Material TypeObjects

DateUsage: 1953-1958 Single

Extent 1 items
Silver crown with a suspended Saint Olaf College shield, a cross with two axes, at the front. Inside and towards the front are engraved names and dates, "BERNICE NYCKLEMOE 1953 | RUTH KELLY 1954 | BEVERLY TUFTEDAL 1955 | FAITH FIELD 1956" and "ALICE ARNTZEN 1957 | PAULA PERSON 1958". Metal exhibits oxidation throughout.

Location Storage ➜ Special Collections Suite ➜ 277A

Notes"While homecoming had been celebrated since 1878 (for many years observed on Founders Day, Nov. 6th), a new homecoming crown was introduced in 1953. Made by the Norwegian silversmith Lars Oexning, the crown features a medallion with the seal of St. Olaf’s shield dangling from the center. It was presented to the homecoming queen on the Friday of homecoming which was followed by the bonfire and pep fest later that night. Other festivities throughout the weekend included the football game, several concerts, Chapel, alumni events, and the dedication of new facilities. Seventeen women wore the crown between 1953 and 1969. In 1970, students voted 974 to 754 to disband the homecoming queen event, citing the expense of the event as well as the lack of representation, since most of the women nominated were from the four academic societies. While the homecoming queen tradition has vanished, homecoming has remained a tradition on the Hill." - Description from the College Archives

Related peopleOexning, Lars J. (creator)
Hanson, Nicki (related)
Kelly, Ruth (related)
Tuftedal, Beverly (related)
Fjeld, Faith (related)
Arntzen, Alice (related)
Person, Paula (related)

Related organizationBusiness Office (donor)

SubjectsHomecoming
Crowns

Genrescirclet crowns

Related placesNorth and Central America > United States of America > Minnesota > Rice County > Northfield > St. Olaf College
North and Central America > United States of America > Minnesota > Hennepin County > Minneapolis