turkeys.
In the 1960s the Aitkin Area Turkey Growers Association started, due to the nearly 60-plus turkey farmers in the county. Together they discussed the markets, grain prices, and different farming tactics. Back then farmers stuck together and would help each other out if needed. On one occasion two turkey farming families traded a truck load of grain for a snowmobile.
Many people have wanted to change the mascot, but so many of Aitkin High School's Alumni grew up on turkey farms, and many of their kids or grandkids attend school here in Aitkin, too. Not many mascots have a true meaning to them with history. We are very fortunate here in Aitkin to have a mascot so many people are connected to, and that has had a connection to the community.