University of Idaho - Gem of the Mountains Yearbook (Moscow, ID)

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{ was Seiad to get caught up with the hassle, pressure and even monotony of school, but certain times of the year made life at Idaho more pleasant and gave a sense of home to its students. Though there were numerous events that accomplished this none were quite as rewardirig and suc- cessful as the celebration of Christmas The commercialization of Christmas had started in late October for most of the country and the holiday was fit in at Idaho between the end of Thanksgiving break and the beginning of Dead Week. For two weeks the dorms, the Greeks and the off campus students engaged in festive and diverse activies While most of the students were home for Thanksgiving, the Moscow merchants, with elf-like magic, embellished the downtown sector with a multitude of lights and other holiday decorations. The malls too were gaily decorated with automated puppy dogs and sugar plum fairies that brought smiles to the faces of the young in years as well as the young at heart With the community far ahead in its celebration, students quickly followed its lead after returning from break. Within days, the university had received a face-lift replete with decorations and trimmings dripping from walls, windows and trees Campus bustled with holiday activities following Thanksgiving. The halls celebrated with dances, parties and infor- mal get-togethers, trying to cram in as much Christmas as they could before finals. Besides these activities, several halls tried new things to show their seasonal spirit Both Houston and Campbell Halls express- ed their sense of giving with Secret Santas For a week the women paired up secretly and gave each other small gifts to lighten their days. The women gained new friends as well as decorated doors, sweet treats and novelty gifts. “| went all week not knowing who my Santa was. | didn't have a clue. | was em- barrassed when | found out it was my own roommate.” said Julie Lees The Greeks were not ones to be outdone and the holiday season was no exception. Greeks preferred to celebrate in a more traditional family manner, with tree trimm- ing. house decorating and dinner parties A great deal of time was spent perfecting the exterior house decorations. The multi- colored lights set against a backdrop of white snow along Greek Row were reminis- cent of Hallmark Christmas cards. Like the dorms. the Greeks spent time with their sisters and brothers celebrating the holiday. At Sigma Chi, the main lodge floor was turned into a formal dining room where the men served their little sisters Weekends were made for celebrating, but during the week students attended class. Bruce Smith, Todd Grande and Todd jensen discuss up- coming Christmas plans. (Photo by M. Montgomery) meals they each had prepared in their in- dividual apartments Christmas celebrations varied greatly for off-campus students. Many who would be returning to their family homes for the holi- day settled for small decorations hung in their houses. The more permanent Moscow students celebrated with trees. songs and small family celebrations The holiday festivities transpired within the two weeks following Thanksgiving. Then came the abrupt halt. Instead of parties and presents, students returned to textbooks and tests. Christmas was put on hold. For many students, Christmas was over by the time Dead Week had started. And by the end of finals it was difficult to believe that Christmas was still three days away With finals complete, students rushed home to their families. With the pressure of finals relieved student's spirits began to lift and they regained their holiday cheer The season appeared newer. fresher and more enjoyable But left behind were the mistletoe browning Christmas trees and discarded wrapping paper, as well as the memories No matter how they celebrated the Christmas season. there was definitely no place like home for the holidays Jon Erickson ners and gift (Photo by T. Frates) Living groups celebrated the season by hosting house decorating parties, formal din- exchanges. Leigh Custoldi and Carol Mc Crosky exchange presents at the Alphi Phi Christmas party.

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Decorating a Christmas tree gave fraternities and sororities a reason to get together. Kamle Jensen and Vicki Mesenbrink decorate a tree at the Kap pa Sigma house. (Photo by M. Swanson) For most students, giving and receiving Christmas cards from friends and relatives was an event in itself. Pam Gwin opens a greeting card from her friend Marti Ellis. (Photo by T. Frates) Surprise visitors occasionally dropped in during the holiday season. Terry Armstrong, ex ecutive assistant to the presi- dent. dressed up as Santa Claus to deliver gifts at the Alpha Phi sorority. (Photo by T. Frates) Spectacular winter scenery reminded students of upcom- ing holiday activities. The snowfall that blanketed cam- pus before Christmas break created a picturesque back- drop to the harsh reality of final exams. (Photo by M. Montgomery)

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he low rumble star- ted on Wednesday night and grew louder for the next four days. By Saturday afternoon it had grown to a giant roar and the whole town of Moscow shook with excitement and ener- gy. Meanwhile, Coach Dennis Erickson’s Vandal Express put the Weber State Wildcats to the test before a record crowd of 14.500 The Homecoming battle was the high point of a weekend filled with enough ac- tivities to keep everyone on the go. Movies theater performances. dances and dinners were just a few of the activities scheduled an al f ae Fie my s yf. 3 ity oo I FA traditional affair in Moscow Wednesday night warmed spirits up with an Arboretum bonfire and pep rally. Frater- nities. sororities and other living groups performed skits for Erickson. his team and an audience of Idaho enthusiasts. Snow Hall won the competition with its interpreta- tion of a Wizard of Oz skit. “‘There’s No Place Like Homecoming According to Paul Thomson. Snow Hall's president. the skit brought our the fact that Homecoming was for everybody to enjoy After the skits, Erickson’'s fireside chat was all that was needed to start the crowd cheering for a week Linda Birkenberger, a senior finance ma- The Vandalettes showed parade watchers a new look as they performed new routines In new costumes dur- ing their traditional march down Main Street In the Homecoming parade. (Photo by T. Frates) During halftime ceremonies of the Homecoming game, Linda Birkenberger was crowned queen by President Richard Gibb. Her attendants were Deborah Eismann and Janice Roberts. (Photo by S. Spiker) 4 Homecoming — jor from Circleville, Ohio, was introduced to the anxious crowd to reign over all Homecoming events. Her attendants. Janis Roberts and Debbie Eismann were also in- troduced by UI President Richard Gibb The girls were picked from a field of can- didates selected by every living group on campus. The final selection was made after the field had been narrowed to five By Friday. the excitement continued to build as the University Inn-Best Western hosted a College of Education symposium. Meanwhile. the Class of 1959 held a reu- nion and social hour. Athletes from the 1960s also held a dinner of their own. continued