In Memory of Doris Snyder - January 3, 1927 - December 18, 2012

Our dear Doris Snyder (62--66), first Director of the Redskinettes, passed away on December 18, 2012.  

Doris was selected to be the first Director of the Redskinettes by Joel Margolis, Producer of the Redskins show staff in 1962.  Prior to her tenure with the Redskins, Doris served as the head majorette/choreographer of the Baltimore Colts show staff from 1947 to 1962.  Upon acceptance of her new position, Doris made the first of many important decisions, which would shape the future of the Redskinettes...the appointment of the first Assistant Directors, Ann Bittenbender and Mary Lu Bucci.  Contacts were made throughout the Washington Metropolitan Area as potential candidates for the Redskinettes squad.  By April 1962, all candidates had been auditioned and selected, and after endless hours of rehearsals conducted by Snyder, Bittenbender, and Bucci, the Redskinettes were ready to say "HAIL Lo" to the Washington fans.

The original Redskinettes uniform was commissioned by Doris, who worked closely with a New York firm that submitted the winning design. Doris spent many long hours and made numerous trips to New York City to oversee this work...even to the extent of examining the beading that was done by hand on each costume...to assure that the work proceeded on schedule.

After many fittings and re-fittings  the uniforms were ready for the grand entrance on September 30, 1962.  And so it began, and continues today, the announcement that has become the hallmark of every home pre-game show:

"Ladies and gentlemen...Presenting the world famous Redskins Marching Band and the equally famous Redskinettes!" or as they are now known The First Ladies of Football!

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Doris Snyder is pictured here in the back row 6th from the right with the first squad of Redskinettes. This picture was taken in Joel Margolis' basement prior to their first game at RFK in 1962.

Another shot of the first squad of Redskinettes.

The Redskinettes first pre-game show with the Redskins Marching Band at RFK in 1962.

Doris with her twin sister Marge who was a majorette for the Baltimore Colts Marching Band.

Doris wasn't able to join us for the 50th Anniversary halftime show, but she purchased a jersey and wore it proudly.