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homecoming that has survived although it was scrapped for a
few years.
But displays are back this year, and it will make a lot of
alums happy, according to Jayne Anderson, coordinator for
living units. When decorations were dropped in 10G9, the
office of Student Affairs and the Alumni Assn. received (J 0)
of mail from people unhappy atwut the decision, she said.
Anderson, a 1950 homecoming queen, recalled
homecoming week in the 50s when families would reserve
Friday night before the game to judge the displays. The
The 1973 University of Nebraska Lincoln homecoming
queen will he announced during hoi f time ceremonies.
The finalists, all juniors: Carol Callahan, Lynelle
Frank forter, Carolyn Grice, Sharon E. Johnson, Jinger
Jorgensen, Nancy Lahm, Barbara Lien, Margit Royal, Jann
Simpson and Teri Zatxiwa.
By Ivy Harper
Fifty years ago today, the Nebiaska Cor nhuskers faced the
Kansas Jayhawks in a homecoming game announced as "one
of the greatest events in the histoiy of the University."
History repeating itself? Peihaps- but ho)efully the 0 0 tie
in 1923 will not fx; repeated when the Huskers meet Kansas in
the 1973 homecoming game.
In 1923, homecoming already had become a tradition. But
dedication of then new Memorial Stadium, a special round trip
fare for all Nebraskans coming to the game sponsored by the
Burlington Railroad and first prizes for best displays by living
units promised to make it the "greatest."
When prizes were offered for the best decorated
fraternities, sororities and dormitories, a tradition that has
lasted 50 years was established.
The disolav contest is one original tradition linked with
X o if , c.-- fY c Vy
Photo by G.iil f
Johnny Carson. 1949 NU graduate, returned for the 1971 homecoming. Becke Wagner (cover, above) was queen.
Traditional
homecoming
campus was so crowded that Lincoln newspapers provided
maps for motorists to ease congestion, she said. Later, it
became necessary to block off the campus from automobiles,
she said.
According to Anderson, displays have been the most
controversial subject of homecoming. "Rules of the contest
have been changed almost every year," she said. Anderson said
it was "getting entirely out of hand as far as the amount of
time and money spent." She said the $50 limit on decorations
this year is reasonable and allows living units to welcome buck
graduates without becoming too elaborate.
In 1942, units were limited to $5 and scraps of junk metal
were solicited from the community so that when the big day
rolled around the entire campus looked like a junkyaid.
This idea was scrapped the next year.
In 1959, the Lincoln Journal took a public opinion poll on
whethei there should be a central theme for decorations. The
reaction was mixed, and the question never was lesolved.
A Saturday morning parade in downtown Lincoln is one
tradition that has been dropped. Anderson said she remembers
when the five finalists would ride in convertibles from one' end
of 0 St. to the other with reigning queen leading the way.
Please see Homecoming, page 7
