February 2 holds a documented place in cheerleading history. On this date in 1971, the modern cheer pom pon was officially patented, marking the point when a familiar sideline accessory became formally recognized equipment.
The patent did not invent the pom pon, but it established a standardized design at a time when cheerleading was expanding rapidly across schools, colleges, and youth programs.
The spelling Pom Pon appears throughout the patent and is the official name of the invention. While “pom-pom” became the more common spelling in cheerleading and popular culture, the patented product was formally registered as Pom Pon.
Pom-Pons Before the Patent
Poms were part of cheerleading decades before they were patented. As early as the 1930s, cheerleaders used handmade versions made from tissue paper or crepe paper. These early pom pons were inexpensive and added visual impact, but they were fragile and short-lived.
During this era, cheerleading was still largely informal. Squads focused on chants, megaphones, and simple motions to lead crowds at football games. Equipment varied widely from school to school, and few items were produced specifically for cheerleading use.
As cheer programs became more organized through the 1940s and 1950s, the limitations of handmade props became more noticeable. Cheerleaders needed tools that were easier to hold, more consistent in appearance, and durable enough for repeated use.
The Role of Lawrence Herkimer
One of the figures central to cheerleading’s growth was Lawrence Herkimer, a former cheerleader at Southern Methodist University. Herkimer later founded the National Cheerleaders Association, which helped standardize cheerleading instruction and training nationwide.
Along with organizing camps and competitions, Herkimer focused on improving cheerleading equipment. He developed a pom-pom with an internal handle, allowing cheerleaders to maintain control while performing motions. This design made pom-poms easier to use in coordinated routines and more reliable during games and performances.
By the time the design was patented, similar pom-poms were already being used by squads across the country.
February 2, 1971: The Patent
On February 2, 1971, Herkimer was issued U.S. Patent No. 3,560,313 for a “pom-pon.” The patent described a pom pon made of flexible strands attached to a central body with a handle, creating a full appearance while allowing for consistent grip and movement.
The patent used the spelling “pom-pon,” which Herkimer preferred. Over time, “pom-pom” became the more common spelling in cheerleading and everyday use.
The significance of the patent lies in standardization. At a time when cheerleading was growing in visibility and structure, the pom-pom became a defined piece of equipment rather than a homemade accessory.
Materials and Widespread Use
Around the same period, pom-pom materials began to change. Plastic and vinyl versions replaced paper, making pom-poms more durable and weather-resistant. These materials allowed pom-poms to be reused and produced in consistent colors and sizes.
As cheerleading expanded into high schools, youth leagues, and national competitions, pom-poms became standard equipment for spirit squads. Their consistent appearance helped shape the visual identity of cheerleading at games, pep rallies, and community events.
By the 1970s, pom-poms were widely associated with cheerleading, particularly on sidelines and in school-based programs.
The Pom-Pom Today
More than 50 years after the patent was issued, the basic design of the cheer pom-pom remains largely the same. While finishes, strand counts, and materials have evolved, the handle-based structure patented on February 2, 1971, continues to define how pom-poms are made and used.
For many cheerleaders, the pom-pom is the first piece of equipment they ever hold. It remains a constant across generations, levels, and styles of cheer.
February 2 serves as a reminder that even familiar parts of the sport have a documented history, shaped by practical needs and the growth of cheerleading itself.
