University of Montana Western - Chinook Yearbook (Dillon, MT)

Page 32 text:

f A ( i i The Pow Wow Every year the junior squawmen and the senior tribesmen hold a pow wow around the campfire preparatory to the squawmen being admitted into the tribe and acquiring the seniors’ hunting grounds. Those taking part are painted and dressed in Indian robes. They dance around the fire which has been lighted by flames brought down from heaven by the medicine man. The squawmen then go through ordeals to prove they are worthy of taking over the senior grounds. The chief of the squawmen addresses the tribesmen, saying. You have had these grounds a long time, Give them to us. We are brave and can hold them.” The chief of the tribesmen answers: “We will move on. We are old. but we are not afraid of you. There is a better and larger place for us so we will leave this place. Guard it as we have.” The Indians sit around the fire and smoke the peace pipe. Upon leaving they throw a peace offering Into the fire, and the seniors go off to a new place. ; —24—

Page 31 text:

( The May Festival The May Festival, one of the most beautiful of our college traditions, is held each year on the campus in the middle of May. The May Queen, who is a senior, is elected by th school. She is escorted to her flower-decked throne by her pages and flower girls, who strew her path with flowers. Here she is crowned Queen of the May.” For her pleasure a program, consisting of dances, is given, in which the gymnasium classes of the college and the children from the training school take part. Last year the program was woven about the theme of Pandora, who let the trouble out of the box. This year's festival had as its theme. Spring.” N

Page 33 text:

f= ( ( I : c=zjC«y. The College Sins' V o The “College Sing Is the newest of our customs and is a popular one among the students. It was originated hv the class of ’24 and was so much enjoyed that the present student body decided to have it again this year. In the spring, at commencement time all the students gather on the steps of the front entrance to the college hall to sing. The seniors wear their caps and gowns and stand on the steps, while the juniors gather around them on the walk. Every one joins in singing the college songs that will always bring fond memories of M. S. N. C. Candle-Light Procession One of the most beautiful and impressive of the college traditions is the Candle-Light Procession. This tradition symbolizes the passing on of the traditions and duties of the seniors to the juniors. One evening during Commencement week the seniors, in cap and gown, march slowly down the darkened campus carrying lighted candles. Each senior passes his glowing light on to the junior who is to guard it and carry it on. The seniors continue their march down the dark campus, their singing voices carrying on the song: “Oh. college chums, dear college chums. The years may come; the years may go; But still my heart in memory clings To those college days of long ago. Through youth, through prime, and when the days Of harvest time to us shall come; Through all we’ll bear those memories dear Of those college days of long ago.” —25—