Homecoming Papers. Collection, 1928-Ongoing

Collection — Multiple Containers

Identifier: MSU Archives Collection 019

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The Homecoming Papers collection consists of a yearly folder about the preparation for Homecoming at Minnesota State University, Mankato and its predecessor institutions. Included in the folders are newspaper articles about different Homecoming events, as well as photographs of events that took place during the week.

It is unclear as to which departments these materials came from, so this collection was put together artificially. It is important for the researcher to consider the related collections to make sure they have considered other possibly relevant materials.

Dates

1928-Ongoing

Creator

Mankato State Teachers College (Organization)

Conditions Governing Use

There are no restrictions on use of this collection for research purposes. The researcher assumes full responsibility for observing all copyright, property and libel laws as they apply.

Biographical / Historical

Over the years, many different committees, groups, and offices in campus have organized the homecoming event. Homecoming began at Mankato State Teachers College in 1928. At this event, the school had a pep rally the night before with a bonfire, a parade with thirty floats and the football game against Rochester, in which Mankato won. There was a dance held after the game in the library. In 1935, the mascot of the Indian was used to promote the school, and in 1938, the first Indian Princess was crowned. This was when the school decided the event should be an annual event, since a few of the years prior had been skipped. There was no homecoming in the fall of 1943 because of World War II, but it was held in February 1944 instead, but with a basketball game. 1944 was the only year that there were two Homecoming games held at the college. The tradition of the crowning the Indian Princess ended in the 1971, when the Indian Mascot was dropped from the college. In 1977, Mankato State University became the Mavericks. Homecoming today consists of a parade before the game, and is often a time for alumni to reunite for different anniversaries.

This information compiled from the collection. More information about Minnesota State University, Mankato's homecoming can be found at: http://www.mnsu.edu/homecoming/.