6
UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
Friday, November 3, 1967
Jelly dates, Puff Pant Proms now only memories of alums
Have you ever gone trucking with your baby at a mid-week varsity dance?
Probably not. Unless you graduated from KU in the 1930's or 1940's. The dances, held for one hour, once each week in the Kansas Union, are one of many traditions of KU's past.
Dances have always been a great part of KU tradition. For many years, the Freshman Frolic, the Sophomore Hop, the Junior Prom and the Senior Cakewalk were anxiously-awaited annual functions. Of these, the Cakewalk was the biggest affair. It was the senior class's farewell party. It was discontinued in 1942 because of the war.
The faculty, too, had their own dance. Each Christmas, the Faculty Dance band played at the exclusive function in the rotunda of Strong Hall.
One of the more unusual dance traditions was the annual Puff Pant Prom. This "gala occasion" was a costume ball for women only. Sponsored by the Women's Athletic Association, it was usually held in the Kansas Union. Half of the ladies dressed as men and prizes were given for the bessed-dressed couple, the most novel couple, and the most handsome "man."
Besides dances, there were always "jelly" dates for diversion. "Jelly date" was an early term for a "coke" date of today.
Students also "thumbed the duck," or "messed around" in modern terminology.
During Prohibition, if a couple preferred to drink beer, they could always "thumb the bottle." In other words, they would add grain alcohol to the beer, seal it with a thumb, and shake well.
One of the best remembered KU traditions, the Nightshirt Parade, was born one evening when students rallied in protest around
the chancellor's house and the chancellor appeared on his balcony in his nightshirt. From that night on, students would gather once a year in the fall at the chancellor's house in their night-
See Jelly dates, page 15
Hal's Steak House
3 Min. From Campus By Fast Car OPEN PIT BARBEQUE
Steaks
Ribs
★ Chicken
- Sea Foods
Luncheon Special Everyday
Hiway 59 South 1 Mi. Holiday Inn Open 11 a.m.-10 p.m.daily 11 a.m.-9 p.m.Sundays Closed Wednesdays
Dear Jayhawks,
VI2-9445
Love,
Haas Hardware and Gifts
ABSOLUTELY EVERYONE
visits the concession stands during the game
GO JAYHAWKS
KU CONCESSIONS