NEWS

This year’s Homecoming, set for Oct. 28-30, will be Newberry College’s 100th celebration. Today’s Homecoming is a timeless embodiment of the benefits of membership in the Newberry College family — a celebration of the people and the place that brought them together. But this landmark commemoration has been a century in the making — building on the traditions started in the wake of the First World War, and growing to reunite the largest community Newberry College has ever seen.

In the spirit of our theme, “100 Years of Home,” here are five things you may not know about Newberry College Homecomings.

1. Homecoming began with the dedication of Setzler Field.

On Nov. 4, 1922, Newberry College invited its alumni back to formally dedicate “the splendid new athletics field” in honor of professor and 1892 graduate Edwin B. Setzler. Setzler was a leading advocate for football after it had been banned in 1905 for its “brutality.” As a member of the faculty, he was instrumental in the game’s vindication. In 1913, football finally returned as an intercollegiate sport.

Setzler Field was originally established between the present-day sites of O.L. Casey Center and Pearson Hall. However, at the time, the baseball and football fields were one and the same. To give each sport its own space, Setzler Field was moved to its present location in 1938.

2. Newberry beat The Citadel in the first Homecoming football game.

The athletic tradition got off to a rousing start as Newberry beat The Citadel by a score of 10–7. It was Newberry’s first victory over The Citadel since the schools began playing each other in 1914. The team was coached by the legendary Fred “Dutch” MacLean, who, as a student, played on Newberry’s first-ever football team. He graduated in 1915 and returned as baseball, basketball and football coach, and later as executive director of the athletic club.

3. The Homecoming Court began in 1947.

In 1947, the student newspaper sponsored the first Homecoming court “to add prestige to the Homecoming celebration.” A queen and two “attendants” were elected by the student body, “not only for their beauty, but also for their friendliness and charm.” Martha Graham, a two-year business student, was crowned the first queen, and Betty (Boliek) Greene '51 and Mary (Black) Westmoreland '48 were elected her attendants. The first African American to be elected queen was Ernestine (Pitts) Sims '87. The title of Homecoming king was introduced in 2001, going first to Jamie Fetterman '02. Pictured (clockwise from left): Graham, Black, Boliek.

4. Homecoming had its roots in the late 1800s.

In today’s celebrations, athletics — namely football — play a key role in Homecoming festivities. That’s how the tradition began on our campus in 1922. However, “home-comings” were regular observations in the late 1800s and early 1900s, involving class reunions, suppers and worship services. These were much closer in nature to the homecomings held by most churches, than to the Homecoming festivals we know and love today.

5. While maintaining tradition, Homecoming has evolved over the years.

Homecoming has brought together Newberrians of every generation for 100 years and counting. As the family of alumni, students, faculty and staff grows, so do its traditions. What began as an alumni reunion to dedicate a new athletics field has evolved to celebrate more of what it means to call Newberry College home.

Several traditions have been born out of just the last few years. This includes the Alumni Market (right), which showcases goods and services created exclusively by alumni, including baked goods, animal rescues, jewelry, and a variety limited to the imagination. This will also be the second Rock the Quad, a concert in the heart of campus including a cash bar, signature drinks, and local food trucks. This year, we are excited to welcome The Tams to perform. Finally, there’s the Wolves Walk, where attendees gather to cheer for the football team ahead of kickoff.

While Homecoming is full of annual traditions, this year’s milestone will also include two extra-special events. On Oct. 28 and 29, a reunion cast will perform the play, “Noises Off,” bringing back members of the 2000 and 2010 productions. “Noises Off” is a play within a play, a side-splitting comedy that will have you rolling in your seats. For many of the original cast, this year’s will be their third rendition. If it’s this much fun to perform, it’s even more fun to watch.

For those interested in more Newberry College history, the Newberry Museum is hosting a special exhibit on the College, titled "Coming Home to Newberry.” The exhibit covers Newberry College from its origins up to 1922, including how the College came (and came back) to Newberry. There's even a diorama showing the campus as it looked a century ago. The exhibit is open through Jan. 15, and you can visit the museum Tuesdays through Saturdays at 1300 Friend St. in Newberry. Admission is free.

To register for Homecoming and to see the full schedule of events, visit newberry.edu/homecoming.