#TBT in the Archives 10/26/17: Historic homecomings

Another Shippensburg University homecoming passed into history last weekend as thousands of Shippensburg alumni returned to campus to watch the Raiders best Millersville 51-14 as well as parade through town, reconnect with friends, and crown this year's king and queen. As you recover from the weekend's festivities, we thought it would be fun to revisit past homecomings this week.

Homecoming has been an annual tradition at Shippensburg since 1925. The first game was held October 31 when the Shippensburg Normal football team faced off against West Chester. Alumni were invited to attend the festivities, and the program featured details and photos of the team and coach.

1925 homecoming program

By 1930, homecoming had turned into a beloved campus event, alumni were issued tickets, and the Varsity Club issued tags emblazoned with the letter "S" to enable spectators to clearly display their allegiance.

Game ticket, November 15, 1930

Varsity Club homecoming tag from the fall of 1930.

In the 1930s, homecoming was the main time alumni returned to campus, and as a result, events took on the theme of reunion. A highlight of the weekend was a dinner held by the college president after the game, which was attended by alumni. Current students attended a school dance after the game.

1930 homecoming menu

The 1930 homecoming dinner featured roasted turkey and stuffing as well as the "Alumni Special" Salad, which contained cheese wafers and Russian dressing among other mystery ingredients. The dinner tradition continued in 1940 with nearly the same menu. Roasted turkey was likely an alumni favorite.

1940 homecoming menu

The 1940 homecoming dinner also included musical entertainment and speeches.

Homecoming has continued to be a popular Ship tradition. In 1992, President Anthony Ceddia and his wife enjoyed riding through the homecoming parade in an antique automobile.

President Ceddia took part in the 1992 homecoming parade

The 2002 homecoming game was rainy, but that didn't stop a full house at Grove Stadium or an "American Idol" competition in the CUB that weekend.

The 2002 homecoming game was reviewed in the 2003 Cumberland yearbook.

And in 2014, the yearbook dedicated several pages to the homecoming court, marching band, and other highlights, not to mention the football game itself!

The 2013 homecoming king and queen (top picture) celebrated with the new king and queen (bottom picture) in 2014.

Homecoming continues to be a great day to make memories at Ship! We hope everyone had a great time last weekend.


Sources:
Class Files, 1925, 1930, 1931, and 1941, Shippensburg University Archives & Special Collections, Shippensburg, PA.
Cumberland 1993, Shippensburg, PA.
Cumberland 2003, Shippensburg, PA.
Cumberland 2015, Shippensburg, PA.