- The flashy balls of streamers that cheerleaders use to enhance their routines are an iconic accessory that always steals the spotlight.
- Discover where pom poms came from and why they became such an important part of cheer culture.
- Learn more about the first use of poms in the 1930s and who manufactured the modern poms in the 1950s in this blog.
When someone mentions the words “pom poms,” it’s only natural to picture a puffy, flashy, plastic ball of colors that cheerleaders hold during routines. But, poms did not always fit that profile. So, where did pom poms come from, and how have they evolved into the styles you see today?
Follow along with Omni Cheer as we explore what pom poms are and review their history here.
Early History of Pom Poms
In the 1930s, pom poms were used by high schools and universities as a decorative accessory for cheerleaders to improve showmanship. The first usable pom pom’s creation was credited to Jim Hazlewood, who created them using crepe, also known as tissue paper.
However, paper poms were thin and delicate, so they fell apart easily when shaken vigorously, which caused a problem since poms were a major part of raising spirit and gaining the crowd’s attention. In addition, paper poms were unusable during rain and snow, which limited their effectiveness since cheerleaders were out on the field to support their team in any weather condition, rain or shine.
Poms made of paper had the right idea, but just couldn’t hold up to the demands of dedicated cheerleaders who performed on the sidelines no matter what the weather.
Modern History of Pom Poms
After Jim Hazlewood’s first attempt, Lawrence Herkimer stepped in with his version of pom poms. He began manufacturing modern pom poms after he founded his cheerleading supply company in 1953. Herkimer holds a patent for the pom pom since he developed the pom with a hidden handle. He named this cheerleading accessory “pom pon” with an “N” after discovering that “pom pom” had a negative meaning in Hawaii.
Lawrence Herkimer recognized the importance of showmanship in cheerleading performances, alongside the growing popularity of color television. He developed poms designed to make cheerleading performances stand out and shine with color. Lawrence Herkimer’s pom development also most likely featured a baton-style handle, as it was hidden.
Later on in the history of cheerleading pom poms came Fred Gastoff. In 1965, he improved upon Hazlewood and Herkimer’s creation and invented the first pom pom made using vinyl, or plastic, streamers. Fred Gastoff’s design made poms more durable and resistant to wet weather, and his version took off!
What Are Pom Poms Today?
Gastoff’s poms achieved nationwide popularity, widely attributed to the support of the International Cheerleading Foundation. The cheerleading foundation introduced, promoted, and supported the new style, securing its place in the history of pom poms.
Ever since the mid-1960s, plastic poms have been the standard for cheerleaders to use in their performances, ensuring poms became synonymous with the image of cheerleading.
Contemporary Changes to Poms
After pom poms’ modern debut, companies began to manipulate the designs to account for color, thickness of streamers, length of streamers, and variation of handles. The history of poms poms was their testing ground, and modern companies have learned their lessons well.
Traditional poms have a fuller, puffier, round look with a hidden baton-style handle in the center. Rooter poms are more common in the stands and have thinner, longer streamers that feature an exposed handle so fans can wave them and promote spirit as well as distract the other team. Some pom designs can even feature multiple colors, metallic streamers, and holographic styles.
The history of pom poms shows that the two most popular pom handles are the baton and the dowel. The baton features a handle hidden in the middle of the pom, with fluffed streamers emerging from both sides. Dowel poms offer an exposed handle where the streamers only come out from one side of the handle. Dowel poms are often used for youth cheerleading because they’re a great choice for beginners.
Your Pom Pom Resource
Thanks to Jim Hazlewood, Lawrence Herkimer, and Fred Gastoff, we have a rich history of pom pom designs that have improved to meet the standards of cheerleading. Cheerleaders now have a fun, colorful, and durable accessory to help raise everyone’s spirits during performances!
Now that you know the history of cheerleading pom poms, it’s time to consider which type of pom is best for you. At Omni Cheer, we carry adult, youth, mini poms, and custom pom poms with multiple colors and handle options to ensure everyone has access to the accessories they need. Shop cheer essentials with us to find high-quality products at the best possible prices!