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University Daily Kansan
Friday, Nov. 22, 1957
Counties Had Floats In 1921 Parade
In the 45 years since the first Homecoming on Nov. 23, 1912, the campus celebration has changed. Returning alumni are continually surprised at the decorations of the organized houses although the prevailing theme is always that of the victorious Jayhawker and the defeated Tiger of Missouri or Cornhusker of Nebraska.
The first float parade was in 1921. Each county in Kansas sent a float representing its best known industry. In 1923 the Lawrence businessmen decorated their store windows and the town was draped with crimson and blue for the game.
Gym Decorated
Only Robinson Gymnasium was decorated for the 1924 rally dance the night before Homecoming. It was a Jayhawk atmosphere with the color theme of crimson and blue. Decorations for Halloween were used with the school theme.
The lighting effects, common to us now, began in 1926. Homecoming emphasized the welcoming of alumni, and a spirit of friendliness prevailed with "Hi, Nebras-
kai" and "Welcome Old Grads"
signs. For the first time, every campus organized house was decorated.
The house decoration theme was left to the choice of the individual Greek houses in 1931. The competitive features were eliminated. The sororities and fraternities agreed not to spend over $25. If they did not decorate, they contributed $10 to the Student Loan Fund. All the houses displayed small welcome signs.
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1941 presented the biggest float parade in history. The emphasis was still being placed on the parade rather than on house decorations.
The customary Homecoming festivities were curtailed in 1942, 1943 and 1944 because of World War II. There were no decorations or parade but a pep rally and a dance were held.
Welcome Theme in 1947
Thirty houses decorated in 1945 in competition for three trophies. They were judged on originality, cleverness, beauty and appropriateness.
"Welcome" was the theme for the float parade in 1947. There was no decoration theme for the houses but the mutilation of the Missouri Tiger and the prediction of a KU victory were widely used. There was a $50 limit for expenditures.
Sixty houses entered in four divisions in 1948. Chi Omega sorority won first place by filling its front yard with trash and adding a sign "We'll clean up tomorrow." The Delta Tau Delta fraternity had six animated dancing girls that displayed the letters "Beat MU."
flood area. The houses donated their time and the money which they would normally have spent on decorations.
In 1511 the only house decorations were Greek crests. The organized houses elected to spend the money and time on the cleanup project in the North Lawrence
Decorations returned to the campus in 1952.
In 1953 the divisions for house decorations were for social sororities, independent women's houses, social
fraternities and independent men's houses and professional fraternities.
uses and independent men's houses and professional fraternities. To avoid duplication, sketches of the decorations, mottos and themes were registered in 1954. The theme of song titles was used for house decorations in 1956 and a comic strip theme will be followed this year.
Till Christmas Vacation
A while yet—but don't sit back and relax too long! After Thanksgiving it'll go fast, and remember only TWO SHOPPING DAYS after vacation starts this time—so shop early!
Suggestions:
TIES the newest— a fine selection.
TIE BAR - CUFF LINK SETS Modern Designs, New and Unusual
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