A look back at homecoming coverage in The Witmarsum

As this year’s managing editor, I am often reminded of the tremendous legacy of The Witmarsum at Bluffton University. I think often of the hundreds of alumni who contributed tirelessly to this publication. At times, I feel a certain nostalgia for the print days of The Witmarsum—I am hit with a longing for The Wit I never knew.

As I spent time exploring our archived editions with the help of archivist Carrie Phillips, I was amazed at the rich journalistic history of The Wit’s homecoming coverage beginning in the 1920s. Further, as we welcomed friends and alumni to campus this weekend, I was reminded what a privilege it is for this year’s team to document the 2018 homecoming festivities. This piece is a tribute to the writers who came before us and an opportunity to look back at 10 pieces of homecoming coverage between 1929 and 2015.

1929

An issue published Nov. 9, 1929, gives a description of a homecoming banquet. It reads: “The annual Homecoming banquet of Bluffton college was held last Sat­urday evening at 6 p.m. in the Ropp hall dining room. The hall was tastefully decorated in purple and white and a touch of carnival aspect was added with scores of multicolored balloons on the tables.” The event concluded with a performance by the College Men’s Glee Club.

1932

After several years of no official homecoming festivities, editor Cleon Althaus wrote an editorial in support of returning to the tradition. Published Oct. 22, 1932, the article cites Bluffton’s above-average football record at the time and endorses the opportunity to bring vibrancy and school spirit back to campus. He writes: “For several years now, Bluffton has been quite lacking in what is commonly known as school spirit…True, the depression has hit us very hard but it should never suc­ceed in dampening and thwarting our spirits…It has already been remarked that for the first time this year (and we believe for several years) Bluffton had the appearance of a college town when the students joyously stormed down Main Street after the Bowling Green triumph….A football game, a banquet per­haps at Ropp Hall, stunts and all sorts of amusement could easily and cheaply be provided for and then we might have a chance to show other schools that Bluffton college isn’t as dead as they believe her to be.”  

1938

An edition of The Witmarsum published Oct. 21, 1938, shared “a few do’s and don’ts for homecoming.” Do plan to stay in Bluffton for the weekend, don’t fail to cheer at the game.  Photo credit Bluffton University Archives

1951

In 1951, The Witmarsum used their files to sketch a history of Bluffton College homecomings though their coverage of the events. The article, published Sept.11, 1951, reports the first homecoming was held in 1924, and Bowling Green beat Bluffton 6-0 in the first ever homecoming football game. The article concludes by remarking, “Time will tell the rest.”  

1952

An edition of The Witmarsum published Oct. 11, 1952, declares, “Queen Jo Steider Reigns Today.” Events that year also included the “never-to-be-forgotten” game of  tug-of-war between the freshman and sophomores. The stakes were high–it reads, “If the freshman come out as winners, they can throw their green beanies away. If not, they must wear them until Thanksgiving.” 

1978

In 1978, homecoming festivities included a tour of the brand new Shoker Science Center, a parade and a musical performance by the “Pocono Boy Singers.” Published Oct. 20, 1978, the article quotes homecoming chair Jeri Ramseyer as saying, “I want to have the best-ever homecoming weekend. I hope to get more students and others to really know what is happening at the Bluffton College Homecoming.”  

1986

An annual powder puff football game was a beloved homecoming tradition at Bluffton for many years. An issue published Oct. 23, 1986, features a spread that includes published taunts from the freshman and sophomore women against each other as they prepare for the game. Then sophomore Rona Good speaks on behalf of her team when she writes, “Better make it to all your classes this week, Freshman…I don’t think you’ll be able to next week unless it’s in a wheelchair.” The spread also featured pictures of the powder puff “court.” Darryl Nester, now professor of mathematics at Bluffton University, is pictured as an “escort” to the powder puff queen.

1989

For a number of year, the Riley Creek Festival intersected with homecoming weekend. This issue published Sept. 29, 1989, details the schedule of events not to be missed, including the homecoming dance. An article by Mary Quinn above states the dance, sponsored by Marbeck Center Board, will feature 100.7 WMMS Cleveland radio personality Vicki Winston as the DJ. Tickets were $1.50 for an individual or $2.50 for a couple. 

1997

In the Oct. 17, 1997 issue of The Wit, homecoming is touted as a “big success.” The front page shows a photograph of homecoming queen and king, Joy Schumacher and Craig Bennett, during the homecoming parade. The week of events also included a residence hall decoration contest (won by Hirschy Hall) as well as a coffee house event that included flavored syrups for coffee and puppetry for entertainment.

2015

In October 2015, Alyssa Eby wrote an article for the recently restored Witmarsum about the Build-a-Beaver tradition—one that has since disappeared from the lineup of homecoming activities. “In the end, there were more than enough beavers for the eager students. The laughs, snickers and conversations could be heard throughout the building as memories were made,” concluded Eby.