Alumni - Homecoming
From GWUEncyc
Contents |
Article
Homecoming was a big event at the university for years, and centered around the football team and games played at Griffith Stadium. The team won the Sun Bowl in 1956 and the program was abolished in 1967, after which Homecoming came and went depending on the year. Today, it has been replaced by Colonials Weekend.
1936
Below is a schedule of events from 1936:
Homecoming
1936
Order of Events
Wednesday, November 25
Registration throughout the day at Columbian House on the University campus and at the Washington Hotel. Student committees will be on hand to receive and register alumni and to show them about the new buildings and the campus.
11 A.M. Morning Rally, University Yard Cheers, songs, short speeches, music by the Band
4 P.M. Reception and Tea, Strong Hall
4.45 P.M. Afternoon Rally, University Yard Cheers, songs, short speeches, music by the Band
5 P.M. Dedication of the new Social Sciences Hall
8 P.M. Judging of fraternity house decorations
8 P.M. to 11 P.M. Open house at all fraternity houses for their alumni and active members
11 P.M. Theatre Rally, Rialto Theatre Introduction of the football teams, music by the Glee Club and Band, speeches, movies of the G.W.-Rice game, Marx Brothers “Horsefeathers,” and Mickey Mouse football short. Tickets will admit to the balcony after 10 o’clock so that alumni may come early and see the feature picture before moving downstairs for the Rally.
Thursday, November 26
2 P.M. Football Game, The George Washington University vs. the University of West Virginia, Griffith Stadium
10 P.M. Homecoming Ball, Hall of Nations Washington Hotel
1957
In 1957 it was announced that one acre of moonland would be awarded to a G. W. student or alumnus at the Homecoming Ball. As the Hatchet reported:
Highlighting this year’s Homecoming theme, “GW … 2002,” the award will take the form of a quitclaim deed entitling the winner to one acre of land on the moon, providing he returns for Homecoming weekend in the year 2002 to collect the prize. A quitclaim deed is conditional in that it transfers only such title as the grantor actually possesses.
Under international law, nations control the air above their territorial soil, according to Dr. John W, Brewer, professor of international law. However, Dr. Brewer said, the American Society of International Lawyers stressed at their last two annual conventions that this control extends only up to the earth’s atmosphere. Territory above the earth atmosphere is therefore “everyman’s land or no man’s land.” The U.S. and the University could possibly acquire title to moonland by being the first to land on the moon.
The ’57 Homecoming Queen will pick the moonland winner form a bowl containing the tickets of everyone attending the ball, immediately after her coronation.
2002 came and went without anyone claiming this deferred prize.
Document Information
Images: 2
Photographic Credit: GW University Historical Photographs Collection
Author or Source: GWU Alumni Review, November 1936; Hatchet, Oct. 1957
Document Location: University Archives
Date Added to Encyclopedia: December 16, 2006
Prepared by: Lyle Slovick, Assistant University Archivist
For more information about GW history
Contact:
Special Collections Research Center [1]
The Melvin Gelman Library [2]
The George Washington University [3]
2130 H Street, NW Suite 704
Washington, DC 20052
202-994-7549
mailto:archives@gwu.edu
Please send us your questions and comments about the encyclopedia.
This site is maintained by the Special Collections Research Center and the Web Development Group.
