A Finding Aid for the Homecoming Records 1927-1997

Collection Summary

Collection Title: Homecoming Records

Creator: Ferris State University. Homecoming Committee.

Dates: 1926-1997

Abstract: Homecoming was organized in 1926 as an activity planned by a fraternity. Originally just a single day event revolving around the football game, Homecoming evolved into a week of activities supported by the university and focused on alumni. Records include programs, invitations and supporting documentation. They span the dates 1926 - present.

Language: English

Quantity: 1.5 cubic feet; 1 record center box

Identification: UA 7.8.5

Repository: Ferris State University Archives and Records Management Program

Historical Note

Homecoming began at Ferris in 1926 as an activity organized by the Gamma Phi Sigma fraternity. Gamma Phi was a fraternity of ex-serviceman. In 1926, the local chapter associated with the national Phi Sigma Chi [later renamed Sigma Phi Epsilon] fraternity. In order to bring back previous local members and to help them affiliate with the new fraternity, the group decided to organize a series of Homecoming activities. The first years schedule included a school open house, parade, a football game against Ypsilanti Normal College and a ball held at the town armory. In one of the earliest Homecoming games, Ferris Institute was to beat the second-string University of Notre Dame team!

Gradually the event evolved from a single day to a weekend focusing on alumni activities to what finally became a weeklong celebration for the entire campus. Because of the war, there was no Homecoming in either 1944 or 1945. During the late 1950s and 1960s, Homecomings usually involved the dedication of one or more new buildings on campus, particularly the residence halls. In 1998, the election of a Homecoming King was added. Homecoming is usually structured around a theme such as "Knights of the Round Table" or "Year of the Bulldog" and has included a variety of activities. In 2000, the planning of the event was transferred from fraternity control to a university committee run by the Office of Student Leadership and Activities, and the Alumni Office. The game and the dance have remained constant.

Scope and Content Note

Homecoming, while usually associated with a football game, is critical to the identity of most universities. It is a showcase weekend designed to generate pride in both the current student body but also the alumni. Homecoming programs are extremely elaborate, with extensive advertisements from local businesses. In addition to athletic teams, events such as Homecoming queen and king candidates may be highlighted. Fliers and publications may also focus on the variety of events associated with the events. This collection consists primarily of programs and some brochures. There is very little information about the planning of the events.

Arrangement

The papers are divided into a two series.

Series 1. Programs.
Series 2. Subject Records.

Access Information

Conditions of Access

The Homecoming Records are open for research to all users in accordance with University Archives and Records Management access policies. It is available in the reading room of the Ferris State University Archives.

Conditions of Use

Requests for permission to publish material should be directed to the University Archivist. It is the responsibility of the researcher to identify and satisfy the holders of all copyrights.

Copyright interests for this collection have been transferred to Ferris State University. For more information, contact the University Archivist.

Subject Headings

Below are a list of names, organizations and subjects relating to the collection. Names have been taken from Library of Congress Authority headings whenever possible.

Big Rapids (Mich.)
Ferris State University- Student life
Homecoming- Ferris State University
Education, Higher-1889-2004- Michigan

Related Materials

Bryon J. Brophy Papers (UA 1.8)

Administrative Information

Citations

Footnotes and bibliographic references should use the following format:
[Item], Folder, Box. Homecoming Records. Ferris State University Archives. Big Rapids, Michigan.

Provenance (Acquisition Information)

The Homecoming Records were partially located in various parts of the Ferris State University campus.

Processing Information

The Homecoming Records were processed to the folder level by Melinda McMartin Isler and Nicole Vanderlaan in May 2004. A finding aid was prepared in a word processing format and converted to EAD 1.0. A revised finding aid was created in January 2008. A collection level MARC-format record was prepared and placed in the library online public access catalog. Description was based on Describing Archives: A Content Standard (Chicago: Society of American Archivists, 2004).

Separated Materials

During processing, duplicate materials were discarded. There were no other materials placed in other collections.

Technical Requirements

This collection consists of paper-based material. No specialized software or hardware required for viewing.

Content Listing

Series 1. Programs. 1927-1990.

In this series are up to three copies of each program. Programs contain local advertisements, information about the football team and other activities.

These records are arranged chronologically.

Box	Folder	Contents
1	1	Homecoming program. 1927.
1	2	Homecoming program. 1928.
1	3	Homecoming program. 1929.
1	4	Homecoming program. 1930.
1	5	Homecoming program. 1931.
1	6	Homecoming program. 1933.
1	7	Homecoming program. 1935.
1	8	Homecoming program. 1936.
1	9	Homecoming program. 1938.
1	10	Homecoming program. 1939.
1	11	Homecoming program. 1940.
1	12	Homecoming program. 1941.
1	13	Homecoming program. 1946.
1	14	Homecoming program. 1947.
1	15	Homecoming program. 1948.
1	16	Homecoming program. 1949.
1	17	Homecoming program. 1950.
1	18	Homecoming program. 1951.
1	19	Homecoming program. 1952.
1	20	Homecoming program. 1953.
1	21	Homecoming program. 1954.
1	22	Homecoming program. 1955.
1	23	Homecoming program. 1956.
1	24	Homecoming program. 1957.
1	25	Homecoming program. 1958.
1	26	Homecoming program. 1959.
1	27	Homecoming program. 1960.
1	28	Homecoming program. 1961.
1	29	Homecoming program. 1962.
1	30	Homecoming program. 1963.
1	31	Homecoming program. 1964.
1	32	Homecoming program. 1965.
1	33	Homecoming program. 1966.
1	34	Homecoming program. 1967.
1	35	Homecoming program. 1968.
1	36	Homecoming program. 1969.
1	37	Homecoming program. 1970.
1	38	Homecoming program. 1971.
1	39	Homecoming program. 1972.
1	40	Homecoming program. 1973.
1	41	Homecoming program. 1974.
1	42	Homecoming program. 1975.
1	43	Homecoming program. 1976.
1	44	Homecoming program. 1977.
1	45	Homecoming program. 1978.
1	46	Homecoming program. 1979.
1	47	Homecoming program. 1980.
1	48	Homecoming program. 1982.
1	49	Homecoming program. 1983.
1	50	Homecoming program. 1985.
1	51	Homecoming program. 1988.
1	52	Homecoming program. 1989.
1	53	Homecoming program. 1990.

Series 2. Subject Records. 1927-2012.

These files contain documentation of Homecoming activities including correspondence, invitations, newsclippings or publicity material.