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
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.
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.
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!
The trophy for 1941 went to the residents of The Embassy for their wizardly depiction of the football coach vanquishing the Wicked Witch of Swarthmore.
White House’s clever play on words—and an enormous desk and chair—won over the judges in 1942.
The women of Pyle Inn took it to Wooster in 1943.
Early snow was a ball for the self-described “gals” of Keep Cottage in 1943.
Tank Hall brought out the heavy artillery for its 1943 decorations.
Swarthmore is the next client up in this undated Homecoming photo.
Federal Hall razed Hamilton College in 1949.
Homecoming met Halloween for May Cottage’s 1952 theme.
Lord Cottage had DePauw’s Tigers by the tail in 1954.
Talcott Hall had a plan for the Allegheny Gators in 1955.
Dog show at Baldwin Cottage, 1956.
Students waxed poetic in 1958, but Otterbein waxed the Yeomen by a score of 18-12.
You may also like…
Vision Accomplished
How infrastructure, collaborative partnerships, and student involvement helped Oberlin achieve carbon neutrality
Just Jewels
Anna Bario ’03 and Page Neal ’04 build their jewelry brand around fair sourcing, sustainability, and heirloom-quality design.
Banking on Sustainability
Former Oberlin basketball star Christian Fioretti ’20 applies his lifelong concern for the environment to a career in sustainability.
