As Western’s 91st Homecoming is upon campus, students, alumni, fans, and staff are enjoying the traditions, festivities, and Bronco spirit. A flashback to 50 years ago shows that while much has changed, Homecoming week has always been packed with an exciting schedule.
Homecoming week in 1964 featured three dances, two fashion shows, a bonfire and pep rally, the parade, a Mud Bowl, and, of course, the football game.
The theme of the weekend was “A Salute to the United Nations.” The international theme was shown at the Homecoming Coronation Ball, which featured a fashion program organized by the international club.
Additionally, the parade, which began at the Kalamazoo County Building, had a welcome address from Grand Marshall Chief Simeon Adebo, Ambassador to the U.N. from Nigeria. Tau Kappa Epsilon was the float contest winner with their representation of ‘Burma.’
The Homecoming court finalists also held a fashion show, featuring “wool blend walking suits in tawny fall colors, an attractive pantsuit with matching accessories, and beautiful floor length evening gowns in fetching colors and styles,” according to the Western Herald.
The ’65 Brown & Gold yearbook documented “the slippery, sloppy Mud Bowl” in which the women’s dorms played a game of touch football with the sororities.
The bonfire and Pep Rally was held near Wood Hall; a snake dance leading students to and from the venue. After, the Victory Dance was held at the Union.
In the ’65 football game, the Broncos took on the Toledo Rockets and lost 13 to 21, but that didn’t put a damper on the fun.
Gail Ann Eisenberg from Detroit was crowned Homecoming Queen. She was one of 49 candidates for the royal honor.
To view more photos from the 1964 Homecoming in the '65 Brown & Gold Yearbook, please click here.
Share your Homecoming memories with us at MyWMU.com/mystory