Beginning in 1904 at Purdue University of West Lafayette Indiana, a group of senior boys decided they would flaunt an exaggerated pair of corduroy trousers they saw in a local shop window. As the origins go, senior students would commision or doodle-themselves a pair of corduroy pants, decorated with hand drawings, school crests, pop culture characters, clubs, academic feats, and other striking details as a form of self-expression and individuality. You can see Crown Point alumni's version of the senior cords, sporting large drawn bulldogs and other school designs. While the fad peaked in popularity in the '50s and '60s, the quality craftsmanship and delicately formed personal mementos made for some of the Hoosier states most prized pieces of vintage memorabilia.