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THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
Thursday, October 31, 1968
Homecoming changes to keep with progress
By RUTH RADEMACHER
Kansan Staff Writer
Speeches by alumni and moving pictures of previous KU football games probably wouldn't create much enthusiasm for Homecoming '68 but in 1912 that was what homecoming was all about.
KU's first homecoming in 1912 featured a kick-off rally in old Fraser Hall complete with fireworks set off from the roof of the hall, speeches by alumni and films of the football team in action.
The Daily Kansan urged everyone to wear an arm band or ribbon streamer to impress returning grads, and in an editorial, the Kansan upheld the decency of singing "Hail, Hail the Gang's All Here" at football games.
There was quite a bit of discussion during the 1912 football season over the song "Hail, Hail" because of the indecent and vulgar terms it contained—specifically the word hell.
That year a sell-out crowd watched KU defeat Missouri 12-3 at McCook field.
Homecoming 1922 saw the dedication of Memorial Stadium as a tribute to those Kansans who lost their lives in World War I.
In 1922, students were cautioned against buying booze from the local bootleger, people on campus were asking why KU women couldn't have a rooting section, and the first house decorating contest was held.
Perhaps the most excitement that year was generated by what was termed "the biggest feat ever attempted in the way of football broadcasting."
A play by play description of Nebraska's 28-0 romp over Kansas was broadcast for "those who couldn't make it back for homecoming."
Pre-game activities featured a rally held at old Robinson Gymnasium in which women were entertained on the main floor and men on the upper floor.
The men's program included music by Jiggs Miller's orchestra and some "short, snappy" wrestling and boxing matches. This was undoubtedly too risque for the women who sang songs and watched playlets presented by other coeds.
Even though the Kansan informed the University that the women were not expected to lose their dignity by engaging in hilarious yelling, but could cheer the team with song, coeds still weren't allowed an organized cheering section in 1922.
Eleven years later in 1933 homecoming was held on Thanksgiving day and featured a torchlight parade and a rally with fireworks.
KU beat Missouri 27-0 and "the biggest homecoming ever" was highlighted by the Homecoming Varsity, a three hour party for all University students and alumni.
Then came World War II. A military theme prevailed in 1943 when KU managed to slip by Missouri by a score of 7-6.
Armed service marching units led the homecoming parade and bombers from Topeka Air Force Base flew in formation over the football field during half-time ceremonies.
Open-house at the recently completed Malott Hall, and presentation of the band in new uniforms were the big events of KU's 1954 homecoming.
The homecoming queen was presented during the student talent show, Jayhawk Follies, and everyone was excited over the homecoming dance to be held in the Kansas Union ballroom.
The football team couldn't match the excitement, however, and lost to the Nebraska Cornhuskers 41-20. With only two games left, it seemed unlikely that the Jayhawks would be able to break their 14 game losing streak during the 1954 season.
Fourteen years later KU students prepare for Homecoming 1968.
There won't be any fireworks from the roof of Fraser Hall and men students won't gather for "short, snappy" wrestling and boxing matches. But women students can yell without losing their dignity, and the yell-leaders probably won't be considered vulgar when they urge the team to "give 'em hell."
From homecoming 1912 to homecoming 1968-such sweet progress!
From 1943,1958
Fashion trends passed on
By PAM SMITH Kansan Staff Writer
KU coeds 25 and 10 years ago have handed down several fashion characteristics to the 1968 well-dressed KU coed.
This Hopecoming day, the classes of 1943 and 1958 will be having their reunions. The fashions during these years seem to be recurring in today's styles.
The class of 1943 had two basic trends which are now being copied, at least in part, by the two now evident-the mantailored and romantic trends.
Severe tailoring was characteristic of almost all casual clothes during 1943. Suits, especially, were tailored, with large lapels on the jackets and straight skirts.
This severe tailoring is somewhat representative of the mantailored trend. Of course, the accessories, most notably the shoes, are quite different.
Also, the blouses and other accessories were more feminine, not at all like the new wide-collared and cuffed blouses accented with men's ties and scarves.
The shoes in 1943 were high or medium-high spiked heels with pointed toes, quite in contrast with today's clunky wingtip styles.
Women and coeds during 1943 possibly set a pattern for the romantic, or nostalgic trend. Evening dresses, which had to be worn anytime after 5 p.m., were considerably more dressy and frilly than today's knits and basic evening dresses.
The romantic trend, represented by large ruffles, lacy fabrics and patterned stockings, could be an outgrowth of the dressy evening attire of 1943.
Two more specific trends in today's fashions are possibly derived from 1943's styles.
The waistline and gathered skirts, now apparently very important, were always a part of dresses then.
Belts were worn much of the time, corresponding to today's chains and wide waistbands.
The curly hair styles of 1943 are also recurring today, especially as a part of the romantic look.
Although the midi is being shown now, the look isn't yet noticeable at KU. Yet, the dresses were always mid-calf length during 1943.
The class of 1958 also had a few fashion trends apparent today.
Most notable is the dirndl skirt, which was very popular in 1958 and has now become a major part of the coed's wardrobe.
1958 was the year that "The Sack Dress" started to enter the fashion scene. Although mid-calf in length, the basic shift shape has stayed in style until today, retained in our princess and A-line designs.
Blouses in 1958 were also similar to those seen today, with wider collars and cuffs.
Slacks today are styled with fuller legs, tapering out from the
calf to the ankle. This trend also is possibly derived from the billowy slacks of 1958.
Jumpers also began in 1958, still very prevalent today.
Length was still mid-calf, but hair styles had become a little more like today's casual hair styles. However, one of the fades during 1958 was to tint the hair to match the dress color.
From 1943 through the present, KU coeds have borrowed or rejected fashion trends from years before. It will be interesting to note, tomorrow, what trends those former coeds have borrowed from today's coeds.
NEW YORK-Mayor John V. Lindsay, commenting on a demonstration by more than 30,000 persons supporting the city's teachers' strike:
1958 KU graduates look back to old times
"I just came from City Hall—my home on the range, where never is heard an encouraging word and the pickets keep marching all day."
For the graduating class of 1958, returning to KU this Homecoming weekend |for its 10-year reunion, the campus will bring back memories of the way things were then.
In 1958, more than nine thousand students showed up for classes, including 400 at the KU Medical Center in Kansas City. The Registrar's office proudly announced it had enrolled them all, "in less than a week."
Franklin D. Murphy was serving his seventh year as university chancellor. His successor to be, W. Clarke Wescoe, was dean of the KU Medical School.
The modernistic fine arts building, Murphy Hall, was finished in time for the fall semester, as was the Stouffer Place housing complex for married students.
In sports, the man to watch was Wilt Chamberlain. He was, in the words of that year's "Jay-hawker," "seven feet of hardwood magic." KU football saw the resignation of coach Chuck Mather and the hiring of Jack Mitchell.
During the 1957-58 school year, Daisy Hill was just that a vegetation-covered mound to the west of campus. The first of the high rise dorms, Templin Hall, was still a year in the future.
Prominent speakers at KU that year included Archibald McLeish and Ogden Nash. The big attraction on the political scene was a young U.S. Senator from Massachusetts, John F. Kennedy, who spoke at Hoch Auditorium.
His speech was entitled, "Politics; Career or Curse?"
Campus life was somewhat different, too.
Graduating seniors that year worried about getting a good job; there was a recession on and the job market was tight.
-Students were dismaying their elders by taking to the "vulgar" music of the sideburned rock'n'roller, Elvis Presley.
-Every male who wanted to be in style had either a crew cut or a flat top.
—Coeds wore their skirts ten inches below the knees or, if they wanted to be daring, at mid calf level. White anklets were popular for school wear.
A local men's clothing store was showing slacks, sports jacket and white socks as the perfect combination for the fashionable man.
National and world affairs also made their impressions on students during the 1957-58 school year.
The recently launched Russian "Sputnick" had jolted American feelings on security, and demands were heard that students be taught more science and math.
Finally, a few intellectuals back east were criticising the college students of the 1950's for being the "Silent Generation."
That was 1958. Remember, Alums?
STEVENSON OLDS
Telephone VI 3-0218 1008 W. 23rd St.
LAWRENCE, KANSAS 66044
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