This is a guest post by University Archivist Amy Allen. In addition to preserving the history of the University of Arkansas and her recent book of photographs on the subject, Allen also maintains digital collections sharing images and records from the University’s storied past.
What do a greased pig, a red baseball cap, and Senator J.W. Fulbright have in common? They have all played a part in University of Arkansas homecoming traditions over the years. Thousands of alumni will return to campus this week to participate in the annual homecoming festivities. Homecoming includes many traditions in addition to the football game as students spend the week celebrating their U of A pride.
Some past homecoming traditions have not survived to present day, such as chasing a greased pig across the football field. This entertainment was first performed by freshmen in the 1920s and later as an initiation to the Arkansas Booster Club. Other traditions have carried on through the decades, including the pep rally, the parade through downtown Fayetteville, and the competition for the best house decorations on campus.
Another longstanding tradition is the crowning of the homecoming queen. Getting the homecoming queen her crown in 1950 proved to be a more difficult task as the day faced a series of mishaps and missed assignments, starting with finding a person to present the crown. A week before the homecoming game, the Arkansas Traveler reported that Betty Jo Simmons had been named homecoming queen and that she would “probably be crowned by Governor Sid McMath.” The same newspaper the day before the homecoming football game reported that the crown would be given by Henry Wood, executive secretary to Governor McMath. Reports after the game prove that the crown was actually awarded by Senator J.W. Fulbright.
From left to right: Senator J.W. Fulbright, Betty Jo Simmons, and Bob Wardlow, 1950. From Picture Collection (PC2145), Special Collections, University of Arkansas Libraries.
Although details of why the switch was made are not recorded, there could not have been a better substitute as Fulbright was not only a distinguished Senator but a distinguished member of the U of A community. (Fulbright was a key player in the first homecoming football game in 1922 and then later served as President of the University.) The missed assignments continued as football co-captain Buddy Brown failed to show up to the give the queen the traditional kiss, and the Arkansas Booster Club member with the crown failed to appear. The substitution for the crown was a red baseball cap belonging to William S. “Pop” Gregson, another long standing member of the U of A community. Despite the many mishaps, Queen Betty Jo is all smiles as she receives her “crown” from Senator Fulbright.
See more homecoming queens through the decades online, or visit Special Collections to learn more about U of A history and tradition.