What’s the Story Behind Homecoming?

It’s fall. Leaves crackle underfoot, the air turns crisp at night, and, if you have anything to do with a high school, talk of Homecoming fills the air.

My oldest avoids all Homecoming festivities (except for the mandated Friday pep rally, which includes free hot dogs, so he’s okay with it).  After enduring this year’s spirit week, he asked, “What is Homecoming, anyway? I mean, how did it start?”

Good question, my boy.  What has prompted us to spend ridiculous amounts of time, money, and worry on spirit days and semi-formal dances?  The Word Nerd, and mother of two teens, needed to know.

The History of Homecoming

The Homecoming tradition started in America as a college thing. Three schools claim credit for initiating Homecoming activities: Baylor, Illinois, and Missouri. [1]

In 1909, Baylor University invited alumni back to “catch the Baylor spirit again.” The celebration was originally called “Good Will Week” and included class reunions, concerts, a formal dance, and a football game. However, Baylor didn’t have another Homecoming until 1915, and the event didn’t become an annual tradition until 1934.

In 1910, two University of Illinois seniors, desperate to end the Illinois seven-year losing streak to the Chicago Maroons, conspired to boost school spirit. They invited alumni, students, faculty, and the local community to don blue and orange to support U of I and rally its football team. Apparently, it worked. Illinois won the game, and a tradition was born.

Many groups, including the NCAA, Jeopardy! And Trivial Pursuit, recognize University of Missouri as the true founder of Homecoming. In 1911, Chester Brewer, the Director of Athletics, invited alumni back for Missouri’s annual game against big time rival University of Kansas. For many years, this football game was played on “neutral soil”, but 1911 marked the first year Missou played Kansas on its home field, and Brewer wanted lots of fans to cheer on his team. He planned parties, parades, and a pep rally to generate excitement. Over 10,000 alumni and students attended the game, and colleges across the country followed Missou’s “Homecoming” example after that.

Some other theories on Homecoming

According to Liana Whitehead of the Fresno State Collegian, [2], Homecoming came about to save college football. At the turn of the 20th century, football was in trouble. There were 18 football related deaths in 1910, and President Theodore Roosevelt threatened to shut the sport down. Colleges rallied, declaring football was central to their hometown gatherings and school spirit. Thus, Homecoming traditions might have gained traction as schools rallied around their football programs.

Another theory is that the name Homecoming comes from the time when a big school team (football, basketball, even ice hockey) returns to its home field/court/rink after playing a string of away games.

Sometime in the 20th century, Homecoming fervor trickled down to high schools. For secondary students, Homecoming is the first big school event after the summer break, a time when students and alumni “come home” and support their school. High schools usually celebrate Homecoming with parades, bon fires, pep rallies, and the election of a “Homecoming Court”. And don’t forget the dance.

In my small town, Homecoming has gotten rather fancy. Girls get their nails done, make hair appointments, and wear semi-formal dresses. The moms around here tell me they wore wool skirts and blazers to Homecoming 20-30 years ago. That would have been much simpler. (And cheaper!)

What Homecoming traditions are celebrated in your home town?  Please tell me blazers are the fashion! 😉

References:

• The History of Homecoming, Michael Cramton, Active.com. No date listed on article.
• The History of Homecoming, Liana Whitehead, collegian.csufresno.edu, Sept 28, 2012.

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