Mizzou Tigers Football Collection: The MFA Glassware

Welcome to a unique journey through time and tradition, a retrospective exhibition that celebrates over two decades of Missouri Tigers Football glassware, generously lent to us by the collector, Matt Seggerman. This exhibit offers a fascinating glimpse into the spirited camaraderie and fervent support of the Tigers, encapsulated in exquisite glassware that was more than a mere collectible—it was a symbol of pride and a testament to the enduring legacy of the Missouri Tigers. 

From 1966 to 1986, MFA Oil service stations distributed an array of glassware, ranging from elegantly crafted tumblers, also known as water glasses, to practical yet stylish ice bowls, decanters, ashtrays, and pitchers. Initially offered as complimentary gifts with an eight-gallon gas fill-up, these items later became coveted collectibles available for purchase, independent of fuel. These glass pieces are not just artifacts; they are storied vessels that carry the spirit of countless football seasons, celebrations, and shared moments among fans and communities.

 A complete set of tumblers from 1966 to 1986, private collections from Matt Seggerman.
This display is located on the first floor of the MU Student Center.

The centerpiece of this exhibition is the complete set of tumblers from 1966 to 1986, alongside a select assortment of water pitchers, a decanter, and an ice bowl, each piece echoing the cheers and excitement of games past. 

The display, while primarily showcasing the glassware collection, also features three beer cans, unique in their own right. It's noteworthy that these cans are empty, devoid of any content inside, yet they stand as significant pieces within the display. Despite their emptiness, these cans are far from void of meaning or value. They represent the culture and times of the era, reflecting the marketing, design, and fan culture surrounding Missouri Tigers Football. 

Water pitchers,  Decanters, and Ice bowls.

The collection is complemented by various other vintage MU items, thoughtfully curated to enrich the narrative of the Tigers' legacy.

Photos related to the Tigers football, Savita yearbook, MU Student Center.

As you wander through the display, let each piece—a tumbler, a decanter, or even an empty beer can—whisper its stories to you, stories of triumphs, unity, and the unbreakable Tiger spirit. This exhibition is more than a showcase; it's a celebration of our collective memories and a nod to the timeless bond that unites us all as supporters of the Missouri Tigers.

Moreover, this exhibit is a growing, breathing entity, much like our community. If you, too, hold treasures—memorabilia, artifacts, or collectibles—that narrate the Tigers, we warmly invite you to contribute to this narrative. Your cherished items can find a temporary home here, among other symbols of our shared heritage, adding depth and diversity to the ongoing story of the Mizzou.

Should you be interested in featuring your collection or know someone whose artifacts deserve the spotlight, please reach out to us at muunionsart@missouri.edu. Let's continue to enrich this exhibition together, weaving individual threads into the grand tapestry of the Missouri Tigers' legacy.

Enjoy the exhibit, relish the nostalgia, and keep the Tiger spirit roaring!

Title: Mizzou Tigers Football Collection: The MFA Glassware

Collections from Matt Seggerman

Curator: Hongjue (Dorothy) Dai

Date: 01/17/2024-03/17/2024

Location:  First floor of the MU Student Center