Pittsburg State University - Kanza Yearbook (Pittsburg, KS)

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Past homecomings influence celebration Homecoming as we know it today is very little like the first Homecoming celebra- tion in 1930. That early Homecoming took place on a Saturday with the Greek houses and the dorms decorated. There was a football game in the afternoon and an evening banquet and dance. In 1946 the Homecoming celebration be- came more like the present day event when the parade was added. Several floats and 11 area bands participated in the procession down Broadway. At noon the Feast of the Oval was held on the campus oval with food and conversation for students and alumni. The annual homecoming game was held in the after- noon. Other activities of the day included judging the house decorations and an ad- dress by Gov. Andrew Schoeppel. Liz Fast, Columbus junior, and Jerri Dawn Statton, Girard sophomore, ride the first place float in the parade. The queen candidates represented Alpha Gamma Delta and Lambda Chi Alpha, respectively. Taking time out from his antics, Flay Stevens not only enlivened the crowd but also created a tranquil mood. The sunny day and exciting game brought the crowd to life during the game against the Wayne State Wildcats. The excitement came to a peak when the Gorillas defeated the Wildcates, 37-25. ,X f- . Q f- Sl til:- .w - iff Q 1 .. ' L ' Y:'.f :.a

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Putting the finishing touches on the Newman Center sign are Morgan Warffuel, Santa Maria, California, Junior Mike Doue, Arma junior, and Jean Cathoart, Independence junior, The artwork won the first prize in the sign painting contest. Quarterback Mark Hittner tries to break away while assisted by fellow teammates. The Gorillas succeed- ed in defeating the Wildcats, 37-25. Gus puts the finishing touches on a Wayne State Wildcat at the Yell Like Hell pep rally. The bonfire concluded the spirited rally. homecommg

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homecoming Queen Jeanie Fowler gets a kiss from Gus Gorilla at the Homecoming Convocation, Her dazzling smile could win a kiss from anyone. ln the following years, Homecoming grew continually bigger and more exciting with more bands, floats, clowns, and specta- tors at the parades. Street dances, formal dances, stunt shows, and pep rallies were also added, and in 1949 the first queen, Mary Harpole, was crowned at the game. The annual celebration grew steadily until it blossomed into the gala affair of today. Current Homecoming preparations usual- ly take several months and the actual celebration lasts all week. Although the Homecoming celebrations of the late 1950's and early 1960's were more formal, the emotions remain the same. Homecoming continues to be a high point in the year with spirit and ex- citement at their peak during that week. David Steinberg smiles for a camera during the Ma- jor Attraction while he entertains the audience with one-liners and jokes.