The world-famous “Cheesehead” was born from the rivalry between Wisconsin and Illinois sports fans. Riding high from their only Super Bowl victory, fans of Chicago sports began ridiculing citizens of the Dairy State by calling them “Cheeseheads.” Little did they know that one Wisconsinite would take this “insult” and make the best of it. Ralph Bruno carved up his family's sofa to create the first hat, which he proudly wore as a testament to his love for his state.
The original display of a "cheesehead" hat was at a Milwaukee Brewers vs. Chicago White Sox game in 1987 when the Brewers started the season 13-0. It was handmade out of foam, painted yellow. Bruno, the wearer of the original hat, then had the idea of starting a business to sell them as novelties. The “Cheesehead” trademark is owned by Foamation, Inc. of St. Francis, Wisconsin, which began manufacture of the wearable, foam cheesehead in 1987. The company also offers a plethora of other foam products, such as: many different types of hats, neck ties, pins, keychains, magnets, cup-holders, coasters, footballs, and even brassieres. Cheeseheads have become more commonly associated with Green Bay Packers fans since mass production of the original hat began.
