History
Homecoming Trivia From Bygone Days
Following is a short trivia test to help you gauge your knowledge of CSU homecomings in years gone by. Also, check out the slideshow below to enjoy a historical look back in time.
Memorabilia on display at Morgan Library
You can check out more history memorabilia at the Archives and Special Collections at Morgan Library. During Homecoming Week, the University Archives is holding an open house on Saturday, Oct. 11 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Quiz
1. What happened in 1901 which changed homecoming from an event that was held in the spring to one that was held in the fall?
Answer: Football was added as a sport at the Colorado Agricultural College. Thereafter, homecoming became associated with the football season.
2. Which homecoming was canceled because of war?
Answer: The 1942 homecoming. On Dec. 11, 1941, Germany and Fascist Italy declared war on America, and President Roosevelt asked Americans to limit their travel and conserve rubber. In 1942, the Colorado Agricultural College, in a gesture of patriotism, announced that they were canceling the fall homecoming celebration. Fraternities and sororities were asked to make no attempt at house decorations and were encouraged to put the money into war bond investments.
Homecomings Past
(13 images)
Queen of homecoming dance, 1956
Student homecoming decorations, Oct. 1953
Colorado Agricultural & Mechanical College vs. BYU, homecoming, 1950
Homecoming parade, 1948
Student wearing sign reading, "Drake's Ugly Duckling," Oct. 1948 homecoming parade
Homecoming dance, 1948
Homecoming parade, Oct. 26, 1948
Street scene, homecoming parade, Oct. 26, 1948
Fraternity house, homecoming, 1940
Students climb to the "A" to paint the rocks, 1931
Painting the "A," Oct. 1931
Football champions, 1920
Football team photo, 1920
3. When did the university resume its homecoming celebrations?
Answer: Even though the 1943 and 1944 homecomings were not officially canceled, it was not until 1945, when World War II ended, that homecoming celebrations resumed.
4. In the early 1900s, freshmen were enlisted to arrive early at homecoming and other football games in order to mark off and guard reserved seating. Who was entitled to sit in these reserved seats?
Answer: Rooters. Rooters were spectators who cheered on the team. They were considered indispensable to the Aggies' success. Rooters went to scheduled yell practice before games in order to practice cheers such as "Come on Aggies!"
The Nov. 10, 1921, edition of the Rocky Mountain Collegian, wrote, "The team that meets DU tomorrow is a better team than the one that beat CC on the twenty-ninth and the game on the sidelines must be as good."
5. In the 1950's, the homecoming festivities included something called "Kangaroo Court." What was Kangaroo Court?
Answer: A story in the Oct. 23, 1953, edition of the Rocky Mountain Collegian reported, "The Aggies' 1953 homecoming celebration began early this morning at 6 a.m. with the Kangaroo Court sponsored annually by the 'A' club."
Local information has it that the Kangaroo Court was used to dole out punishment to freshmen who ignored rules or customs on campus. Infractions included: failing to wear a beanie (regulation, freshman caps which men were required to wear outdoors); walking on the grass; or failing to give respect to upperclassmen.
A paddy wagon was used to bring the malfeasants to court. The penalties included such things as scrubbing the steps of the Administration building with toothbrushes, riding a bike around the Oval while blowing a horn, or bowing to the Homecoming Queen at halftime for five minutes.
6. What animal mascot was on the sidelines of the homecoming games between 1912 and 1917?
Answer: Peanuts, an English bulldog. [Read more]
7. What are the lyrics to Colorado State University's Alma Mater?
Answer:
Hail to thee, our Alma Mater,
Colorado State.
Memories are everlasting
of this place so great!
May thy Green and Gold unite us, loyal ever be.
Colorado State, our Alma Mater,
Hail, all hail, to thee.