Oberlin Alumni Magazine

Halls of Game Fame

For generations of students, the big game at Oberlin meant big campus spirit too.

September 26, 2023

Communications Staff

Students outside Gray Gables at Oberlin in 1943. — Residents of Gray Gables raise a glass to downing Wooster at Homecoming 1943. It worked: Oberlin trounced the Scots 46-0.

Photo credit: Oberlin College Archives

Homecoming weekend at Oberlin means student and alumni celebrations, rekindled memories, activities all over campus, and cheering on our varsity teams.

Fans at a football game in 1947 — Fans pack the stands for Oberlin's 1947 Homecoming football game.

For many years, Homecoming also brought out a different kind of competitive spirit: an annual dorm-decorating contest that elevated the big game—and the accompanying Obie pride—to the front yards of residence halls and houses all over campus.

Each year, dorms were judged on Saturday morning, with the winning house announced at halftime of the football game—and a handsome trophy presented to the winning house, whose residents displayed it proudly until the following year’s competition.

Trophy presentation at football game 1947. — Halftime presentation of the 1947 trophy for best-decorated dorm.

The tradition can be traced to at least the 1930s and lasted at least until the late ’70s, when it took the shape of a best-banner contest.

Following is a glimpse of Homecoming dorm-decorating competitions past. The times may be changing, but the Obie pride is clear as ever. (All photos courtesy of Oberlin College Archives.)

See someone you know—or a place you fondly remember—in the photos? Tell us about it at alum.mag@oberlin.edu!