1930-1939: The Dirty University Thirties

The Depression really hit home for university when in 1932-1934 the traditional homecoming lawn decorating was cancelled due to lack of funds. The budgets were so tight that even spending the $25 for decorations was unheard of. The Innocents Society worked for the reinstallation of the tradition until 1936 when it returned. Despite the lack of money for homecoming decorations, the Innocents Society continued to hold dances and banquets for students and alumni. “The homecoming displays began as a way to strike interest in students on campus and out of town guests in the homecoming game” and ultimately, cancelling the decorating hurt the university in more ways than one (Demers).